As a parent who loves getting my kids involved in the kitchen, diving into The Pioneer Woman’s lasagna recipe from her new children’s cookbook was a must-try. My little sous-chef and I teamed up to whip up this dish, and while I wouldn’t declare it the most sophisticated lasagna I’ve ever tasted, it was undeniably delicious and a massive success with all the youngsters at our dinner table. This Pioneer Lady Lasagna isn’t about complex flavors; it’s about hearty, comforting goodness, packed with meat and cheese – exactly how we like it in our house. If your family shares a love for a meaty, cheesy lasagna, then this recipe is bound to become a new favorite.
While my adult taste buds might have craved a bit more garlic, fresh basil, and parsley, or even a touch of onion for depth, it’s important to remember the target audience. Ree Drummond has crafted a pioneer lady lasagna recipe that is perfectly tailored to appeal to children’s palates, and in that, she has truly succeeded. The simplicity is part of its charm, making it a fantastic option for family meals and cooking projects with kids.
For the tomato base of this pioneer lady lasagna, I opted for canned whole tomatoes, complete with their juices. A quick blitz in the food processor transformed them into a rich, thick ragu, bursting with intense tomato flavor. The recipe offers flexibility when it comes to the sausage – it doesn’t specify breakfast sausage links, patties, or simply ground meat. I went with the links, as they were readily available. Slicing them into small medallions added a pleasant textural variety to the lasagna, which was a welcome surprise.
The layering of this pioneer lady lasagna was executed flawlessly. There was a generous amount of filling, ensuring fantastic flavor in every single bite, yet it wasn’t excessive to the point of becoming an overly sauced, messy affair, which can often be a downfall of some lasagna recipes. The balance was just right, creating a satisfying and well-structured dish.
Ultimately, this pioneer lady lasagna is a straightforward yet incredibly tasty meal that my children are already requesting we make again. In my book, that’s a resounding success. It’s a testament to Ree Drummond’s ability to create recipes that are both accessible and enjoyable for families, especially those with younger eaters. This pioneer lady lasagna is a definite crowd-pleaser and a recipe we’ll be adding to our regular rotation.
