Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, began her journey as a home cook on an Oklahoma ranch. From those humble beginnings, she has built a domestic empire, boasting five cookbooks, a beloved Food Network show, and even a charming hotel in Pawhuska. Her level of home cooking expertise is something many aspire to, and I decided to delve into her recipes to discover what makes them so special. My family and I embarked on a culinary adventure, trying out Ree’s dishes one by one, and the results were overwhelmingly positive.
Here’s what I discovered from cooking like the Pioneer Woman At Home, along with some of her must-try recipes!
Lesson 1: Comfort Food is King in the Pioneer Woman Kitchen
Like many busy individuals, I dedicate Sundays to cooking. Weeknights are often too hectic for elaborate meals, but Sundays offer a chance to embrace my inner chef and prepare dishes that can be enjoyed throughout the week. I particularly love making recipes that reheat well, simplifying meal times during busy weekdays.
My toddler is a devoted fan of macaroni and cheese, and the Pioneer Woman’s take on this classic comfort food is a guaranteed hit. Her Quick Shells and Cheese recipe (from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime) manages to be both incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious. Another family favorite we discovered is the Pioneer Woman Pot Roast. This recipe is wonderfully savory, simple to prepare in a Crockpot, and yields generous leftovers perfect for another night’s dinner.
Perfect Pot Roast Recipe Inspired by Pioneer Woman
Ingredients:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- One 3- to 5-pound chuck roast
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole onions, peeled and halved
- 6-8 whole carrots, unpeeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the onion halves on both sides, then remove to a plate.
- Add carrots to the hot pot and toss until lightly browned, about a minute. Reserve with the onions.
- If needed, add a bit more olive oil to the pot. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, about a minute per side. Remove to a plate.
- Keep the burner on high and deglaze the pot with red wine or beef broth (about 1 cup), scraping the bottom with a whisk. Return the roast to the pot and add enough beef stock to cover it halfway.
- Add onions, carrots, and fresh herbs.
- Cover and roast for 3 hours for a 3-pound roast, or 4 hours for a 4- to 5-pound roast. The roast is done when it’s fork-tender.
Lesson 2: Pioneer Woman Breakfasts are a Morning Delight
Pioneer Woman Breakfast Recipe
During my previous cooking experiment inspired by Joanna Gaines, I discovered my family’s love for a good breakfast casserole. It’s incredibly convenient to prep the night before and bake in the morning. Plus, a single breakfast casserole can easily serve my family for two meals. Ree Drummond offers a truly scrumptious option that’s ideal for family breakfasts or larger gatherings. Her Loaded Tater Tot Bake recipe is a fantastic homemade dish, and for those seeking variations, the Pioneer Woman’s tater tot casserole is another excellent choice to explore.
Lesson 3: Indulging in Pioneer Woman’s Divine Desserts
At our house, we had fallen into a bit of a chocolate chip cookie baking routine. With my own serious sweet tooth, I’ve always enjoyed baking, particularly from the original Pioneer Woman cookbook, a cherished wedding gift. I decided it was time to break out of the rut and explore new dessert horizons. Trying Ree’s dessert recipes proved to be a brilliant idea! Missy’s Blueberry and Lemon Cupcakes are an absolute must-bake.
Missy’s Blueberry and Lemon Cupcakes Recipe Inspired by Pioneer Woman
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons finely shredded lemon peel
- Butter baking spray
- Fresh blueberries, lightly coated in flour
Frosting:
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 stick cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the batter: Cream together softened butter and eggs. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, milk, and lemon peel. Gradually mix the butter and eggs into the milk and sugar mixture. Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and spray with butter baking spray. Fill each liner about three-quarters full with batter. Gently press flour-coated blueberries on top of the batter in each cupcake. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the frosting: In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and decorate with extra lemon peel, fresh blueberries, and a mint leaf, if desired.
Lesson 4: The Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Chopped Salad is a Standout
Stop everything and make the Cowboy Chopped Salad. Seriously, it’s that good. This salad is not only perfect as a satisfying meal at home but also makes the BEST side dish to bring to potlucks or gatherings. It’s unique, packed with flavor, and incredibly savory. The Pioneer Woman truly created a masterpiece with this one.
Cowboy Chopped Salad Recipe Inspired by Pioneer Woman
Ingredients:
Bacon and Tortilla Strips:
- 12 slices bacon, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
BBQ Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- Buttermilk, as needed to adjust consistency
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, cut into chunks and sliced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced
- 1 pound Cheddar cheese, grated
- Pico de gallo, store-bought or homemade
Instructions:
- For the bacon and tortilla strips: Fry bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Add vegetable oil to the bacon skillet and fry tortilla strips until crisp, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels.
- For the BBQ ranch dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, barbecue sauce, parsley, chives, and garlic. Thin to desired consistency with buttermilk. Season with hot sauce and salt to taste.
- For the salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, bacon, and most of the cheese. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine. Scatter pico de gallo, tortilla strips, and remaining cheese over the top before serving.
Ree’s recipes are consistently delicious and approachable for home cooks. The only thing to note is that many of her recipes are quite calorie-dense. If you’re mindful of healthy eating, you might want to reserve these Pioneer Woman inspired dishes for special occasions and potlucks, allowing for delicious indulgence without compromising your everyday dietary goals.
Explore More Pioneer Woman-Style Recipes: Perfect for Home Cooking
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Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip Recipe
Million Dollar Dip This Pioneer Woman potluck dip recipe is truly worth every penny! The blend of cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese provides a perfect balance of tanginess, sharpness, and savory depth. Serve with vegetables or pretzels for dipping. And don’t forget to also check out the million-dollar deviled eggs and million-dollar spaghetti recipes for more inspiration. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe
Apple Crisp You simply can’t go wrong with Ree Drummond’s apple crisp. She uses tart Granny Smith apples combined with sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon to create a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert perfect for sharing. This apple crisp is also one of her favorite comfort food recipes. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mystery Rolls Recipe
Mystery Rolls Ree got this secret family recipe from her mom. It only calls for three ingredients—canned biscuits, blue cheese, and butter—but is guaranteed to wow everyone at the table. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars You’ll find yourself making these dreamy pumpkin bars again and again each fall. This recipe is designed for an 8×8-inch pan but can easily be doubled for a 9×13-inch dessert. Go to Recipe For more inspiration, check out the Pioneer Woman cheese ball recipe loaded with cheddar, bacon, and ranch flavors.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe
Spicy Casserole (Chicken Tortilla Bake) Ree loves a spicy casserole, and while she enjoys this bake as is, she would likely add salsa or hot peppers for an extra kick. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Caramel Brownies Recipe
Caramel Brownies Indulge your sweet cravings with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnut pieces and generous swirls of caramel throughout, these brownies are a delightful treat whenever you desire decadence. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Layered Salad Recipe
Layered Salad The layered salad is a potluck staple, and Ree takes a classic approach with her ingredients. She includes bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and peas, among others. This make-ahead version is a convenient and delicious choice for any gathering. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Recipe
Lemon Bars These delightful lemon bars offer a wonderful tangy flavor and are always a crowd-pleaser. Their vibrant color and neat shape also make them an attractive addition to any dessert platter. Go to Recipe For more lemon flavor, explore how to make lemon curd like a pro.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole This chicken cordon bleu casserole captures all the delicious flavors of the classic dish but with significantly less effort. It’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Made with just a few simple ingredients, these sweet and buttery strawberry oatmeal bars are incredibly easy to prepare. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Reviewers agree: this twice-baked potato casserole is a real winner! They appreciate that it can be made in advance and tastes just like individual twice-baked potatoes, but with much less work. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Baked Beans Recipe
Baked Beans Baked beans are a potluck essential, and while Ree often uses only pork and beans in her recipe, this version incorporates seven different types of beans, adding delightful variety in color, texture, and taste. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Grasshopper Pie Recipe
Grasshopper Pie Ree’s grasshopper pie is a popular favorite and one she clearly loves herself. Cream cheese and whipped topping create a luscious base for the minty green filling. Your family will adore this dessert, whether you live on a ranch in Oklahoma or not. Explore more pie recipes and learn how to make a million-dollar pie. Go to Recipe For perfect pies every time, follow Ree Drummond’s crispy pie crust hack.
Pioneer Woman Southwest Casserole Recipe
Southwest Casserole This dish shares similarities with Ree’s beloved Mexican rice casserole but includes olives, black beans, and corn for added flavor and texture. Go to Recipe Discover how the Pioneer Woman serves corn on the cob for more cooking tips.
Pioneer Woman Saucy Meatballs Recipe
Saucy Meatballs The Pioneer Woman is a meatball enthusiast, and one of her standout recipes features a rich sauce made with tomato paste and beef broth. Cranberries add a touch of extra zest to these meatballs. Craving more? Try the Pioneer Woman’s brisket recipe. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Lemony Potato Salad Recipe
Lemony Potato Salad No potluck is complete without potato salad. This is a lighter take on the Pioneer Woman’s lemon basil potato salad, retaining all the bright and refreshing flavors. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe
Baked Ziti Baked ziti is always a crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe is similar to Ree’s reliable version, featuring three kinds of cheese and a generous amount of beef. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
Chicken Taco Salad The entire Drummond family loves chicken taco salad, and this version is conveniently made in a slow cooker. Ree often favors the set-it-and-forget-it cooking method for her large-batch recipes, and we appreciate the ease and flavor it delivers. Go to Recipe
