Ree Drummond, widely known as the Pioneer Woman, has built a culinary empire that resonates with home cooks everywhere. From her engaging TV show to a collection of beloved cookbooks and even her own product lines, Ree’s approachable style and comforting recipes have made her a household name. But before the fame and all the accolades, Ree started with a simple blog, sharing her life and, of course, her recipes.
As someone who appreciates Ree’s modern culinary creations, I was intrigued to explore her early recipes and see if the magic was there from the beginning. Digging into the Pioneer Woman’s recipe archives, I stumbled upon a gem from June 2007: “The Best Lasagna. Ever.” Lasagna, a quintessential comfort food, is a dish I often turn to for a satisfying and hearty meal. Intrigued by the bold claim and the vintage recipe, I decided to try making the Pioneer Woman’s lasagna myself to see how it holds up today. Let’s explore this classic recipe and discover if it truly deserves the title of “best lasagna ever.”
Unpacking the Pioneer Woman Lasagna Recipe
Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Lasagna Recipe
Ree Drummond’s lasagna recipe stands out for its promise of simplicity and accessibility. As Ree herself notes, you won’t need to scour specialty stores for fancy ingredients. Her recipe is designed for everyday cooks, using ingredients readily available in most local grocery stores. This down-to-earth approach is a hallmark of the Pioneer Woman brand, making home cooking feel less daunting and more enjoyable for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna
The ingredient list for the Pioneer Woman’s lasagna is straightforward, focusing on familiar flavors and ease of use. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound hot breakfast sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans whole tomatoes
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- ¼ cup dried parsley, divided
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Ree specifies Kraft)
- 1 pound sliced mozzarella
- 1 10-ounce box lasagna noodles
Essential Tools for Lasagna Making
To bring this Pioneer Woman lasagna recipe to life, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. While Ree often uses cast iron, a versatile Dutch oven is a great choice for cooking the sauce, and a standard casserole dish will be perfect for baking the lasagna.
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- Dutch Oven or Large Skillet: For browning the meats and simmering the sauce.
- Casserole Dish (13×9 inch): Ideal for layering and baking the lasagna.
- Spatula: For stirring and spreading ingredients.
Pyrex Glass Baking Cover Pyrex
Gir Spatula Ecomm Cooking Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna: Step-by-Step
The process of making Ree Drummond’s lasagna is broken down into manageable steps, starting with the flavorful meat sauce.
Crafting the Hearty Meat Sauce
cooking tomato sauce on stove for pioneer woman lasagna
The foundation of any great lasagna is its sauce, and the Pioneer Woman’s recipe begins by browning ground beef and hot breakfast sausage with minced garlic. This combination of meats adds depth and a subtle spicy kick to the sauce. After browning the meats and draining off excess grease, you’ll stir in tomato paste, canned whole tomatoes, and seasonings like dried parsley and basil. The sauce then simmers for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen as the tomatoes break down into a rich, hearty sauce.
Preparing the Cheese Filling and Noodles
cheese filling in mixing bowl for pioneer woman lasagna
While the sauce simmers, it’s time to prepare the cheese filling and lasagna noodles. For the cheese filling, Ree’s recipe uses a mix of cottage cheese, Parmesan, eggs, and parsley. The cottage cheese might seem unconventional in lasagna, but it creates a wonderfully creamy texture without a strong cottage cheese flavor. The noodles are cooked al dente, ensuring they hold their shape in the lasagna and don’t become mushy during baking. Don’t forget to season your pasta water for extra flavor!
Assembling and Baking the Lasagna
Layering the lasagna is the final step before baking. Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of your casserole dish, followed by lasagna noodles, half of the cottage cheese mixture, half of the mozzarella slices, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. The lasagna bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
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Tasting and Verdict: Pioneer Woman Lasagna Review
Slice of Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Lasagna
After baking and letting the lasagna rest slightly, it was time for the taste test. The Pioneer Woman’s lasagna is undeniably comforting and satisfying. The cottage cheese indeed melts into a creamy, unidentifiable layer, adding a lovely texture without overpowering the other flavors. The breakfast sausage provides a subtle heat and a unique savory note that complements the ground beef beautifully. While it might not be a traditional Italian lasagna, it’s a delicious and approachable take on this classic dish. The use of Kraft Parmesan, while perhaps not gourmet, contributes to the familiar, comforting flavor profile that many home cooks appreciate. For those who prefer a more intense Parmesan flavor, freshly grated Parmesan could be a worthwhile substitution.
Overall, the Pioneer Woman’s lasagna recipe is a winner for its ease of preparation and comforting flavors. It’s a testament to Ree Drummond’s skill in creating recipes that are both delicious and accessible for everyday cooks. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Pioneer Woman or new to her recipes, this lasagna is a must-try for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete and comforting dinner.
Explore More Pioneer Woman Recipes
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If you enjoyed this Pioneer Woman lasagna recipe, there’s a whole world of Ree Drummond’s cooking to explore. Her cookbooks are filled with more fantastic recipes that are sure to become family favorites.
Pioneer Woman Cooks Scrumptious Recipes Ecomm
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