Ree Drummond, affectionately known as The Pioneer Woman, began her culinary journey as a home cook on a ranch in Oklahoma. Her relatable approach to cooking, coupled with her delicious, family-friendly recipes, has propelled her to domestic stardom. With five cookbooks, a beloved Food Network show, and even a charming hotel in Pawhuska, Ree’s influence in the home cooking world is undeniable. Inspired by her accessible yet satisfying style, I embarked on my own exploration of Pioneer Woman Recipes, and the results have been a resounding success with my family.
Here’s what I’ve discovered from cooking like The Pioneer Woman, along with some must-try recipes to bring that ranch-style goodness to your own kitchen.
Lesson 1: The Magic of Comfort Food
Sunday is my dedicated cooking day. While weeknights are often too hectic for elaborate meals, Sundays provide the perfect window to unleash my inner chef. I especially appreciate recipes that not only taste amazing fresh but also reheat beautifully throughout the week. This is where Pioneer Woman shines.
My toddler is a devoted mac and cheese enthusiast, and Ree’s Quick Shells and Cheese recipe, found in The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime, is an absolute winner. It strikes that perfect balance of being incredibly easy to prepare and utterly delicious. The creamy, cheesy goodness is pure comfort in a bowl. Another comforting dish I explored was the Pot Roast. This recipe is the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, perfect for a Crockpot. The result is a savory, melt-in-your-mouth roast that’s ideal for Sunday dinner and equally satisfying as leftovers.
Perfect Pot Roast Recipe
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 halved onions on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add carrots to the pot and brown slightly, about a minute. Reserve with the onions.
- Add more olive oil if needed, and sear the roast in the hot pot for about a minute per side until browned all over. Remove the roast.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine or beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Return the roast to the pot, and add enough beef broth to cover halfway.
- Add onions, carrots, rosemary, and thyme.
- Cover and roast for 3 hours for a 3-pound roast, or 4 hours for a 4- to 5-pound roast, until fall-apart tender.
Lesson 2: Breakfasts That Steal the Show
Breakfast is a big deal in our house, and after trying Joanna Gaines’ make-ahead breakfast tips, I realized the immense appeal of a good breakfast casserole. The convenience of prepping it the night before and baking it in the morning is a game-changer for busy families. Plus, a single casserole can easily feed us for a couple of mornings. Ree Drummond’s Loaded Tater Tot Bake recipe is a brilliant example. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. For more inspiration, the Pioneer Woman’s tater tot casserole offers even more delicious variations on this breakfast staple.
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Loaded Tater Tot Bake – A golden brown breakfast casserole with tater tots, eggs, cheese, and bacon, perfect for a hearty family breakfast.
Lesson 3: Daring to Try New Desserts
We had fallen into a bit of a chocolate chip cookie routine at my house. With my perpetual 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 free from the cookie rut and explore new dessert horizons. That’s when I discovered Missy’s Blueberry and Lemon Cupcakes, and they were a revelation!
Missy’s Blueberry and Lemon Cupcakes Recipe
Cupcakes Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 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
- Blueberries, coated with flour
Frosting Ingredients:
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 stick cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the batter: Cream together butter and eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine sugar, milk, and lemon peel. Gradually add the butter and egg mixture to the sugar mixture, then blend in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Line a cupcake pan with paper liners, spray with butter baking spray, and fill each cup ¾ full with batter. Gently press flour-coated blueberries on top. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- For the frosting: Combine powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Beat until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with lemon peel, blueberries, and mint leaves if desired.
Lesson 4: The Unforgettable Cowboy Chopped Salad
Stop everything and take note of the Cowboy Chopped Salad. Seriously, it’s that good. This salad is not just a side; it’s a star. Perfect for a weeknight meal at home, it’s also the ultimate side dish to bring to potlucks or gatherings. It’s unique, flavor-packed, and utterly addictive. The Pioneer Woman truly hit it out of the park with this one.
Cowboy Chopped Salad Recipe
Bacon and Tortilla Strips Ingredients:
- 12 slices bacon, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
BBQ Ranch Dressing Ingredients:
- 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, to adjust consistency
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
Salad Ingredients:
- 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 bacon and tortilla strips: Fry bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, fry tortilla strips in vegetable oil until crisp, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels.
- For BBQ ranch dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, barbecue sauce, parsley, chives, and garlic. Thin with buttermilk to desired consistency. Season with hot sauce and salt to taste.
- For salad: Combine lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, bacon, and most of the cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Top with pico de gallo, tortilla strips, and remaining cheese before serving.
While Ree’s recipes are undeniably delicious and approachable, it’s worth noting that they often lean towards the richer side. For those mindful of calorie intake, Pioneer Woman recipes are perfect for special occasions and potlucks where indulgence is on the menu.
Explore More Pioneer Woman Inspired Recipes
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Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip
Million Dollar Dip This Pioneer Woman potluck recipe is truly worth every penny! The blend of cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese creates a perfect harmony of tangy, sharp, and pungent flavors. Serve with veggies or pretzels for dipping. And don’t miss the million-dollar deviled eggs and million-dollar spaghetti recipes for more millionaire-inspired dishes. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip – Creamy cheese dip with cheddar, swiss, and blue cheese served in a white bowl, a perfect appetizer for parties.
Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp
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 craft a dessert that’s both simple and incredibly delicious for sharing. This apple crisp is a true embodiment of her favorite comfort food recipes. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe – A warm and bubbly apple crisp with a golden brown oat topping in a baking dish, a classic comfort dessert.
Pioneer Woman Mystery Rolls
Mystery Rolls Ree inherited this secret family recipe from her mother. It calls for just three ingredients—canned biscuits, blue cheese, and butter—yet it never fails to impress everyone at the table. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Mystery Rolls – Close up shot of warm, cheesy mystery rolls on a plate, a simple three-ingredient side dish.
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars You’ll find yourself making these dreamy pumpkin bars repeatedly throughout the fall season. This recipe is designed for an 8×8-inch pan but can easily be doubled for a 9×13-inch dessert. Go to Recipe Looking for more cheesy delights? Explore the Pioneer Woman cheese ball recipe, loaded with cheddar, bacon, and ranch flavors.
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars – Pumpkin bars with a swirl of cream cheese frosting, cut into squares and arranged on a platter, a perfect fall treat.
Chicken Tortilla Bake Exps Ft24 4993 Jr 0305 1Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Spicy Casserole Ree has a fondness for spicy casseroles. While she’d enjoy this bake as is, she’d likely be tempted to add some salsa or hot peppers for an extra kick. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Spicy Chicken Tortilla Bake Casserole – Chicken tortilla casserole with melted cheese and tortilla strips, a hearty and flavorful dish.
Ree Drummond created her cowboy quiche recipe as an elevated twist on the classic quiche.
Caramel Brownies Exps Tohd24 16952 Laurascherb 9Caramel Brownies Recipe photo by Laura Scherb for Taste of HomeCaramel Brownies Indulge your sweet cravings with these decadent, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnuts and a generous swirl of caramel throughout, these brownies are pure delight when you desire something truly decadent. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Caramel Brownies – Rich caramel brownies topped with walnuts and caramel drizzle, cut into squares and showcased on parchment paper, a decadent dessert.
Overnight SaladERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME
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. We think she’d especially appreciate this make-ahead version for its convenience. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Layered Overnight Salad – A layered salad in a glass bowl with lettuce, tomatoes, peas, eggs, and bacon, a classic potluck salad.
Lemon Bars Exps Tohd24 3994 Leticiaalmeida 06Lemon Bars Recipe photo by Leticia Almeida for Taste of Home
Lemon Bars These delightful lemon bars offer a wonderful tangy flavor and are consistently a crowd-pleaser. As an added bonus, their vibrant color and neat shape make them a lovely addition to any dessert platter. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars – Bright yellow lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar, arranged on a plate, a tangy and sweet dessert.
Here’s our expert guide on how to make lemon curd.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Exps Ft24 194244 Jr 0221 6Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken cordon bleu casserole captures all the beloved flavors of the classic dish but with significantly less effort. It’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Cheesy chicken cordon bleu casserole with breadcrumb topping in a baking dish, a comforting and easy dinner.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Exps Ft24 6790 St 0221 3
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Made with just a few simple ingredients, these sweet and buttery strawberry oatmeal bars are incredibly easy to whip up. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Strawberry Oatmeal Bars – Strawberry oatmeal bars with a crumbly oat topping, cut into squares on a plate, a simple and fruity dessert.
Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole Exps Tohd25 172886 Jonathanmelendez 10Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of HomeTwice-Baked Potato Casserole Our reviewers unanimously agree: This twice-baked potato casserole is a definite hit! They appreciate that it can be prepared in advance and tastes just like individual twice-baked potatoes but with a fraction of the work. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole – Creamy and cheesy twice baked potato casserole with bacon and chives, served in a casserole dish, a perfect side dish.
Baked BeansTaste of Home
Baked Beans Baked beans are a potluck essential, and while Ree often uses just pork and beans in hers, this version incorporates seven different types of beans, adding a delightful variety in color, texture, and taste. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Baked Beans – A close up of baked beans in a white dish, showing different types of beans in a savory sauce, a classic side dish.
Taste of Home Grasshopper Pie photo of the finished recipe cut into slices and served on a plate.ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOMEGrasshopper Pie Ree’s grasshopper pie is a consistently popular recipe and undoubtedly one she loves herself. Here, 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. Want to explore more pie recipes? Learn how to make a million-dollar pie. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Grasshopper Pie – Slices of green grasshopper pie with chocolate crust and whipped cream, served on a white plate, a minty and creamy dessert.
Don’t forget to follow this Ree Drummond crispy pie crust hack for serving the perfect pie every time.
Southwest Vegetarian Bake Exps Ghbz18 26649 B08 08 3b 3Southwest Vegetarian Bake Recipe photo by Taste of HomeSouthwest Casserole This dish is reminiscent of Ree’s favorite Mexican rice casserole but includes olives, black beans, and corn for added flavor and texture. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Southwest Vegetarian Casserole – A colorful southwest casserole with corn, beans, and cheese in a baking dish, a hearty vegetarian meal.
Learn how to make corn on the cob like the Pioneer Woman for perfectly cooked corn every time.
Taste Of Home Cranberry MeatballsChristmas Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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. These meatballs get a touch of extra zest from cranberries. Craving more Pioneer Woman? Try our favorite Pioneer woman’s brisket recipe. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Saucy Meatballs – Cranberry meatballs in a rich red sauce, served in a slow cooker, a flavorful appetizer or main course.
Lemon Vinaigrette Potato Salad Exps146067 Th2379797b11 14 4bc Rms 4
Lemony Potato Salad No potluck is complete without potato salad. This is a lighter take on the Pioneer Woman’s lemon basil potato salad, but all the bright and zesty flavors are still present! Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Lemony Potato Salad – Potato salad with lemon vinaigrette, garnished with herbs, in a white bowl, a light and refreshing side dish.
Easy Ziti BakeEasy Ziti Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Baked Ziti Baked ziti is always a crowd favorite. This bake is similar to Ree’s reliable recipe, featuring three types of cheese and plenty of beef for a truly satisfying meal. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti – Cheesy baked ziti casserole with meat sauce, bubbling in a baking dish, a classic comfort food.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Recipe photo by Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home
Chicken Taco Salad The entire Drummond family loves chicken taco salad, and this version simplifies it with a slow cooker. Ree frequently uses the set-it-and-forget-it method for her large-batch recipes, and we appreciate the ease and delicious results too. Go to Recipe
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Salad – Chicken taco salad with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, served in a bowl, a healthy and flavorful meal.
From comforting classics to delightful desserts, exploring Pioneer Woman recipes has been a delicious and rewarding journey. Bring the warmth and flavor of Ree Drummond’s kitchen into your home and discover your own family favorites!
