Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, began her culinary journey as a home cook on an Oklahoma ranch. She’s since built a domestic empire, boasting five cookbooks, a popular Food Network show, and even a charming hotel in Pawhuska. Her approach to cooking, deeply rooted in comforting, family-friendly meals, has captivated home cooks everywhere. Inspired by her accessible style, I decided to explore “The Pioneer Woman Cooks Recipes” myself, and the results have been a delightful culinary adventure for my family.
Here’s what I’ve learned from diving into The Pioneer Woman’s recipe repertoire, along with some highlights from her collection!
Lesson 1: The Magic of Comfort Food
Sunday is my designated cooking day. Weeknights are often too hectic for elaborate meals, but Sundays offer the perfect window to embrace my inner chef. I particularly enjoy preparing dishes on weekends that reheat beautifully, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
My young child is a devoted mac and cheese fan, and Ree Drummond’s recipes do not disappoint in the comfort food department. Her Quick Shells and Cheese (featured in The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime) is a testament to her talent for creating recipes that are both incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious. The creamy, cheesy goodness is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I also ventured into her famous Pot Roast, a recipe widely available online and in her cookbooks. This pot roast was incredibly savory, simple to prepare in the Crockpot, and provided delicious leftovers for days. It’s the quintessential comfort meal, perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or a hearty weeknight supper.
Pioneer Woman Pot Roast
Lesson 2: Breakfasts That Shine
Inspired by my experience cooking Joanna Gaines’ make-ahead recipes, I realized the immense appeal of a good breakfast casserole in my household. A breakfast casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings, easily prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning. Plus, a single casserole can often serve my family for multiple breakfasts. Ree Drummond has truly mastered the art of the breakfast casserole, offering a range of scrumptious options perfect for both family breakfasts and larger gatherings. Her Loaded Tater Tot Bake is a particularly popular dish, and numerous copycat recipes and variations of the Pioneer Woman’s tater tot casserole are available online, reflecting its widespread appeal and deliciousness. These breakfast casseroles are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly convenient, embodying the practical and delicious nature of The Pioneer Woman’s cooking.
Lesson 3: Dessert Discoveries Beyond Chocolate Chip Cookies
My household had fallen into a bit of a chocolate chip cookie baking routine. While I have a significant sweet tooth and have always enjoyed baking from The Pioneer Woman’s original cookbook (a cherished wedding gift), I felt it was time to explore new dessert horizons. Trying out new desserts from Ree Drummond’s repertoire proved to be an excellent decision! Missy’s Blueberry and Lemon Cupcakes are an absolute must-bake. The combination of sweet blueberries and zesty lemon in a cupcake is simply divine. The recipe is easy to follow, and the resulting cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. This recipe alone expanded my dessert baking repertoire and demonstrated the delightful range of The Pioneer Woman’s dessert recipes.
Lesson 4: The Undisputed Champion: Cowboy Chopped Salad
Stop everything and find The Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Chopped Salad recipe. Seriously. This salad is a game-changer. It’s versatile enough for a satisfying meal at home but also the best side dish to bring to potlucks or gatherings with friends. It’s refreshingly different and incredibly savory, a testament to Ree Drummond’s culinary creativity. The combination of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing, topped with crunchy tortilla strips, is an explosion of flavors and textures. The Cowboy Chopped Salad is a true standout recipe, solidifying The Pioneer Woman’s reputation for creating dishes that are both crowd-pleasing and exceptionally delicious.
Ree Drummond’s recipes are consistently delicious and approachable, making home cooking enjoyable and rewarding. The only consideration is that many of her recipes lean towards the richer side, so those mindful of calorie intake might want to reserve these Pioneer Woman delights for special occasions and potlucks.
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 tanginess, sharpness, and savory depth. Serve it with vegetables or pretzels for dipping and be sure to explore other “million-dollar” recipes like million-dollar deviled eggs and million-dollar spaghetti for more indulgent delights. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp You simply can’t go wrong with Ree Drummond’s apple crisp. She combines tart Granny Smith apples with sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon to create a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert, ideal for sharing. This apple crisp is a quintessential example of her beloved comfort food recipes. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mystery Rolls
Mystery Rolls Ree acquired this secret family recipe from her mother. Requiring only three ingredients—biscuit dough, blue cheese, and butter—these rolls are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table with their unexpected flavor and simplicity. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars You’ll find yourself making these dreamy pumpkin bars repeatedly throughout the fall season. The recipe is designed for an 8-by-8-inch pan but can be easily doubled for a larger 13-by-9-inch dessert, perfect for gatherings. For more cheesy delights, explore the Pioneer Woman cheese ball recipe, loaded with cheddar, bacon, and ranch flavors. Go to Recipe
Chicken Tortilla Bake Exps Ft24 4993 Jr 0305 1Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Spicy Casserole, showcasing a cheesy chicken tortilla bake with a golden brown topping, suggesting a warm and comforting dish.
Spicy Casserole Ree is known for loving a spicy casserole, and while she’d enjoy this bake as it is, she would likely add a touch of salsa or hot peppers for an extra kick. Go to Recipe
Caramel Brownies Exps Tohd24 16952 Laurascherb 9Caramel Brownies Recipe photo by Laura Scherb for Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Caramel Brownies, a close-up of gooey caramel brownies with walnuts, emphasizing their rich and decadent nature.
Caramel Brownies Indulge your sweet tooth with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnut pieces and a generous swirl of caramel throughout, these brownies are a perfect treat whenever you crave something truly decadent. Go to Recipe
Overnight SaladERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Layered Salad, showcasing a colorful layered salad in a glass bowl, highlighting fresh vegetables, bacon and creamy dressing.
Layered Salad The layered salad is a potluck staple everywhere, and Ree takes a classic approach with her ingredients. Her version includes bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and peas, among other delicious components. This make-ahead version is perfect for potlucks and gatherings. Go to Recipe
Lemon Bars Exps Tohd24 3994 Leticiaalmeida 06Lemon Bars Recipe photo by Leticia Almeida for Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars, a bright and sunny image of lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar, emphasizing their tangy and sweet flavor.
Lemon Bars These delightful lemon bars offer a wonderful tangy flavor and are consistently a hit. Their vibrant color and neat shape make them a lovely addition to any dessert platter. For more lemon inspiration, explore how to make lemon curd like a pro. Go to Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Exps Ft24 194244 Jr 0221 6Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, featuring a creamy casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, highlighting the classic flavors in an easy format.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken cordon bleu casserole captures all the beloved flavors of the classic dish but with significantly less fuss. It’s sure to have everyone returning for second helpings. Go to Recipe
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Exps Ft24 6790 St 0221 3
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, showcasing bars with a layer of strawberry filling and crumbly oatmeal topping, emphasizing their sweet and buttery nature.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Crafted from a few simple ingredients, these sweet and buttery strawberry oatmeal bars are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick dessert or snack. Go to Recipe
Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole Exps Tohd25 172886 Jonathanmelendez 10Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Twice-Baked Potato Casserole, a cheesy and loaded potato casserole with bacon and chives, suggesting a rich and comforting side dish.
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Reviewers unanimously agree: this twice-baked potato casserole is a definite crowd-pleaser! Its make-ahead convenience and flavor that perfectly mimics twice-baked potatoes (with less effort) make it a winning recipe. Go to Recipe
Baked BeansTaste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Baked Beans, a pot of baked beans with visible beans and sauce, highlighting a classic potluck side dish.
Baked Beans Baked beans are essential for potlucks, and while Ree often uses only pork and beans in her version, this recipe incorporates seven different types of beans, adding delightful variety in color, texture, and taste. Go to Recipe
Taste of Home Grasshopper Pie photo of the finished recipe cut into slices and served on a plate.ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Grasshopper Pie, slices of mint green grasshopper pie with a chocolate crust, suggesting a refreshing and creamy dessert.
Grasshopper Pie Ree’s grasshopper pie is a consistently popular recipe, and undoubtedly one she enjoys herself. Cream cheese and whipped topping create a luscious base for the minty green filling. Your family is sure to love this, whether or not you live on an Oklahoma ranch. For more pie inspiration, learn how to make a million-dollar pie. Go to Recipe
Southwest Vegetarian Bake Exps Ghbz18 26649 B08 08 3b 3Southwest Vegetarian Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Southwest Casserole, a cheesy vegetarian casserole with visible corn and black beans, highlighting a hearty and flavorful meatless option.
Southwest Casserole This dish is similar to Ree’s favorite Mexican rice casserole, but with the addition of olives, black beans, and corn for extra flavor and texture. Go to Recipe
Taste Of Home Cranberry MeatballsChristmas Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Saucy Meatballs, meatballs in a rich red cranberry sauce, suggesting a festive and flavorful appetizer or main course.
Saucy Meatballs The Pioneer Woman is a meatball enthusiast, and one of her best recipes features a rich sauce made with tomato paste and beef broth. These meatballs get a unique twist from the addition of cranberries. For more meaty inspiration, try the Pioneer Woman’s brisket recipe. Go to Recipe
Lemon Vinaigrette Potato Salad Exps146067 Th2379797b11 14 4bc Rms 4
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Lemony Potato Salad, a potato salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette, showcasing a lighter and refreshing side dish.
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 it retains all the bright and zesty flavors. Go to Recipe
Easy Ziti BakeEasy Ziti Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti, a cheesy baked ziti with a browned cheese topping, highlighting a classic and comforting pasta bake.
Baked Ziti Baked ziti is always a crowd favorite. This bake is similar to Ree’s reliable recipe, featuring three kinds of cheese and a generous amount of beef. Go to Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Exps Tohd24 175204 Dianachistruga 9Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Recipe photo by Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home
Alt text: Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad, a vibrant chicken taco salad with visible chicken, lettuce, and toppings, suggesting a fresh and flavorful meal.
Chicken Taco Salad The entire Drummond family loves chicken taco salad, and this version is conveniently made in a slow cooker. Ree frequently utilizes the set-it-and-forget-it approach for her large-batch recipes, a method that is both practical and appreciated. Go to Recipe
