Comfort Food Classics: Ree Drummond’s Most Loved Recipes

Comfort Food Classics: Ree Drummond’s Most Loved Recipes



When it comes to comfort food, few chefs capture the essence of home-cooked, soul-warming meals like Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman. Her recipes are a delightful blend of simplicity, nostalgia, and down-home flavors, making them beloved by families across the nation. Whether you’re in need of a hearty breakfast, a satisfying dinner, or a decadent dessert, Ree Drummond’s most loved recipes offer something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of her most cherished comfort food classics that have become staples in kitchens everywhere.

The Pioneer Woman’s Approach to Comfort Food

Ree Drummond’s approach to cooking is deeply rooted in her Oklahoma ranch lifestyle, where hearty, satisfying meals are a necessity after long days of work. Her recipes often feature rich flavors, generous portions, and an emphasis on simplicity and practicality. What makes her recipes so beloved is their accessibility—Ree understands that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Her dishes are approachable, using ingredients that are easy to find and techniques that even novice cooks can master.

1. Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Few dishes epitomize comfort food quite like Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. This Southern classic is one of Ree’s signature dishes, and it’s easy to see why. The crispy, golden-brown crust of the steak, combined with the creamy, peppery gravy, creates a flavor explosion that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
  • The Secret to the Perfect Crust: Ree’s recipe ensures a perfectly crispy crust by double-dipping the steak in a seasoned flour mixture and an egg wash. This technique creates a thick, crunchy coating that stands up to the rich gravy.
  • The Gravy: The gravy is where this dish truly shines. Made from the pan drippings, it’s rich, creamy, and loaded with black pepper, providing the perfect counterpoint to the crispy steak. Ree’s tip for the best gravy? Use whole milk for a creamy texture and don’t skimp on the pepper.

2. The Best Macaroni and Cheese



Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and Ree Drummond’s version is everything you could want in this classic dish. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s a dish that brings warmth and happiness to the table.
  • Three-Cheese Blend: Ree’s recipe calls for a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. The sharpness of the cheddar, the creaminess of the Monterey Jack, and the umami depth of the Parmesan make this mac and cheese stand out.
  • Baked to Perfection: After mixing the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, Ree tops the dish with extra cheese and bakes it until golden and bubbly. This creates a deliciously crispy top layer while keeping the interior gooey and cheesy.

3. Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika

When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of beef stew. Ree Drummond’s Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika is a fan favorite, offering a robust, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out.
  • Flavorful Base: The combination of beer and paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the stew, while the beer tenderizes the beef as it cooks. This stew is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Hearty Ingredients: In addition to the tender chunks of beef, the stew is loaded with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, making it a complete meal. Ree’s tip? Brown the beef in batches to ensure a rich, caramelized flavor in every bite.

4. Pancakes with Homemade Maple Syrup

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, and Ree’s recipe takes this classic dish to new heights. Her fluffy pancakes, topped with homemade maple syrup, are the perfect way to start any day.
  • Fluffy and Light: The key to Ree’s pancakes is buttermilk, which not only adds flavor but also reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy texture. Her recipe is simple but yields consistently perfect pancakes every time.
  • Homemade Maple Syrup: Ree’s homemade maple syrup is a game-changer. Made with maple extract, sugar, and water, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate your breakfast. Drizzle it generously over the pancakes for a sweet, comforting start to your day.

5. Chicken Pot Pie



Chicken Pot Pie is the epitome of comfort food, and Ree Drummond’s version is a crowd-pleaser. With its flaky crust and creamy filling, this dish is the perfect way to use leftover chicken or turkey.
  • Creamy Filling: Ree’s filling is a rich mixture of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce made from chicken broth and heavy cream. The addition of thyme and a splash of white wine adds depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Perfect Crust: The key to a great pot pie is the crust, and Ree’s recipe doesn’t disappoint. She uses a buttery, flaky pastry that bakes up golden brown and delicious, encasing the creamy filling perfectly.

6. Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Mashed potatoes are a must-have at any comfort food feast, and Ree Drummond’s version, which includes cream cheese, takes them to the next level. These mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
  • Cream Cheese Magic: The addition of cream cheese gives these mashed potatoes a tangy richness that’s hard to beat. Combined with butter and half-and-half, it creates a smooth, velvety texture that’s pure comfort in every bite.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Ree’s recipe is perfect for busy cooks, as the mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven. This makes them a great option for holiday meals or large gatherings.

7. Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food for many, and Ree Drummond’s Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a surefire winner. Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.
  • Rich Meat Sauce: Ree’s meat sauce is made with a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This hearty sauce is layered with pasta and cheese, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
  • Cheesy Goodness: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan ensures that every bite of lasagna is cheesy and delicious. Ree’s tip for extra flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture.

8. Chocolate Sheet Cake

No comfort food menu is complete without dessert, and Ree Drummond’s Chocolate Sheet Cake is a classic that never disappoints. This rich, moist cake is topped with a fudgy chocolate icing, making it the perfect end to any meal.
  • Moist and Rich: Ree’s chocolate sheet cake is made with buttermilk and a generous amount of cocoa powder, resulting in a cake that is both moist and deeply chocolatey. The cake itself is simple to make but delivers big on flavor.
  • Fudgy Icing: The icing is what really sets this cake apart. Made with butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, it’s poured over the warm cake, creating a glossy, fudgy topping that’s impossible to resist.

9. Spicy Pulled Pork



Pulled pork is a comfort food staple, and Ree Drummond’s Spicy Pulled Pork is a must-try. Slow-cooked to perfection, this pork is tender, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply on its own.
  • Flavorful Marinade: The pork is marinated in a mixture of spices, brown sugar, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, giving it a sweet and spicy kick. After marinating, the pork is slow-cooked until it’s fall-apart tender.
  • Versatile Dish: One of the best things about Ree’s pulled pork is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to nachos, making it a great recipe to have in your repertoire.

Conclusion: The Comfort of Ree Drummond’s Recipes

Ree Drummond’s recipes are more than just meals—they’re a source of comfort and joy for millions of people. Her ability to take simple ingredients and turn them into something special is what makes her recipes so beloved. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, these comfort food classics are sure to bring warmth and happiness to your table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the delicious comfort that only The Pioneer Woman can provide.
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