Life at the Drummond ranch was a bit different this year with Ree and Ladd officially becoming empty nesters, but that didn’t make it any less eventful. The Pioneer Woman took on a major renovation to her home, and she also launched her newest cookbook. As 2023 comes to close, Ree had a few words to say about it: “Life is going to happen whether we are ready or not, and one thing I learn time and time again is that everything's going to be OK.”
Despite all the changes over the past year, one thing remains the same: There’s still plenty of dicing, chopping, baking, and cooking going on around here! In fact, we’ve rounded up some of the top Pioneer Woman recipes of 2023. These are the dishes that our readers have loved the most—and they also happen to be our favorites, too. Some are comfort food classics and others are make-ahead recipes, 30-minute meals, and Drummond family favorites.
So before the year comes to a close, take a look at the best Pioneer Woman recipes of 2023—and let us know in the comments if your picks made the list!
Baked Ziti
What's the secret to this baked pasta recipe? A hearty meat sauce and lots of melty cheese, of course. It's one of those dishes that you can make in advance and pop in the oven whenever you're ready, or just make it tonight and devour it immediately. The choice is yours!
Perfect Pot Roast
There's a reason this pot roast has "perfect" in the name! Ree has been making this one for years and years. "This is one of the oldest, dearest recipes in my repertoire," she says, "and one of the recipes folks still mention to me when I meet them at book signings or the Merc!"
Monkey Bread
Where did this sticky-sweet treat get its name from? We don't really know (and we don't really care 😂). All that matters is that it's incredibly delicious. The best part is that you only need 5 ingredients to make it!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A must-make side dish! These mashed potatoes are creamy and buttery, yes, but the real reason we love them is because you can make them ahead. Plus, prepping these mashed potatoes in advance will save you so much time during the holidays or even just a busy week.
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
If you're looking for a side dish to pair with grilled steak or a chicken dinner, look no further than oven-roasted asparagus! "For roasting, thicker is better—it won't get too soft and floppy too quickly," says Ree.
Chicken Pot Pie
A creamy, hearty filling and a beautiful golden crust make this dish a comfort food favorite. Ree's beloved recipe is delicious even if you decide to use a few supermarket hacks, like shredded leftover rotisserie chicken and store-bought pie dough.
Perfect Potato Soup
This soup recipe is so darn good that it's consistently been a favorite on our top 10 list year after year! Ree admits that she's picky about her potato soup, but you know that she worked hard to perfect this version. You can make it when the weather is cool, but Ree says, "I'd also eat it in the dead of summer." Now that's saying something!
Chicken Spaghetti
What's the fastest way to get everyone to the table? Serve chicken spaghetti! It's a one-pan wonder that combines noodles and chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce made with diced peppers and pimentos. Readers have said, "It was a huge hit with my family" and "I've found my new go-to for potlucks!"
My Favorite Turkey Brine
Ree swears by this turkey brine recipe and it looks like readers agree. It’s the key to making your Thanksgiving turkey perfect every time, just don't forget to rinse the bird before roasting!
Macaroni and Cheese
It's hard to beat a comfort food recipe that can satisfy kids, adults, and picker eaters alike! That's why it's easy to see how the #1 recipe of the year goes to... Ree's macaroni and cheese. She practically grew up on this ooey-gooey classic. And, in case you didn't know, it has the "cheesiest, dreamiest cream sauce that sinks into every nook and cranny of the macaroni."
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