The Pioneer Woman shares her best advice for new cooks.
The Secret to Getting Comfortable in the Kitchen, According to Ree Drummond
Updated on Jan. 02, 2024
It’s every foodie’s dream to interview Ree Drummond! Not too long ago, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Pioneer Woman herself recently to chat about all things home cooking (including the best ways to use canned pumpkin).
The most important question we asked her, though, was, “How can beginner cooks get started in the kitchen?” It can be intimidating to cook dinner from scratch for the first time. Here are Ree’s top tips for the novice home chef.
Also, try Ree Drummond’s cowboy quiche and pizza pockets recipe.
Don’t Overthink It
Ree compares cooking to any other hobby, like writing or photography—everyone starts out as a beginner and the only way to get better is by just doing it. “You have to do it and do it and do it,” she says. “And you’ll mess up a lot and it won’t turn out exactly right. But then one day you’ll just make like the best meal ever.” Practice makes perfect, after all.
Start Simple
Ree also recommends starting simple and then letting yourself get creative as you go. “Cooking should be about fun!” she gushes. She suggests choosing a basic recipe and then tweaking it to match your own preferences, whether that means adding more (or less) spice or even mixing in a new ingredient if you’re feeling bold. Here’s what Ree keeps in her pantry.
Practice Mise en Place
Her last—and most practical—tip? Mise en place. This cooking school secret is a French phrase that means “everything in place.” You lay out all of your ingredients before you start cooking! Not only will this help you make sure you actually have everything you need, but it will also make the whole process a lot less stressful. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks, then try this pineapple hack by Ree Drummond.
“If you don’t have to stop in the middle of searing something to go find the Worcestershire or the soy sauce, it really just helps to have it there and take away some of the chaos,” she explains. Ree Drummond is a wealth of meal prep tips—here are the rest.
Now that you know how to get started Pioneer Woman-style, all you need is a good recipe. Here are some of Ree’s favorite dishes that any home cook can whip up.
Spicy CasseroleRee loves a spicy casserole, so while she'd love this bake as it is, she probably couldn't help but add some salsa or hot peppers to the mix.
Ree Drummond created her cowboy quiche recipe to upgrade a classic quiche.
Caramel BrowniesSatisfy your sweet tooth with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnut pieces and a hearty swirl of caramel layered throughout, these brownies will be a delight the next time you're craving decadence.
Layered SaladThe layered salad is a staple at potlucks everywhere, and Ree takes a classic approach with her ingredients. She includes bacon, hard-boiled eggs and peas, to name a few. We think she'd like this make-ahead version.
Lemon BarsThese delightful lemon bars have a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. As a bonus, the color and shape make them a nice addition to a dessert platter.
Here's our expert guide on how to make lemon curd.
Chicken Cordon Bleu CasseroleChicken cordon bleu casserole is made with all the same great flavors of the classic dish but with half the fuss. It'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Twice-Baked Potato CasseroleOur reviewers all agree: This twice-baked potato casserole is a real hit! They love that it can be made in advance and tastes exactly like twice-baked potatoes (but with a fraction of the effort).
Baked BeansBaked beans are perfect for potlucks, and while Ree tends to use only pork and beans in hers, this version includes seven different types of beans, adding variety in color, texture and taste.
Grasshopper PieRee's grasshopper pie is a popular recipe and one she undoubtedly loves herself. Here, cream cheese and whipped topping make a luscious base for the minty green filling. Your family is going to love this, whether or not you live on a ranch in Oklahoma. Want to try more recipes? Learn how to make a million-dollar pie.
Don't forget to follow this Ree Drummond crispy pie crust hack to serve the perfect pie.
Southwest CasseroleThis dish is similar to Ree's favorite Mexican rice casserole, but with olives, black beans and corn mixed in.
Learn how to make corn on the cob like the Pioneer Woman.
Saucy MeatballsThe Pioneer Woman loves her meatballs, and one of her best recipes is dressed in a rich sauce made with tomato paste and beef broth. These meatballs get some extra sass from cranberries. Hungry for more? Try our favorite Pioneer woman's brisket recipe.
Lemony Potato SaladYou can't have a potluck without potato salad. This is a lighter version of the Pioneer Woman's lemon basil potato salad, but all the bright flavors are still there!
Baked ZitiBaked ziti is always a crowd favorite. This bake is similar to Ree's tried-and-true recipe with three kinds of cheese and plenty of beef.
Chicken Taco SaladThe whole Drummond family loves chicken taco salad, and this version gets it done with a slow cooker. Ree often uses the set-it-and-forget-it approach for her big-batch recipes, and we love it too.
