Casseroles are a winter staple—easy, filling, and deeply satisfying. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, excels at these comfort foods, and her recipes are a reliable source of warmth on cold nights. Here are four of her most popular casseroles, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Chicken Spaghetti: A Fan Favorite
Drummond’s Chicken Spaghetti is a family and follower favorite for its simplicity and flavor. Start with approximately two cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Combine this with al dente spaghetti (cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor), a can of cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, diced green peppers, onion, pimentos, seasoning salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Pour into a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake for 45 minutes. This dish offers comfort without fuss.
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole: The Unexpected Crunch
This recipe stands out with its unconventional yet delicious topping: buttery crackers. Boil broccoli briefly, then crush your favorite crackers in a bag. Meanwhile, melt Velveeta cheese with milk, cream, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Stir in a touch of Dijon mustard, the broccoli, and half of the crushed crackers. Pour into a casserole dish and top with the remaining cracker crumbs before baking until golden brown and bubbly. The combination of textures makes this a memorable dish.
French Onion Potatoes au Gratin: Elevated Comfort
Drummond’s French Onion Potatoes au Gratin elevates a classic side dish. Caramelize sliced onions slowly in olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar, then deglaze with thyme, sherry, and beef broth. In a separate pot, make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in heavy cream and milk. Season with salt and nutmeg, and melt in Gruyère and Swiss cheese. Finally, stir in sliced potatoes and layer the mixture in a casserole dish. Top with more cheese and bake until tender. Allow the dish to rest for 20 minutes before serving. This dish transforms potatoes into something special.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
For a quick enchilada fix, Drummond’s Chicken Enchilada Casserole delivers. Sauté garlic, jalapeño, and onion until softened, then stir in shredded chicken, green chiles, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add half of the green enchilada sauce and cook through. Spread the remaining sauce in a casserole dish and line with tortilla halves. Layer with the chicken mixture and Monterey Jack cheese, repeating twice. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, then let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
These casseroles from the Pioneer Woman are more than just recipes; they’re a testament to the power of simple, comforting food. Each dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, making them ideal for anyone seeking warmth and satisfaction during the colder months.
