Cozy Up With 8 of Ree Drummond’s Best Winter Recipes—From Cheeseburger Soup to Mini Calzones
Don’t forget to grab a blanket—these dishes are made for curling up and savoring every bite
When the weather outside is frightful, nothing warms up a chilly evening quite like comfort food. And who does comfort food better than The Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond? From hearty casseroles to cheesy soups, Ree’s recipes are made for cozy nights in. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, these eight recipes are packed with flavor, comfort, and that signature love from the Ranch. Here are our top eight Pioneer Woman winter recipes to make this winter your tastiest one yet.
The 8 best Pioneer Woman winter recipes
If you ask us, we believe the Pioneer Woman does cozy winter recipes the best out of all T.V. chefs. But while Ree has a ton of delicious dishes in her arsenal, we went through and chose ones that prioritize convenience. Whether it’s using store-bought ingredients or cooking everything in one pan, you can spend more time eating than in the kitchen.
1. Chicken chili sheet pan quesadillas
Think of these quesadillas as your weeknight lifesaver. Ree’s recipe takes the classic Tex-Mex favorite and supersizes it, using a single sheet pan to create a giant, shareable quesadilla. Packed with shredded chicken, chili spices and gooey cheese, every bite is bold and satisfying. The crispy tortilla edges? Absolutely addictive. Serve it with sour cream and guacamole, and you’ve got an easy crowd-pleaser that feels fancy enough for a Friday night.
2. Pierogi and meatball skillet
Pierogies meet meatballs in this hearty skillet dish that’s pure comfort in a pan. The tender, pillowy dumplings are cooked with savory meatballs in a creamy, buttery sauce that feels like a warm hug. Ree elevates the flavors with caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
3. Mini calzones (with frozen dinner rolls)
Ree’s mini calzones are proof that big flavors can come in small packages. Using store-bought frozen dinner rolls as the dough, these handheld wonders are stuffed with marinara sauce, cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. They’re quick to make, kid-approved and perfect for parties or after-school snacks. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that lets you customize each bite?
4. Tater tot breakfast casserole
Who says breakfast is just for mornings? This tater tot casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. It starts with a layer of frozen tots, followed by crumbled breakfast sausage, a cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend and eggs with bell pepper. The best part? You can assemble it the night before, making it a stress-free option for lazy weekends or holiday brunches. Bonus points if you drizzle it with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Homemade Hamburger Helper
Skip the boxed stuff—Ree’s homemade version of this nostalgic classic tastes even better. Ground beef, macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce come together in one pot for a dinner that’s as easy as it is comforting. The best part? You can tweak it to your taste by adding veggies or swapping in ground turkey for a lighter option. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food that’ll take you straight back to your childhood.
6. Sloppy Joe casserole
This casserole takes the messy fun of Sloppy Joes and transforms it into a tidy, bake-and-serve dish. A saucy ground beef mixture is topped with fluffy buttered slider rolls, creating the ultimate winter comfort food. The rolls soak up all the savory juices, and the whole thing bakes to golden perfection. It’s hearty, nostalgic and an easy way to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.
7. Chicken mozzarella pasta
When you’re craving comfort food but need dinner on the table fast, this pasta dish has your back. Bite-sized chunks of chicken, melty mozzarella and a rich jarred marinara sauce come together with al dente pasta for a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Ree’s secret? Cooking the chicken first in the skillet for extra flavor. Pair this with a side of garlic bread, and your family will be begging for seconds.
8. Cheeseburger soup
Ree’s cheeseburger soup is everything you love about a burger, minus the bun. This creamy soup comes loaded with ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese and a crispy bacon for that authentic burger flavor. It’s also made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Top it with a dollop of sour cream and green onions, and you’ve got a soup that’ll have you skipping the drive-thru window.
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