10 Easiest Pioneer Woman Recipes for Anyone Learning to Cook
Just everyday ingredients and the simplest of steps.
If you’ve ever watched Ree Drummond whip up a comforting dinner and thought: “There’s no way mine will turn out like that,” you’re not alone. The good news? Not every recipe requires years of kitchen experience—or a pantry stocked like a professional chef’s. In fact, many of Ree’s most beloved dishes are surprisingly simple, relying on everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
That’s exactly why these beginner recipes are such a great place to start if you’re new to cooking. Think: simple pastas, sheet-pan dinners, hearty soups, and one-pot meals that come together without complicated techniques. After all, when you’re cooking for a hungry family (or just trying to get dinner on the table after a long day), easy and delicious wins every time.
Whether you’re learning how to sauté onions, master a simple casserole, or just looking for a foolproof meal that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes, these beginner-friendly recipes are here to help. They’re comforting, delicious, and most importantly, totally doable!
7-Can Soup
The ultimate pantry dinner! Just dump a mix of canned staples such as beans, tomatoes, corn, and chili into a pot, bring it to a simmer, then stir in the “extra” ingredient (Velveeta) for a surprisingly creamy, cozy bowl.
Get Ree’s 7-Can Soup recipe.
Shrimp Scampi
Pasta night has never been easier thanks to this one-pan dinner. Quick-cooking shrimp and angel hair get tossed in a simple buttery garlic-lemon sauce (with a splash of white wine), then finished with herbs and parmesan. It comes together in just 15 minutes!
Get Ree’s Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Mango Salsa Chicken
Winner, winner—it’s an easy chicken dinner! For this recipe, chicken breasts simmer in a sweet-and-spicy mango salsa sauce, then get finished with fresh cilantro for a bright, tropical twist. Serve over rice and throw some black beans on the side.
Get Ree’s Mango Salsa Chicken recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon
With a few minutes of prep, dinner’s done in about 10 minutes. Just drizzle salmon fillets with olive oil, season with seasoned salt and pepper, then air fry until flaky and tender. Serve with lemon wedges for a simple yet fancy meal.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Add your taco staples to the crockpot (seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning), let it simmer into a hearty, flavorful soup, then set out toppings so everyone can build their own bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and even better as leftovers.
Get Ree’s Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe.
Pierogi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner
Minimal prep, minimal dishes yet maximum cozy comfort. You’ll toss store-bought pierogi, sliced kielbasa, and onions on one pan, roast until everything’s golden, then finish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs.
Lemon Pasta
Pasta lovers, this one’s for you: Spaghetti is tossed in butter, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and plenty of parmesan to create a silky, tangy sauce. Serve topped with more cheese, basil, and black pepper.
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches
Here’s a super easy twist on a classic: chickpeas are lightly mashed and tossed with Buffalo-style hot sauce, creamy blue cheese, crunchy celery, and tangy dill pickles for a bold sandwich that’s ready on the table in 15 minutes.
Get Ree’s Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches recipe.
Chili Mac and Cheese
For something hearty that still comes together quick, try this one-pot dinner! Beefy chili-seasoned pasta simmers until tender, then gets stirred with plenty of cheddar and pepper jack for a creamy, melty finish.
Get Ree’s Chili Mac and Cheese recipe.
Crustless Quiche
If crust is too difficult to make, just skip it! Whisk up an eggy base, add cheese and whatever veggies or meats you love, then bake until golden and set. It’s an easy, flexible recipe that works for brunch, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Get Ree’s Crustless Quiche recipe.
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