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The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Dinner's Ready!: 112 Fast and Fabulous Recipes for Slightly Impatient Home Cooks

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The #1 New York Times bestselling author and Food Network favorite The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond returns with an exciting new cookbook filled with no-fuss family recipes for dinners, desserts, and more. Cook smarter, not harder! After seventeen years of sharing recipes in my cookbooks, on my website, and on my cooking show, I still absolutely love cooking! That said, while I enjoy making a slow-cooked meat sauce or long-braised pork roast, life is just too busy these days to devote that much time to getting dinner on the table day after day. Heck, even if I have the time to whip up a complicated recipe, for some reason I just don’t seem to have the patience. If you find yourself in the same dinner boat, here’s a collection of flavorful and fast recipes to breathe speedy new scrumptiousness into your cooking. In  The Pioneer Woman Cooks—Dinner’s Ready!  you’ll find lots of new dishes to fit your schedule, whether you’re in a hurry to get supper made or simply want to get out of the kitchen quicker to spend time doing other things you enjoy (even if that’s curling up in front of the TV for the night)! Every occasion is covered, from hosting company, with my mom’s Seafood Casserole from the ’70s and Pork Marsala with Mushrooms, to pizza night, with my classic Cast-Iron Hamburger Pizza and gorgeous Rainbow Pizza, to teenager-friendly fun food like Pretzel Dogs and Pickle Chicken Bites. You’ll also enjoy tasty new pasta dishes, chicken dinners, and fuss-free sides like Crispy Parmesan Potatoes and Pimento Cheese Grits, as well as delicious desserts like Blackberry Lime Whip and Chuckwagon Brownies. As a delicious bonus, there’s a whole chapter of easy-to-make Fridge Grabs—from Refrigerator Pickles to Garlic Confit—that are great to have on hand for adding even more flavor and zip to the recipes! These low-stress, fuss-free, big-on-flavor recipes are sure to be new family faves. You’ll be able to holler “Dinner’s ready!” faster than ever.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2023

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About the author

Ree Drummond

41 books1,952 followers
Ree Drummond began blogging in 2006 and has built an award-winning website, where she shares recipes, showcases her photography, and documents her hilarious transition from city life to ranch wife. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks . Ree lives on a working cattle ranch near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, with her husband, Ladd; their four kids; their beloved basset hound; and lots of other animals.

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5 stars
411 (46%)
4 stars
291 (32%)
3 stars
135 (15%)
2 stars
32 (3%)
1 star
23 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 9, 2024
I've been watching Ree on Foodtv for ages, did you know she has been doing her show since 2011?! Her voice carries through in this newest cookbook offering (she has many at this point) and I could hear her voice in my head as I read along.

What's different about this book is recipes are presented pictorially, for each step there is a small photo. There are also a bunch of pics of Ree's family, so if you're a fan of the show you'll appreciate seeing all the familiar faces, who at this point are part of her brand (during the covid years her kids were the film crew and were on screen constantly).

Recipes live up to title, being quick and easy they are perfect for impatient cooks. Some dishes will also be familiar to fans of the show, as I read along I remembered seeing her prepare some of them (like the meatball quesadill ). The book is great for new cooks and fans, experienced cooks who aren't fans are less likely to enjoy or glean much from it. I enjoyed reading this one but didn't learn anything new technique or recipe-wise. I rate this 3.5 stars but rounded down because GRs doesn't offer a half star option.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,810 reviews29 followers
November 4, 2023
I've always been a fan of Ree Drummond and her cooking/show/recipes. I didn't like her last cookbook, Super Easy! 120 short-cut recipes for dinner, because so many of the recipes used pre-made or convenience products. This one is again all about dinner, but without quite as much convenience/ready made products. It wasn't anything amazing and was very typical of the Pioneer Woman cookbooks - LOTS of pictures (both of the food and her ranch, family, pets, etc.). I have always liked that she includes a lot of pictures of the steps of her recipes - it can definitely be helpful to see what something is supposed to look like along the way. I did find a couple recipes I'd like to try. Overall, it was good but not great.
Profile Image for Kelli.
375 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
I love her recipes. This may be my favorite book yet for the beautiful photography but the approachable meals. We shall see - I’ve marked it up plenty and will be diving in to try them this year!
Profile Image for Jenny.
102 reviews
December 8, 2023
I love her cookbooks. This one is now on my Christmas list. 😁 The mushroom and black pepper pasta was amazing!! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Alex (Alex's Version).
816 reviews78 followers
October 31, 2023
The food appears incredibly appetizing. However, this article focuses on incorporating hazardous and unhealthy ultra-processed food into your diet.
I am the owner of all of her cookbooks, and while her earlier ones required some time and effort, they did not include ultra-processed ingredients. Ree successfully achieved weight loss a few years ago and looks absolutely stunning. However, I can assure you that it was not due to the recipes featured in this latest cookbook. Although Ree is undeniably wonderful, this particular cookbook falls short. I decided to give the Mango Salsa Chicken recipe a try, but unfortunately, it turned out to be so disgusting that I had no choice but to throw it away.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,229 reviews
November 24, 2023
This is probably my favorite of her cookbooks, but it varies widely by chapter. I thought the snacks and 'fun bites' section was the strongest, along with some of the pasta and chicken recipes. This book mirrors the way I cook - wanting quicker recipes. These definitely could be healthier, and you could make some swaps on your own (whole wheat pasta, for example), and you could also use fewer processed foods here. But overall, I found this book to be useful. As always, her step-by-step instructions are easy to follow.

A good edition to a group cooking/weeknight dinner collection. I would love it if she did a healthier recipe book, or included some nutritional information in her recipes.
Profile Image for Kelly.
250 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2024
Let me start by saying that I love all of Ree Drummond's cookbooks! So many of her recipes have become staples in my home and I'm very excited to add these new ones to the rotation! The foods in her cookbooks are all things that people WANT to eat and, with her step-by-step instructions, they look manageable for any home cook. The Flavorful Fridge Grabs section is excellent! I can't wait to try all of the recipes in the entire book, but especially: Big Al's Pico, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Pickle Chicken Bites, Baked Goat Cheese Pasta, Rosemary Garlic Butter Bath Biscuits, Chuckwagon Brownies, Cherry Pie Cookie Bars AND Maple Pancake Cake!
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,099 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2024
3.5 stars for me. I still love so many of her recipes for me personally, but a lot of them in this book not sure my family would take on :) I have tried a couple and they were divine for me, but just ok for most of my family. There are a lot of "fancier" and veggie type ingredients which is a hard sell for some in our home ha ha.
But I love the idea that these are more simple, empty nester type recipes now that she has no kids at home anymore. Most are simple ingredients and I love that she shows pictures with every step by step instruction with the recipe. Will record on her recipes we really or I really loved.
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,289 reviews174 followers
October 30, 2023
This is my favorite Ree cookbook. There are so many fast, fun meals, and I have loved everything so far. I can't wait to share this one with my friends for Christmas this is the perfect Christmas gift. I love the step-by-step pictures showing you everything along the way.
5 stars and I will be recommending this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Profile Image for Michele A..
2,870 reviews15 followers
January 6, 2024
A cookbook with a really broad range of recipes to choose from. I liked that all of them were given in step-by-step directions with pictures. I also liked that there was a lot of different recipes to choose from. I will definitely be trying quite a few of these. I also liked how she gave variations to her recipes at the end of the recipe. None of the recipes seem complicated or overly time consuming. Decided to read it to try and find some new recipes to start out 2024.
Profile Image for Nancy .
148 reviews
January 31, 2024
I received this as a gift and my friend even had it inscribed for me. (Thank you, Mary!) I think this is my favorite cookbook of hers so far. The photos are beautiful. The captions are clever. The family photos are sprinkled throughout and they’re sweet. I love how Ree’s personality comes through in her recipes and in her descriptions. I especially like the step by step photos included with the instructions. These are not complicated recipes and they all look delicious and achievable.
Profile Image for Briel.
315 reviews10 followers
March 20, 2024
Packed with easy yet delicious looking recipes that appeal to all sorts of palettes. I often struggle with Ree’s cookbooks as they can sometimes come off as one note in terms of flavor profiles but I really think she hit the nail on the head for this one and delivered as promised. I’m going to buy this one and add it to my collection because there were a ton of recipes that look perfect for my family’s lifestyle.
Profile Image for Kristina.
116 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2024
I loved this book! It took me two hours to read it from cover to cover. Dinner’s Ready is very engaging. Like all of her recipe books, Ree Drummond incorporates humor, life updates, gorgeous photographs, beautiful colors & contemporary design to really appealing comfort food dishes.

I was a bit skeptical of 112 recipes that are fast & easy, but I found so many I want to try. If you want to be both entertained & fed well, get this book!
Profile Image for Kate.
374 reviews
November 3, 2023
I usually like many of her recipes. This collection by in large didn't excite me. Lots of processed food included. I know it's picky but her photography is usually quite good, but the pictures in this book are not color corrected and by in large are very orangey and give the book a kind of dated 70's look. Maybe that was intentional?
Profile Image for Sara.
1,823 reviews14 followers
November 28, 2023
I wasn’t impressed with the last few cookbooks by this author, but this book intrigued me. She has no more kids living at home so her cooking has changed and she’s using more processed foods in the recipes. She seems a little sad too. So different from previous books. But I would definitely try some of these. Perhaps soon.
3 reviews
December 21, 2023
What an amazing cookbook! I love Ree's recipes, but this cookbook has tons of family photos as well. (I can't believe all the kids are grown and away - I've been a fan forever, and it's been fun watching them grow up). As always, the recipes are easy to put together with lots of variation suggestions at the end of each recipe. It's a great addition to my cookbook collection.
Profile Image for Rachel.
24 reviews
January 8, 2024
Just like all of her other cookbooks, this one is amazing & makes me want to try everything. I love the images w/ each step of recipes. The pictures of her family has me in tears seeing her little kids not so little any more 🤣❤️… I checked this out from library but find myself wanting to purchase to add to my cookbook collection. because I really do want to try almost all of these recipes!
Profile Image for What Angie Reads.
558 reviews17 followers
February 17, 2024
I do not give 5 stars easily but this cookbook has a lot of great recipes in it. Very easy and fast. Although I am a good cook, I asked Santa for this. I've loved Ree for many years, and enjoy all of her books. My son loves her kids series too.
I'll never be "done" reading this, but I finally put it on my bookshelf after making a few things out of it.
Profile Image for Carol.
495 reviews
April 3, 2024
I enjoy reading cookbooks and this was a delicious read! Ree Drummond shares recipes coming from her empty nester kitchen, as well as family photos that reveal more about her life in Oklahoma. Always happy to find a few new recipes and interest me....the question is weather or not I will cook/bake them!
Profile Image for Sydna.
280 reviews22 followers
October 27, 2023
I've reached the age in my life and kitchen where I don't necessarily want something fussy. I've become my mom 😂. I appreciate these recipes for that reason. Already have quite a few on the menu. P dub is reliable with her recipes and tricks!
Profile Image for Jodie.
2,018 reviews
November 26, 2023
This one has some great looking recipes that I can't wait to try. The potato nachos look amazing! I really enjoy her down to earth recipes, and I love that she uses things you can find at the store combined with fresh cooked.
Profile Image for Sandy.
911 reviews
December 2, 2023
I always think I will find something new to cook when I read a cookbook but there is usually something that doesn't make a recipe work for me. I am going to try one with an adjustment. I think this cookbook was just well written and beautiful illustrations.
Profile Image for Tena Edlin.
828 reviews
December 2, 2023
Not my favorite of Ree’s cookbooks, but they’re always entertaining reads, and I did dog-ear several recipes to try.

Side note/self-reflection question: Why do I dog-ear cookbooks shamelessly, but I never dog-ear any other genre of book??? 🤔🤔🤔
Profile Image for Tzigane Monda.
99 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2024
I am a Pioneer Woman fan 🤷🏻‍♀️💕 I have every one of her cookbooks and love them all. This one has some great recipes in it and several that I’ll use. Also love all the stories and pictures of her life and family
Profile Image for Kristi Lindzy.
181 reviews
January 17, 2024
I can't wait to try a lot of these recipes!! I really enjoy a cookbook with a lot of pictures and this one has step by step... not to mention cute stories about her family to go with the recipes and pictures. Winner, winner!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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