’ve officially turned my kitchen into a mini-Pawhuska this month. My oven hasn’t had a day off, and my dishwasher is working overtime, but it was all in the name of a very important mission: finding the absolute best-of-the-best Ree Drummond casseroles.
I didn’t just read these recipes—I tested them. I’ve dealt with the cheese pulls, timed the “bubbling-hot” factor, and most importantly, served them to the toughest critics I know (my family). From the legendary Chicken Spaghetti to a few hidden gems that deserve a spot on your weekly rotation, these are the 10 dishes that survived my “Test Kitchen” and came out on top.
If you’re looking for recipes that are truly “tried and true,” grab your butter and let’s dive in.
My “Test Kitchen” Criteria:
- The “Busy Parent” Clock: Does it actually take as little time as Ree says?
- The Fridge Test: Does it taste just as good (or better) as leftovers the next day?
- The “Empty Plate” Factor: Did the family ask for seconds, or were there crickets?
The Top 10 Winners
1. Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
This is the dish that finally ended the “marshmallow vs. pecan” debate in my house. Unlike the heavy, dense mashes I’ve made before, Ree’s version is light and whipped—almost like a soufflé. The real winner, though, is the crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping that creates a perfect crust over the creamy potatoes.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: I prepped the potato base a full day in advance and just added the topping before baking. It saved me so much counter space, and the flavors actually tasted deeper after sitting overnight!
2. Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
If you love the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls but hate the tedious rolling process, this “unstuffed” version is a total game-changer. When I tested this in my kitchen, I was shocked at how the simple combination of ground beef, rice, and shredded cabbage transformed into such a savory, soul-warming meal in just one pan.
It has that signature tangy-sweet tomato sauce that Ree is known for, which caramelizes perfectly around the edges of the dish. It’s rustic, filling, and—most importantly—takes about half the effort of the original version.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway:
The secret is in the cabbage “crunch.” I found that chopping the cabbage into bite-sized ribbons rather than fine shreds helped it hold its texture against the hearty meat sauce, so it didn’t get mushy during the bake. It’s even better the next day!
3. Pioneer Woman Zucchini Casserole Recipe
I’ve always struggled to get my family excited about zucchini, but this recipe changed everything. It’s basically a “stealth vegetable” dish—Ree smothers the zucchini in a creamy, cheesy sauce and tops it with a buttery cracker crust that provides the most satisfying crunch.
When I made this, I was worried it might turn out watery (the classic zucchini curse), but the richness of the sour cream and cheddar kept everything perfectly thick and velvety. It’s the ultimate way to use up a garden harvest without it feeling like “health food.”
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: To keep it from getting soggy, I salted my zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then patted them dry before layering. This one extra step ensured the casserole stayed creamy, not watery—and there wasn’t a single bite left in the pan!
4. Pioneer Woman Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This is the ultimate “weekend morning” win. It takes everything you love about a hearty ranch breakfast—sausage, eggs, and plenty of cheese—and tops it with a glorious, golden layer of frozen tater tots. When I pulled this out of the oven, the smell of browning sausage and crispy potatoes had everyone at the table in record time.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: The key is the tater tot placement! I made sure to pack them tightly on top to get that maximum crunch-to-egg ratio. I also found that using a spicy breakfast sausage adds a nice kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that looks way more impressive than the effort it actually takes.
5. Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
If you’re looking for the definition of “kid-friendly,” this is it. It’s the ultimate cozy mashup of creamy chicken pot pie and crispy fries. When I made this, I loved how the sauce—made with a hit of sour cream and cheddar—coated the chicken without making the whole dish feel heavy. It’s pure, nostalgic comfort food that took me less than 15 minutes to prep.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: The secret to the perfect “Ree-style” finish is making sure your oven is hot enough to really crisp up those tots! I also threw in a handful of frozen peas and carrots to add some color and a little extra nutrition. It’s one of those rare meals where “easy” and “delicious” actually mean the same thing.
6. Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This recipe is for everyone who loves the flavor of stuffed peppers but doesn’t have the patience to actually stuff them. When I tested this, I was thrilled to find it has all the classic components—savory ground beef, tender rice, and bright bell peppers—all tossed together in one glorious pan. It’s hearty, colorful, and feels like a much “fancier” meal than the 15-minute prep time suggests.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: I used a mix of red, orange, and green peppers to give the dish some visual pop and a variety of sweetness. Also, don’t be afraid to let the cheese get those slightly browned, caramelized spots on top; that’s where the best flavor hides!
7. Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole
This is my absolute go-to when my family is craving Mexican food but I don’t have the energy for a full taco bar. It’s a vibrant, zesty bake that layers tender chicken with corn, beans, and plenty of gooey Monterey Jack. When I pulled this out of the oven, the smoky aroma of cumin and chili powder filled the whole house—it’s basically a fiesta in a 13×9 pan.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: To give it that authentic “Pioneer Woman” flair, I topped the casserole with a massive handful of crushed tortilla chips for the last 10 minutes of baking. It adds an incredible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro, and I promise there won’t be any leftovers!
8. Pioneer Woman Wild Rice Casserole
This dish is the sophisticated cousin of the classic chicken-and-rice bake. It’s earthy, nutty, and incredibly creamy, thanks to that signature Ree Drummond touch of using real butter and fresh mushrooms. When I made this at home, I was struck by how much “fancier” it felt than a standard weeknight meal, yet it still delivered that deep, cozy satisfaction you want from a casserole.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: Wild rice can be a bit stubborn, so I made sure to cook it until it was just starting to burst before mixing it into the casserole. This kept the texture firm and nutty rather than mushy. If you want to take it over the top, follow my lead and add a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds on top for an extra layer of crunch!
9. Pioneer Woman Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Forget those bland, watery tuna bakes from school cafeterias—Ree’s version is a total glow-up. When I tested this at home, I was impressed by how the sharp cheddar and pimento peppers added a modern, zesty kick to the nostalgic creamy base. It’s thick, savory, and exactly the kind of “pantry staple” meal you need when the fridge is looking a little empty.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: The secret to avoiding a mushy mess is to undercook your egg noodles by about two minutes before tossing them in the sauce. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, absorbing all that creamy goodness while staying perfectly al dente. I also swapped the traditional breadcrumbs for crushed potato chips on top—the salty crunch is a total game-changer!
10. Pioneer Woman Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
This is the ultimate “emergency dinner” that tastes like it took hours. It’s a Southern classic that Ree has perfected with a sauce that is velvety, rich, and slightly tangy. When I whipped this up, I loved how the poppy seeds added those tiny, sophisticated pops of texture against the tender chicken and creamy backdrop.
My Test Kitchen Takeaway: The Ritz cracker topping is the star here, but don’t be shy with the butter! I make sure every single cracker crumb is coated before layering them on. I also found that using a rotisserie chicken makes this a 10-minute prep job, perfect for those nights when you’re running between school and activities. It’s pure, buttery bliss.
Top 3 Tips for Casserole Success
After testing all ten of these, I’ve picked up a few “pro-tips” that apply to almost every Ree Drummond bake:
- The 13×9 Rule: Most of these are designed for a standard 13×9-inch pan. If you use a smaller dish, your cooking time will increase, and you risk a messy “bubble-over” in your oven.
- The “Rest” Period: It’s tempting to dive in immediately, but let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the sauce to set so you don’t end up with a soupy plate.
- Keep a “Topping Stash”: Ree loves a crunch. Keep a box of Ritz crackers, a bag of frozen tater tots, and some extra sharp cheddar in your pantry at all times—you’ll use them for almost every recipe on this list!
Final Thoughts: Why These Recipes Win
If my “test kitchen” experiment taught me anything, it’s that Ree Drummond knows exactly how we want to eat. These recipes aren’t about being fancy or using ingredients you can’t find at a local grocery store. They are about feeding people you love with food that actually tastes good.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or just someone who really appreciates a good cheese pull, these 10 casseroles are the “holy grail” of weeknight dinner solutions.
Which one are you making first?
I’d love to hear which of these becomes a staple in your house! Did the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole win over your brunch crowd, or did the Tex-Mex Chicken disappear in minutes?
Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite “P-Town” pan dinner!
A “Freezer-Friendly” Table
| Recipe | Freezer Friendly? | Best Way to Reheat |
| Poppy Seed Chicken | Yes (Before baking) | Oven at 350°F |
| Tuna Noodle | Yes (Undercook noodles) | Microwave or Oven |
| Tex-Mex Chicken | Yes | Oven (Add fresh chips after) |
| Stuffed Cabbage | Absolutely | Microwave (Flavors deepen!) |
