Everyday Cooking

Everyday Cooking

The Pioneer Woman's Best Make-Ahead Dinners

Posted by Brent Furdyk on September 1, 2017

Ree Drummond is a huge fan of make-ahead meals, and we are too! But not just any recipe will do. Luckily, we've got the best of the best from The Pioneer Woman. A fabulous feast that’s already been prepared — what’s better than that?

  • Baked Ziti
     
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    Baked Ziti

    <p>The taste of Italy comes alive in this gooey baked pasta dish. “I like baked ziti to be almost like lasagna that forgot to use lasagna noodles,” quips Ree. Messy. Decadent. <em>Ridiculous</em>. In every good sense of the word.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-ziti/19122/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Baked Ziti</strong></a></p>
  • Brie and Broccoli Quiche
     
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    Brie and Broccoli Quiche

    <p>A rich, flavourful quiche is an ideal dish to make ahead of time and reheat later. Ree’s inventive recipe uses thick slices of chopped Brie – instead of typical Gouda or cheddar – which delivers a velvety smooth texture that’s tough to beat.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ree-drummonds-brie-and-broccoli-quiche/19640/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Brie and Broccoli Quiche</strong></a></p>
  • Brisket Tostadas
     
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    Brisket Tostadas

    <p>Slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth brisket is the star of these crunchy beef tostadas. Cook the brisket ahead of time and reheat to create easy-to-assemble tostadas for a Mexican-style meal that kids will adore. The brisket can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, or freeze for later use.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brisket-tostadas/15517/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Brisket Tostadas</strong></a></p>
  • Burgundy Beef Stew
     
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    Burgundy Beef Stew

    <p>Ree puts a <em>Pioneer Woman</em> spin on an iconic French classic, a rich and hearty stew that’s bursting with bacon, chuck roast, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms and Burgundy wine. <em>C’est délicieux!</em></p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/burgundy-beef-stew/19589/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Burgundy Beef Stew</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
     
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    Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

    <p>Be honest: it probably never occurred to you to turn chicken cordon bleu into a delicious casserole that’s a meal unto itself. Luckily for us, The Pioneer Woman had the idea and the result is this spectacular spin on an old classic that turns up the heat with a bit of cayenne. Use leftover cooked chicken to make this casserole even easier.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole/18532/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • French Onion Soup
     
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    French Onion Soup

    <p>French onion soup is the perfect dish to make ahead of time; heat up the pre-made soup, top with cheese and croutons and prepare for a fabulously elegant meal that can be enjoyed in no time at all.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-french-onion-soup/15658/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's French Onion Soup</strong></a></p>
  • Leek and Potato Casserole
     
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    Leek and Potato Casserole

    <p>Casseroles are a natural when it comes to dinners that can be prepared ahead of time, and this savoury sensation, flavoured with leeks, is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leek-and-potato-casserole/20071/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Leek and Potato Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • Mashed Potatoes Two Ways
     
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    Mashed Potatoes Two Ways

    <p>Mashed potatoes are a favourite side dish on most dinner tables, and Ree serves up a pair of recipes demonstrating how easy it is to whip up a flavourful batch of creamy potatoes ahead of time.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mashed-potatoes-two-ways/17571/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Mashed Potatoes Two Ways</strong></a></p>
  • Mexican Macaroni Salad
     
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    Mexican Macaroni Salad

    <p>“I’ve made this simple pasta salad for years and years, and have always loved the heck out of it,” says Ree of this make-ahead favourite. “It’s zippy, flavourful and fun, and is as delicious by itself as it is alongside grilled chicken, shrimp or steaks.”</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mexican-macaroni-salad/15568/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Mexican Macaroni Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Mini Meatball Pasta Bake
     
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    Mini Meatball Pasta Bake

    <p>Ree Drummond describes this baked pasta dish with miniature meatballs and big hunks of mozzarella as “super simple, super hearty and exceedingly family friendly.” Baking it in the oven makes “the heavens open up,” she says. “It’s delicious!”</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-meatball-pasta-bake/20523/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Mini Meatball Pasta Bake</strong></a></p>
  • Pizza Pockets
     
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    Pizza Pockets

    <p>You’ll never stuff your freezer with store-bought pizza pockets again after seeing how simple to make — and how delicious to taste — these little beauties are.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pizza-pockets/15650/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Pizza Pockets</strong></a></p>
  • Potluck Meatballs
     
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    Potluck Meatballs

    <p>These hearty meatballs in a thick, zesty sauce are the perfect main course that can be made ahead of time and reheated in a jiffy. They are also perfect for freezing.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/potluck-meatballs/15525/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Potluck Meatballs</strong></a></p>
  • Slow Cooker Baked Beans
     
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    Slow Cooker Baked Beans

    <p>A slow cooker is an essential piece of kitchen equipment when it comes to mastering make-ahead meals and Ree’s recipe for sweet-and-savoury baked beans make the ultimate summertime barbecue side dish or comfort-food favourite in the colder months.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-baked-beans/20516/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Slow Cooker Baked Beans</strong></a></p>
  • Tamale Pie
     
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    Tamale Pie

    <p>This make-ahead Tex-Mex dish is a meal unto itself, with corn, ground beef, tomatoes, poblano peppers, veggies and kidney beans baked into a savoury crust made from corn flour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tamale-pie-/18531/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Tamale Pie</strong></a></p>
  • Twice Baked Potato Casserole
     
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    Twice Baked Potato Casserole

    <p>You can thank the enduring awesomeness of bacon and a mixture of cheddar and jack cheese (if you’re feeling adventurous) for the intensely delicious flavour of this casserole that’s the ideal make-ahead side dish.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/twice-baked-potato-casserole/15582/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Twice-Baked Potato Casserole</strong></a></p>
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