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Do you ever find yourself in the kitchen at the end of a long day, staring blankly into the fridge and cupboards and wondering how on earth you’re going to muster the energy to make dinner? We’ve been there (a few times a week, to be honest), and it’s hard not to break down and order take-out or pop a frozen pizza in the oven when you’re too zonked to think of what to make for supper. But we don’t always have the budget for constant take out, and even frozen pizza gets old after awhile. That’s why we have a selection of go-to easy dinner recipes from The Pioneer Woman bookmarked that we can throw together in a pinch even when our energy is at a low. Sure, it may not be a Julia Child-approved meal, but these recipes are fast, delicious, and more affordable than relying on delivery and take out all the time,
The author of cookbooks like The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Super Easy!: 120 Shortcut Recipes for Dinners, Desserts, and More and The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Dinner’s Ready!: 112 Fast and Fabulous Recipes for Slightly Impatient Home Cooks, Ree Drummond knows a thing or two about getting dinner on the table in a hurry. Even better, these easy recipes are great for teens and tweens who are learning to cook to try their hand at. Make a few of these super simple dinner recipes together, then let them choose one to make on their own once they’ve mastered the basics.
From slow cooker staples to sheet pan suppers, check out some of The Pioneer Woman’s best easy meals and simple recipes below. You’ll leave the dinner table satisfied, without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
No fussy bechamel sauce, no long baking time, no giant pasta pot that barely fits in the sink when you’re done — the Pioneer Woman’s Instant Pot mac and cheese is as simple as it gets, but still has that creamy, comforting, cheesy flavor.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Caprese Chicken
It may sound fancy, but this caprese chicken is ready to eat in under 30 minutes. Chicken is topped with melty mozzarella and basil, then served with a simple tomato salad that stars store-bought pesto.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Air Fryer Salmon
Really pressed for time? This air fryer salmon from The Pioneer Woman is ready in just ten minutes.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Taco Pie
Refrigerated crescent roll dough forms the crust of this taco pie. Drummond uses her own spice blend for the ground beef, but you can use store-bought taco seasoning to make things even simpler.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients list. Everything in this beef stew recipe gets chucked into the slow cooker, and the only work you need to do is stir it half way through the cooking time.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
Make a big batch of The Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker barbecue chicken, and you can use it in dinners all week. Add it to sandwiches, quesadillas, rice bowls, and more.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi
With a fifteen minute prep time, this sheet pan gnocchi is an easy way to shake up your usual weeknight meal routine. You don’t need to boil the gnocchi ahead of time, saving you dishes.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Who knew you could make roasted meats in the air fryer? Brush pork tenderloin with oil and sprinkle it with The Pioneer Woman’s signature spice rub or your own favorite jarred spice blend, then cook it for 20-25 minutes total in the air fryer. Serve with some steam-in-bag frozen veggies and rice or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a satisfying and easy meal.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Pierogi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner
Frozen pierogi and kielbasa sausage form the base of this simple sheet pan recipe. Cabbage and onions add some veg to the mix, and a honey mustard dressing ties everything together.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Pan Fried Ribeye Steaks
You might not think of steak as an easy weeknight meal, but with The Pioneer Woman’s pan-fry method, you can have succulent steaks on the table in 15 minutes.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
The Pioneer Woman makes these nachos on the grill, but you can pop them in the oven for a fun and easy weeknight meal. Rotisserie chicken is tossed with barbecue sauce, becoming a flavorful topping for this simple meal.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls
Frozen or bagged microwavable rice makes this a fast and easy meal. Salmon gets brushed with a flavorful honey ginger sauce before roasting. Once it’s done (in less than 15 minutes), serve the salmon over rice with cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Air Fryer Sourdough Grilled Cheese
If you like your grilled cheese with extra crispy bread, then try out this air fryer grilled cheese recipe. The sourdough bread and blend of smoked gouda and sharp cheddar make it more exciting than your average grilled cheese, and this is one recipe the kids can definitely help make or make on their own.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
Transform store-bought ravioli into a memorable meal with Drummond’s simple black pepper and pecorino cream sauce.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Need a fast and flavorful vegetable side dish? Try The Pioneer Woman’s air fryer asparagus, which is ready in 20 minutes.
Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
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