When it comes to nostalgic dinners—the ones that make us think of crowding around the dinner table with family—we’ve all got our favorites. For some folks, it’s lasagna or sloppy joes. For me, it’s one of these ’80s-style dishes, like chicken divan. If you ask the Pioneer Woman, aka Ree Drummond, it’s another comforting classic: chicken spaghetti.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti
Ree told Taste of Home, that chicken spaghetti is “one of those tastes of childhood…I take a bite and I still feel like I’m seven.” According to Ree, this dish is still a regular at her family dinner table.
Chicken spaghetti, for the unfamiliar, is one of those hearty meals served up in a trusty 13×9 pan. Recipes vary, but you can always count on chicken, spaghetti, a can of cream soup, a handful of veggies and a generous topping of cheese. This is our favorite take on the recipe, but you can try Ree’s, too. Hers gets an extra boost of flavor thanks to some green peppers and cayenne. The best part of both of these recipes: They can easily be prepped in advance—perfect for busy nights.
Take a peek at these prep-and-freeze meals, too.
Ree’s Nostalgic Kitchen
Of course, chicken spaghetti isn’t the only nostalgic dish that Ree enjoys. “There were a lot of memorable meals that really informed the things that I cook for my family,” she said. “The things my grandma, my mom and her friends made are so much a part of my kitchen.”
So it’s no surprise that Ree creates her own take on traditional comfort food meals, like lasagna. Check out how we liked Ree’s take on it. These hearty, flavorful recipes have become part of the Pioneer Woman signature, though Ree always adds a bit of her ranch-style flair. That means something a bit hearty, fresh or spicy, like chipotles in adobo—one of Ree’s favorite ingredients.
Check out Ree’s favorite comfort foods here.
Remember These Retro Casseroles?
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Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini
Your family will flip over this turkey and mushroom casserole. In fact, the creamy Parmesan-topped tetrazzini is so satisfying, no one will suspect it's lower in fat! —Irene Banegas, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Scalloped Pineapple Casserole
My family can't get enough of this sweet and satisfying side dish. This casserole disappears quickly whenever I prepare it.—Judy Howle, Columbus, Mississippi
Tuna Mushroom Casserole
I love to serve this dressed-up version of a tuna casserole. The green beans add nice texture, color and flavor. The first time I made this dish, my uncle asked for seconds even though tuna casseroles are not usually his favorite. —Jone Furlong, Santa Rosa, California
Creamy Carrot Casserole
My mom and I developed this recipe to see if there was a carrot dish that even people who don't care for carrots would enjoy. So far, I haven't met anyone who hasn't liked this casserole. —Laurie Heward, Fillmore, Utah
Grandma's Poultry Dressing
Every family seems to have its own favorite dressing recipe which becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe! —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Chicken Casserole
The original old family recipe for this casserole called for the sauce to be made from scratch. Through the years, I developed this version that takes less time to prepare and still tastes great. It's an attractive main dish. —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan
Green Bean Casserole
This easy green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes. You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
This is my favorite summertime supper because I can use peppers and tomatoes fresh from my garden.—Betty DeRoad, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Calico Squash Casserole
I love to try out different recipes for the squash I grow in my garden. It's fun to bring this beautiful casserole to potlucks because I know it'll go fast. Even the little ones like it. —Lucille Terry, Frankfort, Kentucky
Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Sweet Potatoes au Gratin
This rich, sweet potato casserole couldn't be any easier to make—or more delicious to eat! —Patti Kirchhoff, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it. I added the parsley and the thyme, and now my husband and five children request it. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington
Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's also just too good not to make often for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Crouton Tomato Casserole
This old-fashioned side uses lots of delicious tomatoes and seasonings that give it an Italian twist. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe. —Norma Nelson, Punta Gorda, Florida
Cauliflower Casserole
To dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces and crushed cornflakes. We enjoyed this casserole so much that leftovers were rare. -Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Everyone who tries this comforting, cheesy chicken and noodle casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel like I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Traditional Lasagna
My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois
Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes
Mom always managed to put a delicious hearty meal on the table for us and for our farmhands. This all-in-one comforting pork chops recipe reminds me of home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Wild Rice Mushroom Bake
The wild rice adds a wonderful flavor to this casserole. I like to serve it on special occasions. —Jann Marie Foster, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Pineapple Ham Casserole
Living in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. It's our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii
Makeover Shrimp Rice Casserole
Marie Roberts of Lake Charles, Louisiana loves the lighter version of her shrimp casserole. And why not? It has only half the calories and sodium and 76% less fat than her original recipe. — Taste of Home's Test Kitchen
Cabbage Roll Casserole
I layer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia
Mushroom-Stuffed Tomatoes
This side dish is inexpensive, quick to prepare and always a favorite. With plenty of mushrooms, the cheesy mixture stuffed into tomatoes is really decadent. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
Favorite Baked Spaghetti
This yummy baked spaghetti casserole will be requested again and again for potlucks and family gatherings. It's especially popular with my grandchildren, who just love baked spaghetti with all the cheese. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Creamy Turkey Casserole
I sometimes make turkey just so I have the extras for the casserole! —Mary Jo O'Brien, Hastings, Minnesota
Pearl Onion Broccoli Bake
With its creamy white cheese sauce and buttery crumb topping, this dish is great comfort food. If you’re looking for a mild way to dress up broccoli, this is the recipe. —Charles Keating, Manchester, Maryland
Chicken Potpie Casserole
I always have leftover chicken broth on hand and use it for many things, including this comforting family favorite. You can bake your own biscuits, like I do, or buy them at the store. I like to bake extra biscuits to eat with butter and jam. —Liliane Jahnke, Cypress, Texas
Baked Corn Pudding
Here's a sweet corn pudding that can turn even ordinary meals into something to celebrate. A yuletide favorite with our entire family, this baked corn casserole spoons up as sweet and creamy as custard. Guests give it rave reviews and always ask for the recipe. —Peggy West, Georgetown, Delaware
Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole
People who don’t even usually like broccoli casserole beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Meatballs in Plum Sauce
A tasty sauce made of plum jam and chili sauce coats these moist meatballs beautifully. Make sure these delightful appetizers are on your holiday menus. —Mary Poninski, Whittington, Illinois
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Dijon Scalloped Potatoes
My family loves this creamy and colorful recipe for cheesy potatoes. It has both sweet and white potatoes, lots of rich, buttery flavor and a pretty, golden-crumb topping. —Carolyn Putnam, Norwalk, Ohio
Turkey Spaghetti Casserole
My mom made this creamy comforting dish when I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple, yet tasty, filling dish. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake
I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Cornbread Stuffing
At least 10 of us women made this old-fashioned dressing to feed over 1,500 people at our church's fall festival. Everyone thought it was wonderful. It's the best dressing I've ever made. —Patty Kierce, Weir, Texas
Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Makeover Tater-Topped Casserole
I love Tater Tot casserole, but wanted a lighter version of the recipe. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen slashed the fat in this classic dish, while keeping all the Tots my family loves. Who know you could have healthy Tater Tots?! —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Hearty Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This gooey casserole is so hearty and homey, second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California
Aunt Margaret's Sweet Potato Casserole
My great-aunt made an incredible sweet potato casserole for our holiday dinners. I’ve lightened it up a bit, but we love it just the same. —Beth Britton, Fairlawn, Ohio
Sweet Corn and Potato Gratin
This tasty potato gratin side dish combines great garlic and onion flavor, and kids love the nice crispy topping, too! —Jennifer Olson, Pleasanton, California
Mom's Chicken Tetrazzini
Rotisserie chicken turns this baked spaghetti into a warm, cozy meal our family craves. If we have leftover turkey, we use that, too. —Jennifer Petrino, Newnan, Georgia
Scalloped Sweet Corn Casserole
This is my Grandma Ostendorf's corn recipe I grew up enjoying. Now a grandmother myself, I still serve this comfy, delicious side as a family classic. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
In our house, Brussels sprouts have always been popular. When I topped them with a creamy sauce, Swiss cheese and bread crumbs, it became a new holiday dinner tradition. —Gwen Gregory, Rio Oso, California
Baked Orange Roughy and Rice
It might sound too good to be true, but we're crossing our hearts when we tell you this delectable fish dinner will dirty just one dish. Your brood will be lining up to dig in once they see (and smell) the results! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tater Tot Casseroles
Ground beef, sausage, cheese, and, of course, Tater Tots make this classic casserole a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois
Beefy Noodle Casserole
When life calls for a potluck dish or family event, we stir up a batch of beef and noodles. That’s our cheesy, bubbly comfort food. —Susan Lavery, McKinney, TX
The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
What makes this the best out of all the scalloped potatoes recipes out there? I slice them extra thin and toss them in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Then, to make them the best ever, I sprinkle homemade bread crumbs on top—they get nice and crispy in the oven. Make room for these at all your family get-togethers. —Aria Thornton, Taste of Home Prep Cook
Swiss Corn Casserole
My mom shared this recipe with me back in the '80s and now it's a Turkey Day mainstay. We freeze locally grown corn during peak season, and I love to use it in this special side. —Wendy Young, Cordova, Maryland
Creamy Green Chile Chicken Cobbler
Biscuity crumbs take this family-friendly combo of rotisserie chicken and cheesy, creamy green enchilada sauce over the top. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Gratin
Thanks to a challenge in the TOH community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I've started growing them in my garden and have been having fun experimenting with them. This recipe is one of my “experiments,” and turned out to be something we really enjoy! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
The post This Is Ree Drummond’s Favorite Childhood Meal appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski