Ep 1. One-Pot Wonders

In The Pioneer Woman season 20 episode 1, titled "One-Pot Wonders," host Ree Drummond showcases a variety of one-pot recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Ree demonstrates how to make six different one-pot meals, including a savory chicken and noodles dish, a hearty beef and lentil stew, and a creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta.

First up is Ree's chicken and noodles dish, which she prepares in a Dutch oven. She starts by cooking diced bacon until crispy and then removes it from the pot. Next, she browns bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in the bacon fat, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and garlic. Once the chicken is browned, Ree adds sliced onions and mushrooms to the pot and cooks them until softened. Then she adds chicken broth and egg noodles to the pot, along with a sprig of fresh thyme, and lets everything simmer together until the noodles are cooked through. Finally, Ree stirs in some cream and the crispy bacon to add extra flavor and creaminess to the dish.

Next, Ree makes a comforting beef and lentil stew in a large stockpot. She starts by browning chunks of beef chuck roast in the pot, along with diced onions and garlic. Then she adds diced carrots and celery, along with dried lentils, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes. She also adds in some spices like cumin and red pepper flakes to give the stew a little kick. She lets everything simmer together for a few hours, until the beef is tender and the lentils are cooked through. This hearty stew is perfect for a cold winter night.

Ree also shows viewers how to make a delicious shrimp Alfredo pasta in a large skillet. She starts by cooking diced bacon until crispy and then removing it from the pan. Then she adds minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper to the pan and cooks them until they're softened. Next, she adds shrimp to the pan and cooks them until pink and just cooked through. Finally, Ree adds cooked pasta to the pan, along with cream, Parmesan cheese, and the crispy bacon. She stirs everything together until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is coated in sauce.

In addition to these savory dishes, Ree also makes a cheesy tortellini soup, a spicy sausage and bean skillet, and a flavorful Mexican-style rice dish. Each of these one-pot wonders is full of flavor and easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious meal without a lot of fuss.

Overall, season 20 episode 1 of The Pioneer Woman is a must-watch for anyone looking for tasty and easy one-pot meal recipes. Ree Drummond's warm and welcoming demeanor, combined with her expert cooking skills, make this episode a delight to watch. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you're sure to find inspiration in this episode.