Ree Drummond, the beloved Pioneer Woman, has captivated audiences with her down-to-earth cooking style, heartwarming stories, and delicious recipes. Her simple yet satisfying dishes have become a staple in many households, and fans are always eager to uncover the secrets behind her culinary success. One question that frequently surfaces among home cooks is: What marinara sauce does Ree Drummond use? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as Ree herself has demonstrated a love for both homemade and store-bought options, showcasing a practical approach to cooking that resonates with busy families.
Delving into Ree’s Marinara Preferences
Ree Drummond’s approach to marinara sauce is refreshingly realistic. She appreciates the convenience of store-bought options while also championing the unparalleled flavor of homemade sauce. This duality reflects her understanding of the demands of modern life, where time is often a precious commodity. Let’s explore both aspects of her marinara preferences.
The Allure of Store-Bought Marinara: A Time-Saver’s Delight
For quick weeknight meals and busy schedules, Ree frequently turns to store-bought marinara sauce. While she hasn’t explicitly endorsed one specific brand above all others, her recipes and blog posts offer clues about her go-to choices. She seems to favor brands that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and a balanced flavor profile.
Why Store-Bought? Ree understands that not everyone has the time to simmer a homemade sauce for hours. Store-bought options offer a convenient and reliable alternative, allowing home cooks to whip up delicious meals without sacrificing flavor.
When choosing a store-bought marinara, Ree likely looks for certain qualities. She values a sauce that is made with vine-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. A sauce with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor profile is also appealing, as it complements a wide range of dishes.
Brands to Consider: While Ree hasn’t publicly declared her ultimate favorite, several brands align with her emphasis on quality and flavor. Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce is a popular choice among food enthusiasts for its simple ingredients and rich flavor. Another strong contender is Muir Glen Organic Marinara Sauce, which offers a certified organic option made with vine-ripened tomatoes. Other brands like Classico and Prego are also widely available and offer various marinara options to suit different tastes and budgets.
Embracing Homemade Goodness: Ree’s Marinara Recipe Inspirations
When time allows, Ree Drummond loves to create her own homemade marinara sauce. This allows her to control the ingredients and tailor the flavor to her exact preferences. Her website and cookbooks feature several variations of marinara sauce recipes, each with its own unique twist.
Key Ingredients and Techniques: Ree’s homemade marinara sauces typically start with a base of fresh or canned tomatoes. She often incorporates ingredients like onions, garlic, olive oil, and a blend of Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. Some recipes also include a touch of sugar or red pepper flakes to balance the acidity and add a hint of sweetness or spice.
The secret to Ree’s flavorful marinara lies in the slow simmering process. She allows the sauce to simmer for several hours, which allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. This low and slow cooking method creates a rich, complex sauce that is far superior to anything you can buy in a jar.
Ree’s Signature Marinara Touches: Ree often adds her own personal touches to her marinara sauce, such as a splash of red wine or a knob of butter. These small additions can make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the sauce. She also encourages home cooks to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create a marinara sauce that is truly their own.
Ree’s Marinara in Action: Recipes and Meal Ideas
Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. From classic pasta dishes to creative casseroles, marinara sauce is a staple in her kitchen.
Pasta Perfection: Ree’s Favorite Pasta Dishes with Marinara
Ree’s website is brimming with pasta recipes featuring marinara sauce. One popular option is her Simple Pasta with Marinara Sauce, which showcases the beauty of a classic dish. She also uses marinara in her Baked Ziti, a crowd-pleasing casserole that is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Beyond the Basics: Ree often elevates her pasta dishes with marinara sauce by adding ingredients like meatballs, sausage, or vegetables. She also experiments with different types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, and farfalle.
Casseroles and More: Exploring Marinara’s Versatility
Marinara sauce isn’t just for pasta. Ree uses it in a variety of other dishes, including her Pizza Casserole, which is a fun and easy way to make pizza at home. She also uses marinara in her Chicken Parmesan, a classic comfort food that is always a hit.
Creative Applications: Ree’s marinara sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or fried zucchini. It can also be added to soups and stews for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Choosing and Using Marinara Sauce Like Ree Drummond
Whether you’re opting for store-bought or homemade, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing and using marinara sauce like Ree Drummond.
Store-Bought Selection: Key Considerations
When selecting a store-bought marinara sauce, pay attention to the ingredients list. Look for sauces that are made with vine-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Avoid sauces that contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Consider the sodium content, especially if you are watching your salt intake. Opt for lower-sodium options or adjust the seasoning in your recipe accordingly.
Taste Test: If possible, sample different brands of marinara sauce to find one that you truly enjoy. Everyone has different taste preferences, so it’s important to find a sauce that suits your palate.
Homemade Marinara Mastery: Achieving Ree’s Flavor
When making homemade marinara sauce, use high-quality tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are often considered the gold standard for marinara sauce, but any ripe, flavorful tomatoes will work. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create a marinara sauce that is uniquely your own. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of sugar, a splash of red wine, or a knob of butter to enhance the flavor.
Simmering is Key: The key to a great homemade marinara sauce is to simmer it for a long time. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Be patient and let the sauce simmer for at least a few hours, or even longer if you have the time.
Ree Drummond’s Food Philosophy: Simplicity and Flavor
Ree Drummond’s cooking philosophy revolves around simplicity, flavor, and practicality. She believes that anyone can cook delicious meals, regardless of their skill level or experience. Her marinara sauce choices reflect this philosophy, as she embraces both store-bought convenience and homemade goodness.
Embracing the Best of Both Worlds
Ree’s willingness to use both store-bought and homemade marinara sauce is a testament to her realistic approach to cooking. She understands that time is a valuable commodity, and she doesn’t shy away from using shortcuts when necessary. However, she also recognizes the unparalleled flavor of homemade sauce and enjoys making it when she has the time.
Inspiring Home Cooks: Ree’s Legacy
Ree Drummond has inspired countless home cooks to embrace their inner chef and create delicious meals for their families. Her approachable recipes, down-to-earth personality, and practical tips have made her a beloved figure in the culinary world. Her marinara sauce choices, whether store-bought or homemade, are just one example of her commitment to simplicity, flavor, and practicality. By understanding Ree’s preferences and approach, you can elevate your own cooking and create delicious meals that your family will love. Remember, the best marinara sauce is the one that tastes the best to you! Whether it’s Rao’s, Muir Glen, your own homemade recipe, or another brand entirely, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect marinara match.
What makes Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce so popular?
Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce is popular because it combines simplicity with robust flavor. It’s known for using readily available ingredients and offering a straightforward cooking process, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The sauce often emphasizes fresh herbs, quality canned tomatoes, and a balance of sweetness and acidity, creating a versatile base for various Italian-American dishes.
Beyond the recipe itself, Drummond’s approachable personality and engaging presentation on The Pioneer Woman television show have contributed significantly to the sauce’s widespread appeal. She demystifies cooking, making even complex-sounding dishes feel achievable, which encourages viewers to try her marinara sauce recipe and incorporate it into their own culinary repertoire.
Which type of canned tomatoes does Ree Drummond typically use in her marinara sauce?
Ree Drummond generally favors using good-quality crushed tomatoes as the base for her marinara sauce. She often specifies using whole peeled tomatoes that are then crushed by hand or with a potato masher, which allows for more control over the texture and provides a chunkier final product. Using high-quality tomatoes is crucial to achieving the best flavor in the finished sauce.
While crushed tomatoes are her go-to choice, some variations of her recipe may suggest using a combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato puree or even diced tomatoes. The specific type of canned tomato can influence the sauce’s thickness and overall consistency, so it’s always best to refer to the exact ingredients listed in the particular recipe you’re following.
Are there any unique ingredients or techniques that distinguish Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce from other recipes?
While not necessarily “unique” in the strictest sense, Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce often emphasizes the importance of fresh herbs like basil and oregano. She encourages generous use of these herbs to build a bright and aromatic flavor profile. Additionally, her recipes frequently call for a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, which is a common technique in many marinara sauces, but her specific proportion contributes to her signature taste.
Another distinguishing factor is her emphasis on simmering the sauce for an extended period. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, resulting in a richer and more complex marinara sauce. It also helps to reduce the sauce, concentrating the tomato flavor and creating a more desirable consistency. The combination of fresh herbs, balanced sweetness, and slow simmering is key to her recipe’s success.
Can Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce be easily adapted for different dietary needs or preferences?
Yes, Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce is quite adaptable. For vegetarian or vegan diets, the recipe is inherently suitable as it primarily relies on plant-based ingredients. Adjustments can easily be made to accommodate other dietary restrictions or preferences. For example, those seeking to reduce sugar intake can experiment with using a natural sweetener like honey or agave, or even omit it altogether, adjusting the acidity with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
To cater to different spice preferences, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add other chili peppers to increase the heat. For a smoother sauce, an immersion blender can be used after simmering. The versatility of the recipe makes it easy to personalize the sauce to suit various tastes and dietary requirements without significantly altering its core flavor profile.
How long does Ree Drummond typically simmer her marinara sauce for the best flavor?
Ree Drummond typically recommends simmering her marinara sauce for at least 30 minutes, but often longer, sometimes up to an hour or more. The extended simmering time is crucial for developing a rich and complex flavor. This slow cooking process allows the flavors of the tomatoes, herbs, and other ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
While the exact simmering time may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and your personal preferences, the general principle remains the same: the longer the sauce simmers, the deeper and more flavorful it will become. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
Can Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce be frozen for later use?
Yes, Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient option for batch cooking and meal prepping. Once the sauce has cooled completely after simmering, it can be transferred to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
When ready to use, the frozen marinara sauce can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or quickly thawed in a microwave or on the stovetop. Frozen marinara sauce can maintain its flavor and quality for up to 2-3 months when stored properly in the freezer, providing a readily available and delicious sauce for pasta dishes, pizzas, and other Italian-inspired meals.
What are some common uses for Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce besides pasta?
Beyond the obvious use with pasta dishes, Ree Drummond’s marinara sauce is remarkably versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of other recipes. It can be used as a base for homemade pizzas, providing a flavorful and tangy foundation for toppings. It also serves as a delicious dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, or other appetizers.
Furthermore, the marinara sauce can be used as a braising liquid for meats like chicken or meatballs, adding moisture and flavor during the cooking process. It can also be incorporated into casseroles, such as lasagna or baked ziti, to enhance the overall taste and texture. Its adaptability makes it a valuable ingredient to have on hand for various culinary creations.