Irresistible Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with these delectable cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures.

One-pan meals like this simplify weeknight cooking while delivering maximum satisfaction.

The creamy ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick to tender potatoes and smoky sausage slices.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create an irresistible golden-brown crust that beckons you to dig in.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory sausage and creamy, cheesy potato goodness.

This crowd-pleasing dish will have everyone asking for seconds and coming back to the table with eager anticipation.

Storing Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in baking dish, add splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The key ingredients are diced potatoes, smoked sausage, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, onion, garlic, milk, and butter.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or Polish sausage based on your preference.

• Is ranch dressing mix essential for the recipe?

Ranch dressing mix adds flavor, but you can replace it with other seasoning blends like Italian or Cajun seasoning if needed.

• How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces and cover the dish with foil during initial baking to help them cook thoroughly before browning.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage: Why It’s So Tasty

• This recipe eliminates multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
• Easily adjust seasonings and cheese types to match personal taste preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master confidently.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

• Smoked Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and protein to the dish.

• Potatoes, Onion, Garlic, Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that provide texture and depth of flavor to the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a creamy and indulgent layer.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: A zesty seasoning blend that adds tangy and herbal notes to the dish.
• Milk: A smooth liquid that helps create a creamy consistency.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that enhances the overall flavor and helps with browning.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Equipment for Easy Ranch Potato Sausage Bake

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning sausage and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking Dish: Needed to bake the potato and sausage mixture evenly.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Cutting Board: For dicing potatoes, onions, and chopping green onions.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing sausage and chopping vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps measure milk, butter, and seasonings accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients in the bowl.

How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some serious flavor action.

Step 2: Sizzle The Sausage

Grab a large skillet and cook those smoky sausage slices until they’re perfectly browned and deliciously crispy.

Scoop them out and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same skillet, dance those diced onions and minced garlic around until they become soft, translucent, and fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Mix Magic Ingredients

• Diced potatoes
• Browned sausage
• Sautéed onions and garlic
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Ranch dressing mix
• Milk
• Melted butter

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make those flavors pop.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Grease up your baking dish and spread the mixture evenly, creating a canvas of deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for a full hour, then remove the foil and let it continue cooking for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish And Devour

Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish.

Dig in and enjoy this hearty, flavor-packed meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Sausage

• Cut smoked sausage into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and better flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, which crisp up nicely and absorb flavors well during baking.
• Use a homemade ranch seasoning mix for a fresher, more robust taste compared to pre-packaged mixes.
• Pat potatoes dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture and achieve a crispy, golden-brown top layer.
• Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and a pop of color without compromising the dish's hearty character.

Flavor Twists for Ranch Potato Sausage Bake

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or firm tofu chunks for a meat-free version that keeps the creamy ranch flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lighter, keto-friendly casserole while maintaining the cheesy ranch essence.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning instead of ranch mix for a zesty southwestern approach.
• Mediterranean Style: Use sweet potatoes, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add dried oregano, and mix in chopped spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired variation with nutritional depth.

Sides That Pair Well with Ranch Potatoes & Sausage

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this cheesy potato and sausage dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a weekend breakfast feast that's sure to impress family and friends.
• Game Day Delight: Present as a filling side dish during sports watching parties, perfect for sharing and satisfying hungry crowds with its comforting flavors.
• Picnic Perfect Potluck Plate: Transport in a covered dish for outdoor gatherings, as this recipe travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage combine comfort and flavor in one skillet. Hearty ingredients meld together for a satisfying meal that home cooks will appreciate and savor.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) Monon Meats smoked sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Starches and Base Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kilogram) potatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, crisp the smoked sausage slices until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the diced potatoes, browned sausage, caramelized onions, garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, milk, and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Grease a baking dish and evenly distribute the potato mixture, ensuring uniform coverage for consistent cooking.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes reach a tender consistency and the top turns a beautiful golden-brown color.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the dish for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape better during baking and create a creamier texture.
• Drain excess fat from sausage to prevent a greasy dish and ensure crisp potato edges.
• Consider using low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version without compromising flavor.
• Customize the recipe by swapping smoked sausage with turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage alternatives for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg