Hearty Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, hearty meals that satisfy hungry stomachs and creamy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage hit the spot perfectly.

This comforting one-pan wonder combines crispy sausage and tender potatoes in a deliciously tangy sauce.

Robust smoked sausage adds smoky depth to the creamy ranch-infused dish.

Every bite delivers a rich, savory experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this simple yet flavorful recipe.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this meal a go-to for busy home cooks.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so easy can taste so incredible.

How To Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a big baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Spice and Toss

Dump your potato chunks and sausage slices into a massive mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle in those zesty ranch seasonings. Give everything a wild toss until every morsel gets coated with flavor.

• Create the Base Layer

Spread your seasoned potato and sausage mixture into the baking dish. Dot tiny butter cubes across the top for extra richness. Pop the dish into the oven and let magic happen for 25-30 minutes, giving it a quick stir halfway through.

• Unleash the Cheese

Once potatoes look golden and tender, rain down a blizzard of shredded cheddar over the entire dish. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until cheese transforms into a melty, bubbly blanket.

• Finish with Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve alongside a crisp salad or make this your star dinner attraction. Grab a fork and dive in!

Tips For Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Quick Meal Prep Magic: Chop potatoes and sausage ahead of time to reduce day-of cooking stress and save precious minutes.
• Spice Level Flexibility: Swap ranch seasoning for Cajun or taco mix to create completely different flavor profiles that keep the dish exciting and fresh.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to make the recipe veggie-friendly without losing texture and taste.
• Healthier Cheese Options: Use reduced-fat cheese or try alternatives like nutritional yeast for a lighter version that still delivers rich, comforting flavors.
• Sheet Pan Hack: Convert this recipe to a sheet pan meal by spreading ingredients on a large baking sheet, which helps ingredients crisp more evenly and simplifies cleanup with less dish washing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s Needed For Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Potatoes: Hearty base that provides comforting texture and absorbs delicious seasonings; choose firm, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for best results.
• Smoked Sausage: Delivers rich, smoky flavor and protein; select high-quality sausage with robust smokiness for maximum taste.

• Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds tangy, herbal complexity; look for packets with vibrant dried herb blend.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses deep, aromatic warmth without harsh raw garlic bite.
• Onion Powder: Contributes subtle sweet undertones and depth.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces gentle smokiness and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate entire dish.

• Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior for potatoes and helps seasonings adhere.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps ingredients caramelize beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor that complements smoky sausage.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with subtle herbaceous notes.

Items You’ll Use For Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing potatoes and sausage with seasonings.
• Baking Dish: 9×13 inch dish for even cooking and perfect presentation.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to quarter potatoes and slice smoked sausage precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Help measure seasonings accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese, use to shred cheddar.

Serving Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Ranch Harvest Bowl: Create a rustic bowl by layering the cheesy potatoes and sausage over a bed of mixed greens, adding extra crunch with chopped cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
• Breakfast Power Plate: Transform leftovers into a morning meal by topping the dish with a sunny-side-up egg and serving alongside crispy bacon or toast for a protein-packed breakfast.
• Game Day Loaded Nachos: Chop the potatoes and sausage into smaller pieces, spread over tortilla chips, add extra cheese, and bake until crispy for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that'll be a hit at parties.
• Picnic Perfect Portable Dish: Pack the cooled potatoes and sausage in individual containers for an easy outdoor meal that travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.

How To Store Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed dishes stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and textures.
• Freezing Friendly Approach: Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring maximum taste when reheated. Separate portions for easier defrosting and serving.
• Reheating Magic Technique: Warm in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy potato edges and melty cheese texture. Microwave works for quick heating, but might slightly soften potatoes.
• Smart Prep Hack: Chop potatoes and slice sausage ahead of time, storing separately in sealed containers. Keep seasoning mix ready, allowing faster meal assembly during busy weeknights.

Creamy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage bring hearty comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Southern-style casseroles combine savory sausage, creamy potatoes, and zesty ranch for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes (red or yellow), quartered
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsps butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) dry ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Set oven to 400F (200C) and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Seasoning Blend: In a large mixing bowl, combine quartered potatoes and diagonally sliced smoked sausage. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked pepper. Thoroughly massage to ensure even coating.
3. Roasting Preparation: Transfer seasoned mixture to prepared baking dish, creating an uniform layer. Strategically dot surface with butter cubes to enhance moisture and richness.
4. Baking Process: Roast in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent caramelization of potatoes and sausage.
5. Cheese Finishing: Once potatoes reach golden tenderness, generously cover with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, glossy layer.
6. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous accent. Serve alongside a crisp salad or as a complement to grilled proteins for a complete meal.

Notes

• Optimize Potato Cutting: Slice potatoes uniformly into quarter-inch chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Seasoning Secret: Massage seasonings directly onto potatoes and sausage to maximize flavor penetration and create a more intense taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to melt completely but avoid over-browning by watching carefully during the final 5-7 minute baking stage.
• Make-Ahead Flexibility: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time when baking from cold state for meal prep convenience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg