If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines bold flavors with minimal effort, then Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is the recipe for you. This one-pan wonder brings together tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a rich, cheesy ranch flavor that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this meal checks all the boxes for taste and convenience.

I’ve always been a fan of dishes that deliver big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. This recipe is inspired by classic comfort foods like potato casserole and cheesy potatoes, but with the added twist of smoky sausage and tangy ranch seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

Stick around as we dive into the details of this easy-to-make dish. From the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, I’ve got all the tips and tricks to ensure your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage turns out perfectly every time.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Dish, One Pan Meals
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

What You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Potatoes: The hearty base of this dish, providing a tender, starchy foundation that soaks up the ranch and cheese flavors.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory depth that complements the creamy potatoes and elevates the dish to a full meal.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings that irresistible melty cheese factor, creating a gooey, comforting topping.
• Ranch Seasoning: The star of the flavor profile, offering a tangy, herby kick that ties everything together.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
• Butter and Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a touch of richness to the potatoes and sausage.

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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe

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👨‍🍳 Author: Ashley Vaughn

🌍 Cuisine: General

🍰 Category: Keto

Ingredients:

01

– 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes

02

– 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

03

– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

04

– 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix

05

– 1 cup sour cream

06

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

07

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

08

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

09

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

10

– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

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INGREDIENTS

• – 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
• – 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• – 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• – 1 cup sour cream
• – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• – 1 tablespoon olive oil
• – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• – 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

PREPARATION

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned on both sides. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced potatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and develop a golden crust. Season with garlic powder and black pepper during cooking.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the partially cooked potatoes, browned sausage, 1 packet ranch seasoning, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 480 per serving
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 18g

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Your Casserole

When making Cheesy Ranch Potatoes or any potato casserole, the type of potato matters. Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to because they strike a perfect balance between starchy and waxy, giving you a creamy yet firm texture after baking. Russet potatoes can work too, but they may crumble more during cooking. Avoid red potatoes as they’re too waxy and won’t absorb the flavors as well.

Why Smoked Sausage Works Best

The smoked sausage in this recipe adds a depth of flavor that regular sausage can’t match. The smokiness pairs beautifully with the tangy ranch and melty cheese, creating a balanced bite. If you can’t find smoked sausage, kielbasa is a great substitute. Just ensure it’s pre-cooked to save time during preparation.

Customizing Your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

One of the best things about this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe is how adaptable it is. Want to add some veggies? Toss in diced bell peppers or broccoli florets before baking. Prefer a spicier kick? Mix in some red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage variety. You can even swap cheddar for a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Melty Cheese

Achieving that perfect melty cheese topping is all about timing and placement. Add half the cheese to the mixture for creaminess throughout, and reserve the other half for the top to get that golden, bubbly finish. If the cheese isn’t browning enough, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, just pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

While Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with a simple side can round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, or you can serve it with steamed green beans for an extra dose of veggies. For a true comfort food feast, add a slice of crusty bread to soak up any cheesy goodness left on the plate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use fresh ranch dressing instead of a seasoning packet?

While fresh ranch dressing can work in a pinch, it’s not ideal for this recipe. The liquid content in dressing can make the dish soggy, whereas a ranch seasoning packet provides concentrated flavor without excess moisture. If you must use dressing, reduce the sour cream by half and use only about 1/4 cup of dressing to avoid a watery result.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe for a slow cooker. Layer the potatoes and sausage in the cooker, mix the sour cream and ranch seasoning, and pour it over. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese in the last 30 minutes to melt. Note that the texture may be softer compared to baking.

What if I don’t have smoked sausage?

If smoked sausage isn’t available, you can substitute it with other pre-cooked sausages like kielbasa or even Italian sausage for a different flavor. Ground beef or turkey can work too, but cook and crumble it first, seasoning with a bit of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky taste. Adjust cooking times as needed based on your protein choice.