Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe

Ranch-infused cheesy potatoes dance with savory sausage in a dish that promises pure comfort.

Crispy edges and melted cheese beckon from the baking pan.

Weeknight dinners demand simple, satisfying solutions like this hearty casserole.

One-pan magic happens when zesty ranch seasoning meets tender potato chunks.

Juicy sausage pieces nestle between golden potato layers, creating irresistible bites.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor for busy home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll want seconds of this deliciously uncomplicated culinary experience that comes together in a flash.

Why Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Always Satisfy

  • Prepare a hearty, satisfying dish in under an hour with minimal complex steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Combine smoky sausage, creamy ranch, and melted cheese to create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable, complete meal with minimal effort.
  • Serve at casual family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings where everyone craves a filling, flavorful comfort food experience.

Ingredients to Gather for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Proteins:
  • Smoked Sausage: Classic protein that adds smoky flavor and hearty texture to the dish. Best when sliced into bite-sized pieces.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that creates smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps bind ingredients together.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Provides sweet and savory base flavor. Yellow or white onions work perfectly.
  • Bell Peppers: Offers colorful, fresh crunch and mild sweetness. Red or green peppers recommended.
  • Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Parsley, Chives: Optional garnish that provides fresh, bright finishing touch.
Potato and Cheese Components:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base of the dish. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes hold shape well during baking.
  • Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: Creamy element that enhances cheesy flavor.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating golden, crispy cheese layer.
Seasoning:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds signature tangy, herbal flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

Quick Steps for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will create the perfect cooking environment for our delicious meal.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat

Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes

Transfer sausage to a separate plate

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Bell peppers

Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent

Sprinkle minced garlic and cook for an extra minute to release those incredible flavors

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • Sour cream
  • Ranch seasoning mix

Blend until smooth and velvety

Step 5: Combine All Components

Mix potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and sausage in a large bowl

Pour creamy sauce over the mixture

Stir until everything is perfectly coated

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish

Transfer the entire mixture into the dish

Cover with aluminum foil

Step 7: First Baking Round

Place in preheated oven

Bake for 45 minutes

Step 8: Cheese Finale

Remove foil

Stir the mixture

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top

Return to oven

Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven

Let rest for a few minutes

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives

Serve piping hot and savor every bite

Pro Tips for, Cheesy Results

  • Boost Sausage Flavor: Brown the smoked sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich caramelized edges that enhance overall taste profile.
  • Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Cream Mixture Magic: Whisk the creamy sauce ingredients until completely smooth to prevent lumps and create a silky, consistent coating for potatoes and sausage.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese during the final baking stage to achieve a golden, bubbly top without burning or overcooking the cheese.
  • Customize with Substitutions: Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use vegetarian sausage to make the recipe meat-free and accommodating to different dietary preferences.

How to Store and Reheat This Potato and Sausage Combo

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.
  • Spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.
  • Transfer cooled potatoes and sausage to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

  • Buttery white wine complements the rich, creamy potato and sausage flavors, cutting through the heaviness while enhancing the dish's cheesy profile.
  • Strong craft beer's bold flavor stands up to the robust sausage and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy potatoes.
  • Bright, tangy green salad with light vinaigrette offers a crisp, acidic contrast to the hearty, warm main dish, balancing the meal's richness.
  • Carbonated beverage cleanses the palate between bites, refreshing the mouth and helping to neutralize the dish's dense, creamy texture.

Flavor Swaps for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Vegetarian Ranch Potato Casserole: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the creamy ranch flavor while creating a meat-free option.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Ranch Bake: Substitute diced potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content, keeping the same cheesy ranch seasoning and creamy texture.

Gluten-Free Ranch Potato Skillet: Use gluten-free condensed cheese soup and ensure ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free, allowing individuals with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the dish.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Potato Blend: Replace heavy cream and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-rich, lower-fat alternative that maintains the creamy consistency and tangy ranch flavor.

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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage bring comfort and flavor to dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal packed with zesty ranch seasoning and melted cheese that pulls everyone to the kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (450g) smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) ranch seasoning mix
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Dairy and Liquids:

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/300g) condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • ½ cup (120g) sour cream
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Ignite your oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing the culinary stage for a hearty potato and sausage ensemble.
  2. Activate a large skillet over medium flame, drizzling olive oil to create a sizzling foundation.
  3. Introduce sliced smoked sausage to the skillet, allowing it to transform into a golden-brown delicacy. Once caramelized, transfer the sausage to a waiting plate.
  4. Within the same aromatic skillet, tumble diced onions and bell peppers. Coax them into a tender submission, stirring occasionally until they soften and glisten.
  5. Sprinkle minced garlic into the vegetable medley, letting its fragrance bloom for a brief moment.
  6. In a spacious mixing vessel, unite the roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and reserved sausage into a harmonious blend.
  7. Craft a velvety sauce by whisking together heavy whipping cream, condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until silky and unified.
  8. Cascade the creamy elixir over the potato mixture, gently folding to ensure every morsel is luxuriously coated.
  9. Migrate the entire composition into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, draping it with aluminum foil like a protective culinary cloak.
  10. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 45 minutes.
  11. Unveil the creation, stir gently, then shower it with a blizzard of shredded cheddar cheese.
  12. Return to the oven uncovered, letting the cheese melt into a bubbling, golden landscape for 15-20 minutes.
  13. Rescue the dish from the heat, permitting it a brief moment of repose.
  14. Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant final flourish.
  15. Serve while warmth and comfort still embrace the dish.

Notes

  • Choose high-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy texture and crispy edges.
  • Pat potatoes dry before cutting to ensure they brown nicely and don’t become soggy during cooking.
  • Use pre-cooked smoked sausage for quicker preparation and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories.
  • Vegetarian adaptation: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for protein.
  • Customize ranch seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount or using homemade ranch mix for a more personalized flavor profile.
  • Make ahead by preparing the entire dish and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
  • Add a crispy topping like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before the final cheese layer for extra crunch and texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 617
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1075mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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