Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe You’ll Love

Ranch-infused potatoes and sausage create a mouthwatering combination that redefines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty dish that promises rich, creamy textures and bold flavors.

Crispy potato edges complement the savory sausage in a symphony of taste that satisfies deep hunger.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making this meal a true winner.

Perfectly seasoned and loaded with cheese, this recipe elevates weeknight dinner from mundane to memorable.

Families gather around the table, eager to dig into this irresistible blend of classic ingredients that speak to pure culinary comfort.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage You’ll Keep Making

  • Savor One-Pan Comfort: This hearty dish combines tender potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze and satisfying comfort food cravings.
  • Packed with Flavor Explosion: Ranch dressing and paprika create a tangy, slightly spicy coating that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal bursting with complementary tastes and aromas.
  • Super Easy Weeknight Winner: With just 40 minutes total cook time and minimal prep work, this recipe offers a quick, delicious solution for busy home cooks looking for a hassle-free dinner that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap sausage types, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to make this versatile dish your own personal family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Starchy Base:
  • Potatoes: Hearty and filling base that provides a creamy texture and absorbs flavors well. Russet or red potatoes work best for even cooking.
Protein:
  • Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish. Choose a smoked or spicy variety for extra taste.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and slight crunch. Fresh, crisp vegetables will enhance the overall dish.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor. Fresh minced garlic offers the most intense taste.
Seasoning and Flavoring:
  • Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost overall flavor profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that adds tangy, herbal notes to the dish. Choose a high-quality brand for better taste.
Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides sharp, rich flavor. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Binding and Cooking:
  • Olive Oil: Helps ingredients cook evenly and adds a subtle fruity undertone. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.

Making Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Without the Fuss

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F, getting it nice and toasty for the delicious dish ahead.

Step 2: Gather and Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together:
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Sliced sausage
  • Chopped onion
  • Diced bell pepper
  • Minced garlic
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Drizzle olive oil and ranch dressing over the mixture, then give everything a good stir to ensure every ingredient gets coated with tasty goodness.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pour the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly so each bite will be perfectly cooked.

Step 5: First Bake Cycle

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, waiting until the potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, then return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer.

Easy Tricks to Upgrade Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

  • Choose Waxy Potatoes: Select Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamy, firm texture that holds shape during baking.
  • Cut Uniform Potato Cubes: Dice potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent doneness.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before baking to allow seasonings and ranch dressing to penetrate ingredients.
  • Prevent Sticking: Line baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease to make cleanup easier and prevent potato pieces from sticking.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Watch cheese closely during final baking stage to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning.

What to Do With Leftover Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store chilled for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's flavors and texture intact.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. For crispier results, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid freezing this dish, as potatoes and cheese tend to lose their original texture and become watery when thawed.

Favorite Pairings for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

  • Pair with Crisp Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or light lager that cuts through the richness of the cheesy potatoes and complements the sausage's savory flavor.
  • Match with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a zesty green salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the main dish.
  • Serve alongside Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a creamy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to provide a refreshing crunch and contrast to the warm, cheesy potato bake.
  • Complete with Chilled White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that offers a bright, acidic touch to cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty dish.

Fun Variations of Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage to Explore

  • Spicy Southwest Skillet: Swap ranch dressing for chipotle sauce, add jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Bake: Replace ranch with Greek yogurt, incorporate oregano, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Vegetarian Garden Mix: Substitute sausage with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, and chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of meat, and add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
  • Autumn Harvest Casserole: Mix in diced sweet potatoes, sage, and swap cheddar for gruyère cheese to create a comforting fall-inspired dish.
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage delivers a hearty one-pan meal packed with savory flavors and creamy textures. Crispy potato edges, tender sausage slices, and tangy ranch seasoning create a crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for hungry families craving comfort on a plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Starch:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) sausage, sliced
  • 4 large potatoes, cubed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious baking dish and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
  2. Dice the potatoes into uniform cubes, slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds, and finely chop the onion and bell pepper to promote consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
  3. Mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic essence and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  4. In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the potato cubes, sausage slices, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, creating a colorful and textured mixture.
  5. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients, ensuring an even seasoning that will elevate the dish’s taste.
  6. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and creamy ranch dressing across the mixture, gently tossing to coat each ingredient thoroughly and create a harmonious blend of flavors.
  7. Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote uniform cooking and optimal heat distribution.
  8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes reach a tender consistency and develop a golden-brown exterior.
  9. Remove the dish from the oven and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a tantalizing golden-brown bubbling top.
  11. Once the cheese is perfectly melted and the potatoes are fork-tender, remove from the oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by cutting potatoes and sausage in uniform sizes for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Choose spicy or mild sausage depending on your flavor preference and heat tolerance.
  • Ensure potatoes are completely coated with ranch dressing and olive oil for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Use a ceramic or cast-iron baking dish to help distribute heat evenly and create crispy potato edges.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
  • Customize by adding extra herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme for additional aromatic depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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