Cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage is a hearty skillet meal you can make in under an hour. The recipe uses simple ingredients like potatoes, smoked sausage, ranch seasoning, and cheese. It’s a budget friendly family dinner that’s filling and full of flavor.
The best part? You only need one pan. That means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. This recipe works for weeknights, meal prep, or even as a side dish for gatherings.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Uses everyday ingredients you likely have at home.
- A full meal in one skillet with meat, potatoes, and cheese.
- Kids and adults both enjoy the creamy ranch and smoky sausage flavor.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into coins
- 2 lbs potatoes, diced into bite size cubes
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional for creamier sauce)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage
- Dice the potatoes into even cubes so they cook evenly.
- Slice smoked sausage into half-inch rounds.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the Potatoes
- Add potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring now and then, until golden and tender.
- If they start to stick, add a splash of water and cover the pan for a few minutes.
3. Add Sausage and Vegetables
- Stir in smoked sausage, onion, and garlic.
- Cook until the sausage browns and onions soften, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the mixture and stir well.
4. Make It Cheesy
- Lower heat to medium low.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. If you want creamier sauce, add milk or cream at this step.
- Let the cheese melt into the potatoes and sausage.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape best.
- Crispier texture: Cook potatoes uncovered at first to let them brown.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
- Make it a meal prep: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Variations You Can Try
- Cheesy Ranch Breakfast Skillet: Add scrambled eggs or top with fried eggs.
- Loaded Ranch Potatoes: Add cooked bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
- Tex Mex Twist: Use pepper jack cheese and sprinkle with taco seasoning instead of ranch.
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Total Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 1280 mg |
| Potassium | 890 mg |
| Calcium | 260 mg |
| Iron | 2.3 mg |
FAQs
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes. Combine sausage, potatoes, onions, and seasoning in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Uncover, add cheese, and bake 10 minutes more.
Can I use kielbasa instead of smoked sausage?
Yes. Kielbasa or andouille sausage both work well.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar melts smoothly, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Conclusion
Cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage is comfort food made simple. It’s easy, filling, and flexible. You can serve it on busy weeknights or as a side for guests. With just one skillet and a few pantry ingredients, you’ll have a hot meal on the table in under an hour.
Try it once, and it may become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced into coins
- 2 lbs potatoes diced into bite-size cubes
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix or 3 tbsp homemade
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup milk or cream optional for creamier sauce
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage
- Dice the potatoes into even cubes so they cook evenly.
- Slice smoked sausage into half-inch rounds.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the Potatoes
- Add potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring now and then, until golden and tender.
- If they start to stick, add a splash of water and cover the pan for a few minutes.
3. Add Sausage and Vegetables
- Stir in smoked sausage, onion, and garlic.
- Cook until the sausage browns and onions soften, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the mixture and stir well.
4. Make It Cheesy
- Lower heat to medium low.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. If you want creamier sauce, add milk or cream at this step.
- Let the cheese melt into the potatoes and sausage.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side.
Video
Notes
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape best.
- Crispier texture: Cook potatoes uncovered at first to let them brown.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
- Make it a meal prep: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
