Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Dinner

If you want a warm and comforting meal that comes together fast, these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage are a great choice. Everything cooks in one pan, the ranch adds a bright savory taste, and the melted cheese makes every bite feel cozy and satisfying. It is simple enough for busy nights and fits well with Easy Fast Dinner Recipes. This dish has soft potatoes, crisp sausage edges, and a creamy coating that tastes rich without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Let it warm until it gently shimmers.
2. Add the diced potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the edges start to brown.
3. Stir in the smoked sausage slices and cook for another 5 minutes until the sausage turns crisp and lightly browned.
4. Shake the ranch seasoning over the pan and add the garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well so every piece gets coated.
5. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it cook for 10 more minutes until the potatoes turn soft and tender.
6. Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella on top. Cover again for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Remove from heat and top with parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy texture.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Cutting potatoes too large: Large chunks take longer to cook and may stay firm in the center. Keep them bite-sized for even cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: Too many potatoes at once make them steam instead of crisp. Use a wide skillet if possible.
• Adding cheese too early: Cheese can burn if added before the potatoes are soft. Wait until the end for smooth melting.
• Skipping seasoning: Ranch adds a balanced savory taste that lifts the whole dish, so do not skip it.

Tips For Success

• Use pre cooked smoked sausage to keep this recipe quick, which fits well with Cheap Dinners when you want something easy.
• Red potatoes hold shape well and stay soft inside.
• If potatoes stick, add a splash of water and cover the skillet for a few minutes.
• For extra flavor, lightly brown the sausage before adding the potatoes.
• Add more ranch if you like a stronger taste.

How To Serve

These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage taste great as a full meal, but they also pair nicely with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy them next to a hearty bowl like this southern black eyed peas with sausage dish for a warm and filling menu. The creamy cheese and crisp sausage make each plate feel satisfying and easy to enjoy.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

A quick and cozy one-pan dinner, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage combines tender potatoes, crisp smoked sausage, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese for a rich, comforting meal perfect for busy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Let it warm until it gently shimmers.
2. Add the diced potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the edges start to brown.
3. Stir in the smoked sausage slices and cook for another 5 minutes until the sausage turns crisp and lightly browned.
4. Shake the ranch seasoning over the pan and add the garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well so every piece gets coated.
5. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it cook for 10 more minutes until the potatoes turn soft and tender.
6. Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella on top. Cover again for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Remove from heat and top with parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy texture.

Notes

Use pre cooked sausage and red potatoes for best results. Don’t overcrowd the skillet and wait until the end to add cheese for optimal texture. You can also prep the potatoes ahead and store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Flavor Add In Ideas

• Chopped bell peppers for color and sweetness.
• A pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor that also fits great with Sausage Recipes.
• Hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Fresh green onions for a mild onion taste.
• Swap mozzarella for pepper jack to add a mild kick.

Make Ahead And Storage

You can prep the potatoes ahead by dicing them and storing them in water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps them from browning and saves time when cooking. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep crisp edges. This meal also works well with a lighter dish like this creamy white bean skillet if you want a balanced weekly menu. For plant forward days, you can pair it with this high protein vegan dinner bowl to keep variety in your meal plan.

FAQs

Why are my potatoes still hard?
They may be cut too large or cooked over heat that is too low. Make sure the potatoes are in small cubes so they soften in the pan.

Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works well and keeps the dish light. It still gives the same crisp edges that Smoked Sausage provides in this recipe.

Can I make this without ranch?
You can use a blend of garlic, onion, parsley, and paprika. Ranch gives a classic taste often used in Easy Fast Dinner Recipes, but the dish still works without it.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe is warm, simple, and ready to enjoy any night of the week. It comes together fast, has a creamy texture, and uses easy pantry items. If you enjoy quick meals that save time, this is one to pin and share. Your friends looking for Cheap Dinners or fast Sausage Recipes will love it too.