This delicious Quick and Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage comes together in about 40 minutes, all in one pan, making it the perfect weeknight meal that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, maybe some bell peppers or even broccoli, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to make sure nothing goes to waste. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for those busy nights!
Ingredient Breakdown
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this quick and easy recipe!
Smoked Sausage
1 pound smoked sausage (turkey or beef)
You know I love a good sausage, it gives this dish that smoky, savory flavor. I prefer using turkey sausage for a lighter option, but beef works just as well and adds a richer taste. If you want to mix it up, try kielbasa or even chicken sausage! Just slice it into thick rounds, and you’re good to go.
Baby Potatoes
4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
Baby potatoes are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and have a creamy texture. I typically go for red or yellow baby potatoes, they’re so tender! You can use regular potatoes, just chop them into smaller pieces; it’ll work just fine. Fresh or frozen potatoes will work in this recipe, too!
Ranch Seasoning Mix
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
The magic of ranch seasoning is that it adds tons of flavor without any extra fuss. You could totally make your own if you’re feeling ambitious, just mix some dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder together! But let’s be real; why complicate it? Just grab that packet from the store.
Cheddar Cheese
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cheese (the melty kind) makes everything better, doesn’t it? I mostly use sharp cheddar for the extra kick, but feel free to experiment with flavors, pepper jack, smoked gouda… the world is your cheesy oyster! It’s all about that glorious, gooey texture.
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Olive oil isn’t just for fancy dressings; it’s essential here! It helps crisp the potatoes while roasting. You could substitute canola or vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand, but really, extra virgin olive oil gives it the best flavor.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
These pantry staples amp up the flavors in a big way! I love using garlic powder in this recipe (it’s just so easy!) but if you have fresh garlic, chop up one or two cloves and toss them in! You could even throw in some freshly diced onions alongside.
Black Pepper and Salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper, salt to taste
A couple of pinches of these spices go a long way! Salt enhances the flavors, and black pepper gives it that perfect bite. You can adjust based on your taste. I’m always adding a pinch or two more.
Sour Cream (for serving)
This is an optional but delicious addition that adds a creamy tang when served on top! You can also swap it out for Greek yogurt if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Because we all want to eat with our eyes first! A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only makes the dish look gourmet but adds a fresh touch that screams summertime.
How to Make Quick and Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Alright, ready to rock? Here’s how you bring this comfort food together:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where the magic begins, setting the stage for the crispy, cheesy goodness that’s about to happen!
Rinse the baby potatoes and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. I usually like to cut them into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. The slices should be thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to cook through quickly.
In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This little spice mix is where you infuse all that wonderful flavor into our dish, make sure you give it a good stir to combine everything.
Then, toss the potatoes with olive oil and half of the ranch seasoning mixture, ensuring they are nicely coated. This step is key for getting them crispy and full of flavor!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. It’ll make cleanup a breeze trust me, you don’t want to skip this step.
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on the baking sheet, making sure they’ve got a little space between them. This allows them to roast properly rather than steam.
Now, scatter the sliced smoked sausage over the potatoes. At this point, your kitchen is going to start smelling so good, you’ll begin to wonder how you got so lucky.
Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. You want them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, when you poke one with a fork, it should give way easily.
Once golden and tender, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until melted. Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a gooey layer of cheese, right?
Finally, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with sour cream on the side. And the best part is… the vibrant colors and gooey cheese will be practically begging you to dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something satisfying and quick. I’m a real sucker for that crispy potato goodness combined with the savory sausage! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I need to get dinner on the table fast, but I also love that it has that cozy, comforting vibe. Plus, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, no fancy ingredients required!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Pulled Pork Recipes, my Easy Shrimp Boil Foil Packets, or my One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together all in one pan and is ready in under 40 minutes! Perfect for family meals when you really need to get dinner on the table fast.
Minimal Cleanup Required
Since we’re using one baking sheet and who doesn’t love that? You’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying the food and family fun.
Budget-Friendly
With affordable, everyday ingredients, this meal won’t break the bank! You can find all of these pantry staples at your local grocery store with ease.
Crowd-Pleaser
I can confidently say the whole family will love it. Kids and adults alike devour it every time I make it, and it’s a dish that disappears FAST!
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? You can easily add your own spin to this dish by tossing in extra veggies or spices that you have on hand. This ensures that you can cater to your family’s tastes or dietary needs every time!
Serving Suggestions
How to Serve This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Serve it as is for a cozy weeknight dinner, or pair it with a leafy green salad to channel your inner health guru! Some crusty bread would work beautifully alongside, perfect for soaking up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
Best reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or you can pop it in the microwave if you’re in a rush, just be careful not to overheat it, or the potatoes might turn rubbery!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This dish freezes pretty well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven gently for the best texture!
Now, get ready to make your kitchen smell amazing, and whip up this Quick and Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage dish. You’ll find that it’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy, my friends!
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the baby potatoes and cut them in half or quarters.
- Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil and half of the ranch seasoning mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on the baking sheet.
- Scatter the sliced smoked sausage over the potatoes.
- Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
- Once golden and tender, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with sour cream on the side.