This recipe for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is pure comfort in a baking dish. It’s a simple, hearty, and incredibly flavorful one-pan meal that brings together roasted potatoes, savory sausage, and a wonderfully creamy, cheesy topping. It’s the kind of dinner that makes the whole house smell like home.
This dish always takes me back to chilly Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen with my dad, James. He wasn’t a man of many words, but he showed his love by making sure we were always well-fed with hearty meals. He’d let me toss the potatoes in the seasoning, my small hands getting covered in spices. The sight of that bubbly, golden cheese pulling out of the oven was his version of a perfect Sunday, a simple, warm memory I hold so dear.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Casserole
- Effortless & Hearty: A true one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of ranch, cheese, and sausage is a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.
- Quick to Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this in the oven in no time.
- Recipe Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approx. 425 kcal per serving
The Simple Things You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, diced into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz smoked turkey or chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Get Cooking Together
Step 1: Getting Everything Ready
First, preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). Go ahead and grease a large baking dish. I find a little butter or non-stick spray ensures that nothing gets left behind later.
Step 2: Tossing the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your diced potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure every single piece is coated in that lovely seasoning. I like to use my hands for this part to really get them covered. Then, spread them in an even layer in your prepared dish.
Step 3: The First Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. It’s a good idea to set a timer to stir them halfway through. This little step helps them get beautifully golden and tender all around.
Step 4: Adding the Smoky Sausage
Now, add the sliced sausage to the dish, nestling the pieces right over the potatoes. Place it back in the oven to bake for another 15 minutes. The aroma that fills the kitchen at this point is just wonderful.
Step 5: The Creamy, Cheesy Layer
Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Drizzle the ranch dressing as evenly as you can over the potatoes and sausage, then sprinkle both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
Step 6: Baking Until Bubbly
Return the dish to the oven one last time and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: The Finishing Touch
Let it rest for just a minute or two before garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley. That little touch of green adds such a lovely freshness. Serve it up hot and enjoy every bite.
A Quick Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional values provided are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This information is intended as a general guide for your convenience.
A Few Ideas for a Lighter Dish
- Lighter Ranch: Swap out the standard ranch dressing for a lighter version or even a homemade one using a Greek yogurt base to reduce fat and calories.
- Veggie-Packed: Feel free to reduce the amount of sausage and add in some hearty vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli during the last 15 minutes of the potatoes’ initial bake time.
- Leaner Cheese: You can use a reduced-fat shredded cheese blend to lighten up the topping without sacrificing that cheesy goodness.
How We Love to Serve This
- I love serving this with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
- A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus adds a wonderful touch of color and nutrition to the plate.
- Honestly, it’s so hearty and complete that it stands perfectly on its own as a comforting meal in a bowl.
A Few of My Simple Tips
- Underbaking the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are fork-tender before you add the ranch and cheese. If they are still too firm, the final dish won’t have that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Give them an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
- Overcrowding the Dish: Spreading the potatoes in a single, even layer is key to getting them roasted and slightly crispy. If the dish is too crowded, they will steam instead of roast. Use a larger dish if necessary.
- Using Bottled Minced Garlic: While convenient, using garlic powder for this recipe is best. Fresh or jarred garlic can burn during the long roasting time, creating a bitter taste. The powder distributes evenly and provides a gentler flavor.
Saving Leftovers for Later
If you have any leftovers, they store wonderfully. Simply let the dish cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend popping it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps the potatoes crisp up again.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This is more than just a recipe; it’s a feeling of warmth, comfort, and family. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table and makes an ordinary evening feel special. I hope that when you make this in your own kitchen, it fills your home with the same love and happiness it brings to mine.
Your Questions Answered
What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love the texture of baby potatoes, Yukon Golds or Russets would also work wonderfully. Just be sure to dice them into uniform, bite-sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you certainly can. To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the smoked sausage. You could replace it with a can of drained black beans or corn, or add more vegetables like chopped bell peppers and zucchini for extra heartiness.
Can I do any of the prep ahead of time?
To save some time, you can definitely wash and dice the potatoes and slice the sausage a day ahead. Just store the potatoes in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning, and keep the sausage in an airtight container.
Print
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A hearty, comforting one-pan meal of roasted potatoes, smoked sausage, and melted cheese topped with creamy ranch – perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, diced into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz smoked turkey or chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread in the prepared dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through for even roasting.
- Add sliced sausage on top of the potatoes and return to oven for 15 more minutes.
- Remove dish from oven, drizzle ranch dressing evenly, then sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake again for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Let rest briefly, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat ranch and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cheesy potatoes, ranch, smoked sausage, casserole, one-pan meal