Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe
A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender golden potatoes and smoky sausage, all tossed in flavorful ranch seasoning and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a satisfying main or a delicious side, this skillet-cooked recipe blends savory, cheesy goodness with the fresh bite of parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into half-inch coins
- 2 lbs potatoes, diced into bite-size cubes
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional for a creamier sauce)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage: Dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into half-inch rounds.
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes become golden and tender. If they begin to stick, add a splash of water and cover the pan for a few minutes to help steam them through.
- Add Sausage and Vegetables: Stir in the smoked sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions soften. Then sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the mixture and stir well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Make It Cheesy: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir to incorporate. For a creamier texture, add the optional milk or cream at this point. Allow the cheese to melt fully into the potatoes and sausage, creating a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve the dish hot as a flavorful main course or a hearty side.
Notes
- Using evenly diced potatoes ensures they cook uniformly and avoid mushy or undercooked pieces.
- If you prefer a spicier profile, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the ranch seasoning.
- The optional milk or cream adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave and remain delicious.
- For a gluten-free option, verify the ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free or use a homemade blend without gluten-containing ingredients.
