Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage: The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup? This recipe for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is your answer. It combines tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a creamy, tangy cheese sauce infused with the iconic flavor of ranch seasoning. Baked to golden perfection, this all-in-one dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or a casual family gathering.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the best results, use high-quality smoked sausage and freshly shredded cheese for superior meltiness.

Main Components:

• 2 lbs (about 900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 (14-16 oz) package smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Ranch Cheese Sauce:

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option*)
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
• Fresh chives or green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, sliced smoked sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Practical Tip: For crispier potatoes, you can spread this mixture on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes before adding the sauce. For a truly one-pan method, proceed to the next step.

   

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Stir in the entire packet of ranch seasoning. Then, fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup of cheddar for the topping.

4. Combine and Assemble

   Pour the potato and sausage mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Pour the creamy ranch cheese sauce over the top. Use a spatula or a large spoon to gently fold and combine, ensuring the sauce seeps down into the potatoes. Smooth the top into an even layer.

   

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   Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

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   • Total Time: 50
   • Yield: 4 servings

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   Description

   Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup? This recipe for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is your answer. It combines tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a creamy, tangy cheese sauce infused with the iconic flavor of ranch seasoning. Baked to golden perfection, this all-in-one dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or a casual family gathering.

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   Ingredients

   • 2 lbs (about 900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
   • 1 (14-16 oz) package smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds
   • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
   • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
   • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper

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   Instructions

   1. Preheat and Prepare

      Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

   2. Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, sliced smoked sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Practical Tip: For crispier potatoes, you can spread this mixture on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes before adding the sauce. For a truly one-pan method, proceed to the next step.

   3. Make the Cheese Sauce

      In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Stir in the entire packet of ranch seasoning. Then, fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup of cheddar for the topping.

   4. Combine and Assemble

      Pour the potato and sausage mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Pour the creamy ranch cheese sauce over the top. Use a spatula or a large spoon to gently fold and combine, ensuring the sauce seeps down into the potatoes. Smooth the top into an even layer.

   5. Bake to Perfection

      Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and become tender. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.

   6. Rest and Serve

      Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly sliced chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

   Notes

   For crispier potatoes, soak cubed potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat very dry before tossing with oil. You can substitute the ranch seasoning with 1 packet (1 oz) of store-bought dry ranch mix. Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or air fryer to maintain texture.

   • Prep Time: 15
   • Cook Time: 35
   • Category: Main Course
   • Method: Baking
   • Cuisine: French

   Nutrition

   • Serving Size: 1 serving
   • Calories: 126
   • Sugar: 5
   • Sodium: 189
   • Fat: 7
   • Saturated Fat: 2
   • Unsaturated Fat: 5
   • Trans Fat: 0
   • Carbohydrates: 15
   • Fiber: 2
   • Protein: 2
   • Cholesterol: 5

5. Bake to Perfection

   Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and become tender. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.

   

6. Rest and Serve

   Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly sliced chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• For Crispier Texture: As noted in Step 2, roasting the potato-sausage mixture first adds a delightful crispy edge. You can also broil the casserole for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking (watch closely!).
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or corn kernels when combining the potatoes and sausage.
• Spice It Up: Use spicy andouille sausage, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper, or mix ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the sauce.
• Lighter Version: Substitute low-fat sour cream, 2% milk, and reduced-fat cheese. The flavor will still be excellent.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the entire dish (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out your dinner table:

• A crisp, green side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Cornbread or crusty French bread for soaking up the extra cheesy sauce.
• For a summer BBQ, serve it alongside grilled chicken or burgers as a decadent potato side.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.