Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly tasty dish to make for dinner? Look no further! Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is the perfect solution. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of sausage with the creamy goodness of ranch-seasoned potatoes, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dice the potatoes: On a cutting board, dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
3. Slice the sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds.

Cooking the Sausage

4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5. Cook the sausage: Add the sausage slices to the skillet and cook until they are browned and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Baking the Potatoes

6. Season the potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with the ranch seasoning mix until evenly coated.
7. Bake the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a large baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Combining Everything

8. Add the sausage: Remove the baking dish from the oven and add the cooked sausage slices to the potatoes.
9. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage and potatoes.
10. Bake again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

• Choosing the right sausage: Smoked sausage adds a wonderful flavor, but you can use any sausage you prefer, such as Italian or chicken sausage.
• Best potatoes to use: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe as they hold their shape well during baking.
• Enhancing the ranch flavor: For an extra burst of ranch flavor, consider mixing a bit of ranch dressing into the potatoes before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed vegetables or green beans
• A fresh garden salad
• Garlic bread
• A cold beer or a glass of iced tea

Storing and Reheating

• How to store leftovers: Place any leftover Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating tips: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used, here is a general breakdown per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 400
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 20g

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian options: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or extra vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms.
• Gluten-free adaptations: Ensure that the ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free and use gluten-free sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, mix in some red pepper flakes, use spicy sausage, or add sliced jalapeños.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this dish will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Yield: 4

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Print

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly tasty dish to make for dinner? Look no further! Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is the perfect solution. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of sausage with the creamy goodness of ranch-seasoned potatoes, all topped with melted cheese. It's a family favorite that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, cubed
• 1 lb sausage, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is ready by the time you’re done prepping the ingredients.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, sliced sausage, chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend of ingredients not only promises a burst of flavors but also ensures a colorful presentation.
3. Add Oil and Dressing: Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and ranch dressing. Toss everything together to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the dressing and spices, which will help in achieving that perfect golden crust.
4. Bake: Transfer your mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. This is where the magic happens—the heat works its way through the dish, cooking the potatoes and sausage to perfection.
5. Add Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 620