Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage 🧀🥔
If you’re craving warm, cheesy comfort food that practically makes itself, this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage bake is calling your name. It’s hearty, savory, loaded with flavor, and destined to become your next go-to dinner casserole. Think golden potatoes, juicy sausage, melty cheese, and the tang of ranch all in one bubbly, satisfying dish.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes for a quick and cozy meal:
- One-dish magic for less cleanup
- Rich, cheesy, and filling without being fussy
- Uses pantry and fridge staples
- Feeds a hungry family and makes great leftovers
It’s especially perfect on a chilly evening, or any night when you want dinner to feel like a warm hug.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb Monon Meats smoked sausage, thinly sliced
- 2 lbs potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
🔄 Swaps & Notes
- Sausage options: Any fully cooked smoked sausage will work—turkey, beef, kielbasa, or andouille if you like it spicy.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best.
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a different twist.
- Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or diced mushrooms for extra texture.
👨🍳 Directions
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced sausage until nicely caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent.
4. Mix the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, cooked sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded cheese, ranch seasoning, milk, and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until fully combined.
5. Bake Covered
Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
6. Finish Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot. Get ready for requests for seconds!
✅ Tips for Success
- Cut potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip the foil—it helps steam and soften the potatoes before the final golden bake.
- Pre-cook sausage well to maximize flavor and reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it thickens slightly and is easier to serve.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make this a full meal by pairing it with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
- A refreshing glass of Blueberry Lemonade or a cold lager
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in individual portions.
- Freezer: Freeze leftovers in single-serve containers for up to 2 months.
🍴 More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy savory, cheesy, satisfying casseroles, don’t miss these comfort food winners:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
🔚 Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage casserole is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dinner. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with smoky, cheesy flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your cravings, this one-dish wonder brings big satisfaction to the table.
Made it? Leave a comment, tag your photo, and follow along for more casserole comfort—one bubbling bite at a time!
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