Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage: One-Pan Comfort Food Heaven

Creamy cheesy ranch potatoes loaded with smoked sausage! This one-pan comfort food dinner is ready in 45 minutes and perfect for feeding hungry families.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs red potatoes, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Cheesy Ranch Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and cube potatoes, leaving skin on. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season Potatoes: In large bowl, toss cubed potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
3. Initial Bake: Spread seasoned potatoes on large baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
4. Cook Sausage: Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook 3-4 minutes until browned.
5. Add Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to sausage, cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook 1 minute more.
6. Make Ranch Sauce: In same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute, then gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Stir in ranch packet and simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened.
7. Add Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and 1.5 cups cheddar until melted and smooth.
8. Combine: Add roasted potatoes to skillet with cheese sauce, toss gently to coat. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
9. Final Bake: Return skillet to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions and parsley before serving hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Serves: 6-8

Why This Recipe Works

This one-pan wonder combines perfectly roasted potatoes with smoky sausage in a rich, creamy ranch cheese sauce. Pre-roasting the potatoes ensures they’re tender inside with slightly crispy edges, while the homemade cheese sauce clings to every surface. The ranch seasoning packet provides the perfect blend of herbs and spices, and using a combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese creates an ultra-creamy, flavorful sauce that doesn’t break or curdle.

Nutritional Benefits

While this is definitely comfort food, it provides substantial nutrition with approximately 420 calories per serving. Potatoes offer vitamin C, potassium, and fiber for sustained energy. The sausage provides protein (about 18g per serving), while the cheese contributes calcium for bone health. The bell peppers add vitamin A and antioxidants. This hearty dish provides all the satisfaction of a complete meal in one pan.

Pro Tips & Techniques

• Potato Prep: Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking – about 1-inch cubes work best
• Don’t Skip Pre-roasting: This step ensures potatoes aren’t mushy in the final dish
• Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems too thick, thin with additional milk gradually
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded cheese – pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly
• Sausage Options: Try andouille, kielbasa, or turkey sausage for different flavors
• Make-Ahead: Assemble completely and refrigerate, then bake when ready

Recipe Variations & Customizations

• Vegetable Additions: Include broccoli, corn, or diced jalapeños
• Spicy Version: Use hot sausage and add cayenne to the cheese sauce
• Lighter Option: Use turkey sausage and reduce cheese by half
• Bacon Twist: Replace sausage with crispy bacon pieces
• Different Potatoes: Try Yukon Gold or russet potatoes instead
• Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the potato seasoning

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 4 days in airtight container. Reheat in 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat portions in microwave, though oven reheating maintains better texture. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, but individual portions can be frozen up to 1 month with some texture change expected upon reheating.