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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Sausage

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Sausage
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Sausage is a quick, one-pan meal combining tender golden potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and rich melted sharp cheddar cheese, all infused with a flavorful ranch seasoning. This creamy and hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, brunch, or potlucks, loved by families and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 3 cups Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, washed and diced into bite-sized pieces

Sausage

  • 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 1 ½ tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Smoked paprika (for sprinkling)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Hot sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the sausage into rounds or crumble if preferred. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion to distribute flavors evenly.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
  3. Sauté Potatoes with Aromatics: Add olive oil or butter to the skillet if needed and add the diced potatoes. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and are almost tender. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic halfway through to soften and release their aromas.
  4. Combine and Season: Return the cooked sausage to the pan with the potatoes and aromatics. Sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly over the mixture and stir well to ensure all ingredients are coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Melt Cheese and Finish: Lower the heat and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage and potatoes. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt thoroughly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature potatoes for more even cooking and better crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to allow potatoes to develop a golden crust.
  • Cover the pan while melting cheese to trap heat and get gooey, stretchy cheese.
  • Adjust salt gradually because ranch seasoning often contains salt.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the rich and savory flavors, adding a fresh finish.
  • For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ranch potatoes, sausage skillet, ranch seasoning recipe, cheesy potato casserole, quick comfort food, family dinner, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cheesy-ranch-potatoes-sausage/