Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

This cozy one-pot meal features smoked sausage and hash browns in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, cheese soup, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy days with just 10 minutes prep.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:46 GMT
A close-up of a cheesy casserole dish featuring diced potatoes, sliced sausage, and garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a cheesy casserole dish featuring diced potatoes, sliced sausage, and garnished with fresh herbs. | zestplate.com

Need a dinner that'll make everyone happy? This cheesy ranch potato and sausage dish is pure comfort food magic! I came up with this recipe on a cold night when I wanted something cozy and now it's our family's most requested meal. Think creamy potatoes smoky sausage and lots of melty cheese all flavored with ranch seasoning it's like a hug in a bowl!

Why You'll Love This

You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now! It's perfect for busy nights since everything cooks in one pot and cleanup's a breeze. Switch things up with different veggies or sausages and watch even picky eaters clean their plates!

Round Up These Ingredients

  • Good Sausage: The smoked kind adds tons of flavor.
  • Hash Browns: Frozen ones save so much time.
  • The Creamy Stuff: Cheddar soup makes it extra rich.
  • Ranch Mix: One packet flavors everything perfect.
  • Lots of Cheese: Because more cheese is more better!

Let's Start Cooking

Get Everything Ready
Slice up your sausage chop any veggies you're adding. I like onions and peppers they add nice color.
Quick Sauté
Brown that sausage with the veggies just until they get some color. Makes everything taste better!
Layer It Up
Dump those hash browns in your crockpot. Mix up your cheddar soup sour cream and ranch seasoning pour it all over.
Add The Good Stuff
Put your sausage mix on top give everything a good stir.
Let It Cook
Cover and cook! Two hours on high four on low your choice. When it's done top with more cheese let it get all melty.
Make It Pretty
Sprinkle on some parsley if you're feeling fancy. Grab a big spoon and dig in!

Mix It Up

Like it spicy? Throw in some jalapeños or use spicy sausage. Going veggie? Mushrooms work great instead of meat. Want breakfast? Add some scrambled eggs on top. Make it your own that's what cooking's all about!

A bowl of baked potatoes topped with sliced sausage, melted cheese, and fresh parsley. Pin it
A bowl of baked potatoes topped with sliced sausage, melted cheese, and fresh parsley. | zestplate.com

What To Serve With It

We love this with a crispy green salad on the side balances out all that creamy goodness. Some warm cornbread never hurts! Add steamed broccoli if you're feeling healthy. Top with extra sour cream because why not?

Save Some For Later

Leftovers keep great in the fridge about 4 days. Pop them in the microwave or warm them up in the oven. Making a big batch? Freeze some for later just thaw overnight when you need an easy dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I have to sauté first?

Optional but recommended for better flavor development.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, try mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli instead of peppers.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.

→ Can I prep ahead?

Yes, prep ingredients night before and refrigerate until cooking.

→ Which cheese works best?

Cheddar recommended but any melting cheese works.

Potato Sausage Recipe

A comforting crockpot meal combining smoked sausage and hash browns in a creamy ranch-cheddar sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
250 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced.
02 2 bell peppers, sliced.
03 1 onion, diced.
04 1 bag frozen hash browns.
05 3/4 cup heavy cream.
06 1 can cheddar cheese soup.
07 1/2 cup sour cream.
08 1 packet ranch seasoning.
09 1 cup shredded cheddar.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough that water droplets sizzle when added.

Step 02

Add sliced smoked sausage to hot skillet and cook until edges begin to brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Add sliced bell peppers and diced onion to sausage, stirring occasionally until vegetables start to soften.

Step 04

Transfer the sautéed mixture carefully to crockpot, ensuring all browned bits are included for flavor.

Step 05

Add frozen hash browns to crockpot directly from freezer, spreading them evenly over sausage mixture.

Step 06

Pour heavy cream slowly over potatoes, allowing it to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 07

Add cheddar cheese soup, using spatula to scrape can clean and spread evenly.

Step 08

Dollop sour cream across the top and sprinkle entire packet of ranch seasoning evenly.

Step 09

Add shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly across the top of mixture.

Step 10

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of sauce components.

Step 11

Cover crockpot with lid and set temperature according to desired cooking time.

Step 12

Cook on high setting for exactly 2 hours or low setting for 4 hours.

Step 13

Check potato tenderness by piercing with fork - should be completely tender.

Step 14

Stir thoroughly before serving to ensure creamy sauce coats all ingredients.

Step 15

Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

  1. One pot meal.
  2. Make ahead friendly.
  3. Great for potlucks.
  4. Easy preparation.

Tools You'll Need

  • Crockpot/slow cooker.
  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing spoon.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, cheese, sour cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 18 g