Hearty Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Beef Sausage (Print Version)

Whip up these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Beef Sausage, a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknights. So easy and comforting!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 lb smoked beef sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced

→ Creamy Goodness

04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided

→ Flavor Makers

06 - 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
09 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste

→ Fresh Finishes

11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those potatoes ready! Wash and dice your Yukon Golds into about 1-inch cubes. You don't need to peel them; the skin adds texture and some rustic charm, which I love. Pop them into a pot of cold, salted water, bring it to a boil, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they're just tender-crisp. This is where I always forget to salt the water, so don't be like me! Drain them really well; soggy potatoes are a no-go for this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Beef Sausage.
02 - While your potatoes are doing their thing, melt a knob of butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant—don't let it burn, that's a sad smell! Next, add your sliced smoked beef sausage. Brown it nicely, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. This step builds so much flavor for our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Beef Sausage, giving it that lovely smoky edge.
03 - Once the sausage is browned, sprinkle in the entire ranch seasoning packet over the sausage and onions. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, letting those spices bloom. Oh, the smell at this point! It's honestly incredible. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Let it bubble for a minute or two until it thickens slightly. This forms the luscious, savory sauce that coats every single bite of the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Beef Sausage. Keep that heat low; we don't want a boil-over!
04 - Now, gently fold in your par-cooked potatoes into the creamy ranch sauce in the skillet. Make sure every potato cube is coated in that deliciousness. Stir in about two-thirds of your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, along with a good pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Taste it here, hon! Adjust seasonings as needed. This is the stage where you start to see the magic happen, preparing for the glorious Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Beef Sausage.
05 - Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potato and sausage mixture in the skillet. If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer everything to a greased baking dish now. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. I usually keep an eye on it through the oven door, sometimes I forget and it gets a little *too* golden, oops!
06 - Once the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Beef Sausage comes out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. It's going to be piping hot! Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley or chives, if you're feeling fancy. Honestly, a sprinkle of fresh green just makes it look even more inviting. Serve it straight from the skillet or baking dish. It should be creamy, cheesy, and bursting with that ranchy, smoky flavor. So good!

# Notes:

01 - Par-cooking potatoes is key for even cooking and a tender interior.
02 - Storing leftovers in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
03 - Swap smoked beef sausage for kielbasa or even chicken sausage if that's what you have on hand.
04 - A simple green salad is the perfect fresh counterpoint to this rich dish.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet (10-12 inch)
02 - Large pot
03 - Cutting board
04 - Knife
05 - Grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 45 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 25 g

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