The Art of Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage One-Pan Perfection

Perfect Potato Browning Mastery

Master the technique of achieving golden-brown potatoes for maximum flavor development.

Smooth Cheese Sauce Excellence

Learn the skill of creating lump-free, creamy ranch cheese sauce every time.

Sausage Cooking Technique

Perfect the method of browning sausage for optimal texture and flavor release.

One-Pan Coordination

Master the art of timing multiple components for perfect doneness simultaneously.

Flavor Balance Achievement

Learn optimal seasoning techniques for harmonious ranch and cheese flavors.

One-Pan Cooking Secrets for Perfect Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Success

Potato Choice: Use baby potatoes for best texture and faster cooking time than large potatoes.

Browning Essential: Get good color on potatoes and sausage for maximum flavor development.

Cheese Sauce: Keep sauce moving while adding cheese to prevent breaking or clumping.

Sausage Quality: Choose high-quality smoked sausage for best flavor and texture results.

Oven Safety: Ensure skillet handle is oven-safe or wrap with foil before baking.

Resting Time: Let dish rest after baking to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage One-Pan Comfort Dinner Skillet

Name: Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage One-Pan Comfort Dinner Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Potato Base:; 3 pounds baby potatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Smoked Sausage:; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 large onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; For the Ranch Cheese Sauce:; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 packet ranch dressing mix; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; For the Flavor Enhancement:; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; For the Vegetable Additions:; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 4 green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh chives; For the Cheese Toppings:

This incredible cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage skillet combines tender, perfectly seasoned baby potatoes with savory smoked sausage slices, all smothered in a rich, creamy ranch cheese sauce that creates the ultimate comfort food experience. Each forkful delivers hearty satisfaction with the smoky richness of quality sausage, the creamy indulgence of melted cheese, the tangy zip of ranch seasoning, and the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked potatoes, creating a complete one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you crave the ultimate combination of comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavors that everyone will love.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Potato Base:

3 pounds baby potatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Smoked Sausage:

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 large onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Ranch Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 packet ranch dressing mix

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

4 oz cream cheese, softened

For the Flavor Enhancement:

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Vegetable Additions:

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

4 green onions, sliced

2 tablespoons fresh chives

For the Cheese Toppings:

1 cup extra sharp cheddar, shredded

1/2 cup monterey jack cheese

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

For the Fresh Elements:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh dill

Sour cream for serving

Hot sauce (optional)

For the Seasoning Blend:

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried ranch seasoning

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

For the Cooking Medium:

2 tablespoons bacon grease (optional)

1 cup chicken broth

For Special Equipment:

Large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan

Wooden spoon

Cheese grater

Sharp knife for prep

Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan.

Wash and halve baby potatoes, leaving skins on for extra texture and nutrition.

Toss halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly.

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add seasoned potatoes cut-side down.

Cook potatoes for 8-10 minutes until golden brown on cut sides.

Remove browned potatoes from skillet and set aside temporarily.

Add sliced smoked sausage to same skillet and brown on both sides.

Add diced onion and bell pepper to sausage and cook until softened.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for additional minute until fragrant.

Return browned potatoes to skillet with sausage and vegetable mixture.

Make cheese sauce by melting butter in separate saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk flour into melted butter and cook for 2 minutes for roux.

Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps forming.

Stir in ranch dressing mix and simmer until sauce thickens nicely.

Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted.

Season cheese sauce with herbs, paprika, and cayenne to taste.

Pour creamy ranch cheese sauce over potato and sausage mixture.

Add frozen corn and diced tomatoes, stirring gently to distribute evenly.

Top entire skillet with additional shredded cheeses for extra indulgence.

Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Remove when cheese is bubbly and potatoes are fork-tender throughout.

Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs.

Serve hot with dollops of sour cream and sliced green onions.

Accompany with crusty bread or simple green salad for complete meal.

Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage One-Pan Comfort Dinner Skillet

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage One-Pan Perfection

Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage One-Pan Comfort Dinner Skillet

Ingredients

Instructions