Tender red potatoes tossed in bold ranch seasoning, roasted alongside smoky sausage, then topped with melted cheddar for a simple, mouthwatering meal that’s ready in under an hour. This One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering great flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and smoked sausage creates a rich and savory dish that everyone will love.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything on one pan means less time scrubbing dishes afterward.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. Here are a few essential items needed for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Large bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet: Provides ample space for even cooking and easy stirring.
- Large bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for safely preparing the potatoes and sausage, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
Tender red potatoes tossed in bold ranch seasoning, roasted alongside smoky sausage, then topped with melted cheddar for a simple, mouthwatering meal that’s ready in under an hour.
For the Potatoes
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
For the Sausage
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
For Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your ingredients cook evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl:
1. Combine the quartered potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ranch dressing mix.
2. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes
Spread the seasoned potatoes onto a large greased baking sheet or oven-safe skillet in an even layer.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Sausage
Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
– Add the sliced sausage to the potatoes.
– Stir them together so they combine well before returning to bake.
Step 5: Complete Cooking
Return to the oven:
– Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is heated through.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Take the baking sheet out of the oven:
– Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
– Place back in the oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
– Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if you like.
Enjoy your delicious One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage!
How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Serving One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is a delightful experience. This dish is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve this hearty meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Green onions: Add sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
With Dipping Sauces
- Sour cream: Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Ranch dressing: Drizzle extra ranch dressing over the top for an added punch of flavor.
As Part of a Buffet
- Family-style serving: Place the dish in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves.
- Taco bar: Use this as part of a taco bar, allowing guests to make their own loaded tacos with sausage and potatoes.
Accompanied by Salad
- Garden salad: Pair with a light garden salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and sausage.
- Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad can add crunch and freshness to your meal.
How to Perfect One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Achieving perfection with your One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is easy with a few simple tips. Here’s how you can elevate this dish even further.
- seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the ranch seasoning according to your taste. A little extra can go a long way.
- Even potato sizes: Cut your potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Quality sausage: Choose high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. Look for brands that use natural ingredients.
- Cheese variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or gouda, for unique flavor profiles.
- Oven safety: Make sure your baking sheet or skillet is oven-safe if you decide to use one instead of a traditional baking dish.
- Resting time: Let the dish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage pairs well with several side dishes that can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover flavors on your plate.
- Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the main dish.
- Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, complementing the savory flavors beautifully.
- Corn on the cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings summer vibes to your dinner table, adding sweetness alongside savory notes.
- Grilled asparagus: Grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor and elegant touch to your plate.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites while adding a healthy touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. This helps the potatoes roast properly and enhances their flavor.
- Not cutting potatoes evenly: Make sure your potato pieces are evenly quartered. Uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking times.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Avoid placing too many ingredients on one pan. This can cause steaming instead of roasting, affecting texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish before serving. You may want to add extra salt or spices to enhance flavor.
- Forgetting about cheese melting: Keep an eye on the cheese while it melts. It can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt quickly if left unattended.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date for easy reference.
Reheating One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring in between for even warmth.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of water over medium heat. Cover and stir occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage so easy?
This recipe uses minimal dishes, combining everything into one pan, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
Can I customize the sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use turkey sausage or any other type of smoked sausage you prefer.
How do I make One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage healthier?
You can reduce calories by using less cheese or opting for lower-fat sausage options. Adding more vegetables is another great way!
What should I serve with One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage?
This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting meal that brings joy to the dinner table!
One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Indulge in the delightful flavors of One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage, a dish that harmonizes tender red potatoes tossed in zesty ranch seasoning with smoky sausage, all topped with gooey melted cheddar. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make meal takes under an hour from start to finish and requires minimal cleanup. With each bite, you’ll savor the comforting blend of savory ingredients that will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley and sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine quartered potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ranch dressing mix. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add sliced sausage to the baking sheet and stir to combine. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Return to bake for another 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with optional garnishes of parsley and sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1130mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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