Description
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage – A warm, comforting skillet with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and tangy ranch. Quick, easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 lb smoked sausage (like kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Dairy & Cheese:
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded is best)
- Garnish & Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepping Your Spuds:: First things first, get those potatoes ready for our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage! Wash and dice your Yukon Golds into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Try to keep them pretty uniform, so they cook evenly. This is where I sometimes get a little zealous and end up with some tiny bits and some chunky ones, which means some get super crispy while others are still a bit firm. Don’t be like me, take your time! Pat them really dry with a paper towel; moisture is the enemy of crispy potatoes, trust me on that one.
- Sausage Sizzle Time:: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet—cast iron is wonderful for this—over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Slice your smoked sausage into rounds, about 1/2-inch thick. Toss those beauties into the hot pan and let them get some good color, about 3-5 minutes per side. You want a nice caramelization, a little char even! This step really brings out the smoky flavor that makes these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage so good. Once browned, pull the sausage out and set it aside, leaving that delicious rendered fat in the pan.
- Crisping the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes:: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, if needed, then add your diced potatoes. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible. This is crucial for getting them crispy! Resist the urge to stir them constantly. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until they get beautifully golden brown on one side. Then, give them a good stir and repeat, cooking until they’re tender inside and wonderfully crispy outside. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes total for perfect Cheesy Ranch Potatoes.
- Flavor Bomb Activation:: Once your potatoes are almost done, fork-tender with those lovely crispy bits, it’s time to add the flavor! Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, and onion powder all over the potatoes. Give everything a really good toss to coat. You’ll smell the herbs and spices coming alive, it’s honestly one of my favorite kitchen smells. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite of these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is packed with flavor.
- Bringing It All Together:: Now, add the browned smoked sausage back into the skillet with the seasoned potatoes. Stir gently to combine everything, letting the sausage warm through for a couple of minutes. You want all those flavors to mingle and become best friends. This is where the dish starts to look like the comforting meal you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t overmix, we don’t want to break up those lovely potato pieces in our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage.
- The Cheesy Finale:: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle that glorious freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. The steam trapped under the lid will help it melt perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!