Name: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes (cubed – Russet or Yukon Gold work best for a crispy outside and soft inside); 1 lb sausage (sliced – I prefer pork, but turkey sausage is a great lighter option); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded; 1/2 cup ranch dressing – Adds creamy (tangy flavor that ties everything together); 1 onion (chopped – Sweet or yellow onions enhance the overall flavor); 1 bell pepper (chopped – Red or green, it adds color and a slight crunch); 2 cloves garlic (minced – Fresh garlic adds a punch that pre-minced jars can’t match); 1 tsp paprika – Adds mild smokiness and depth; Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously for the best flavor; 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps everything roast evenly and adds a subtle richness

Do Share Recipe

I tried this cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage recipe the other night, and I have to say, it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese hit all the right comfort-food notes. I loved how easy it was to prep and how quickly it filled the house with a delicious aroma.

This recipe feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. Honestly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal—you can also enjoy similar hearty flavors in a One Pan Roasted Herb Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe if you want a different protein option.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful one-pan dish:

4 large potatoes, cubed – Russet or Yukon Gold work best for a crispy outside and soft inside
1 lb sausage, sliced – I prefer pork, but turkey sausage is a great lighter option
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded
1/2 cup ranch dressing – Adds creamy, tangy flavor that ties everything together
1 onion, chopped – Sweet or yellow onions enhance the overall flavor
1 bell pepper, chopped – Red or green, it adds color and a slight crunch
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a punch that pre-minced jars can’t match
1 tsp paprika – Adds mild smokiness and depth
Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously for the best flavor
2 tbsp olive oil – Helps everything roast evenly and adds a subtle richness

Note: several servings

Variations

To customize this recipe for your needs:

Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different cheese profile
Use zucchini, green beans, or frozen mixed veggies if you want more color or nutrients
For dairy-free, substitute ranch dressing with a vegan version and use plant-based cheese
Add baby spinach for extra nutrients or hot sauce/Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese before baking for extra creaminess
You can also try the spicy-sweet combo in a Baked Crunchy Honey Buffalo Chicken Recipe for a fun twist on classic chicken flavors.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large mixing bowl – For tossing potatoes, sausage, and veggies together
Baking dish – To roast everything evenly in the oven
Knife and cutting board – For chopping vegetables and slicing sausage
Spoon or spatula – For mixing ingredients thoroughly

How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe?

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly from the start. While it heats, gather all your chopped vegetables and sliced sausage.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and ranch dressing, tossing until each piece is coated in flavor.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender

Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and slightly browned on the edges.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 5: Serve

Let the dish cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy, savory goodness straight from the pan.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I like to cut potatoes into even cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
Tossing the ingredients well before baking makes sure every bite is flavorful.
I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth.
Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged gives a creamier melt.
If I’m meal prepping, I leave the cheese off, bake later, and melt fresh cheese when serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic, hearty presentation
Scoop into bowls with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal
Drizzle extra ranch dressing or sprinkle fresh parsley for a bright garnish
Portion into ramekins for individual servings at parties or potlucks

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile per serving:

Calories: 400–450 kcal
Protein: 20–22 g
Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
Fat: 20–25 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration

Let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, skip the cheese, freeze the mixture flat in a freezer-safe container, and add cheese when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the cheese melty and potatoes crispy. Microwaving works but may soften the texture slightly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I keep making this again and again:

Quick and easy – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it a weeknight winner
One-pan convenience – Saves time on cooking and cleanup
Flexible – Easily swap ingredients for dietary needs or flavor preferences
Comforting flavor – Cheesy, savory, and tangy all in one satisfying bite
Great for meal prep – Keeps well and tastes just as good reheated

Ben Carraoli