Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage (One-Pan Comfort Bake)
If you’re looking for a simple, filling, and ultra-comforting meal, this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage bake is exactly what you need. Made with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, savory ranch seasoning, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish comes together in one pan and delivers BIG flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a hearty weekend brunch, this recipe is budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal (easy cleanup!)
- Ready with simple pantry ingredients
- Hearty and filling
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
(Beef, turkey, or chicken sausage all work well) - 1 lb red potatoes, scrubbed and diced into bite-size pieces
(No need to peel!) - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
(or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar is recommended for maximum flavor - ½ cup onion, diced
Yellow or white onion works best - ¼ cup olive oil
(or melted butter for a richer, more indulgent taste) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Recommended)
- Bell peppers (red or green)
- Minced garlic (1–2 cloves)
- Paprika or smoked paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, add the diced potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil (or melted butter), then sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until every potato piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Add Sausage & Onion
Add the sliced smoked sausage and diced onion to the bowl with the potatoes. Toss everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are fork-tender and lightly golden.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Return to the oven and bake for 5–10 more minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Scrambled eggs (for brunch!)
- A dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—use a large baking dish
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage bake is the ultimate comfort food—simple, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want an easy one-pan dinner, this recipe delivers every time.