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To make this tasty dish, you need: - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces - 4 medium potatoes, scrubbed and diced into small cubes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Salt, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient adds its own flavor. The smoked sausage gives a nice, rich taste. The potatoes add heartiness. Cheddar cheese makes it creamy and delicious. You will need a few tools to make this skillet dish: - Large skillet - Sharp knife - Cutting board - Measuring spoons - Wooden spoon - Lid for the skillet These tools help you cook the dish easily. A large skillet allows for even cooking. A lid helps melt the cheese quickly. If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some swaps you can try: - Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage for a leaner option. - Swap ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor. - Choose any cheese you love, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist. - You can replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different taste. These substitutions keep the dish fun and flexible. You can make it your own with what you have at home! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up. Once hot, add the diced potatoes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and paprika on top. Stir them gently as they cook. You want them to turn golden brown and tender. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Next, add the sliced sausage and the chopped onion to the skillet. Mix everything well. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring often so the sausage browns and the onions soften. You will know it’s ready when the onions turn soft and clear. Now, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the mixture. Stir it in and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great, but don’t let it burn. After that, drizzle the ranch dressing over the top. Mix everything again to coat the potatoes and sausage well. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Time for the best part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it nice and bubbly. Once the cheese is melted, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. You can serve this dish hot. It pairs well with a fresh side salad or some warm crusty bread. Enjoy your meal! To get the best potatoes, cut them into small, even cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Start with hot oil in your skillet. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you add the potatoes. Cook them for 10-15 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. Look for a golden-brown color and a tender feel. This means they are perfect! When picking sausage, go for smoked sausage for a rich taste. Look for high-quality brands that use real meat. Check the label for spices you love. You can try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, too. Make sure the sausage is fresh. It will add great flavor to your dish. To boost the flavor, use spices like garlic powder or onion powder. A bit of cayenne pepper adds heat if you like it spicy. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can give a nice twist. Sprinkle some more ranch dressing on top before serving for extra taste. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each spice can change the dish in a fun way. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for a smoked sausage for a richer flavor, or try turkey sausage for a lighter version. Potato Prepping: Using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold will give a creamier texture, while russets will be fluffier. Perfect Cheese Melt: Shredding your cheese fresh will help it melt better and create a smoother sauce. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for an extra kick of flavor and spice! {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the smoked sausage with hearty vegetables. Good choices are mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These options add flavor and texture. You can also use plant-based sausage for a meaty taste. This way, you keep the dish filling and delicious. While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to switch it up. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Pepper jack gives a spicy kick. You can even mix different cheeses for depth. Go ahead and experiment to find your favorite combo. Each cheese brings its own charm to the dish. Adding more veggies boosts the nutrition and flavor. Spinach, kale, or broccoli can add color and health benefits. Carrots or peas can also work well. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, you get a balanced meal that's good for you. After enjoying your Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Skillet, let it cool first. Then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. To reheat, you can use a skillet or the microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the dish moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. You can freeze this dish, too! Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare it fully and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat until warm. This method keeps the flavors intact. I love serving this skillet with a fresh side salad or warm crusty bread. The salad adds crunch and freshness, while the bread helps soak up all the cheesy goodness. You can also try pairing it with steamed veggies for extra color and nutrients. To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use two pounds of sausage and eight potatoes. This way, you’ll have plenty to go around. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients without crowding. Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is a favorite, you can use any cheese you like. Try mozzarella for a stretchy texture, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can also create fun flavor combinations. Yes, you can use raw sausage. Just cook it first in the skillet before adding the potatoes. Make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature to enjoy your meal safely. The flavors will still blend well with the other ingredients. You now know how to make a tasty Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Skillet. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. I shared variations and storage info to make it easy for you. This dish is simple and fun to make. With a few changes, you can customize it to your liking. Try it out and make it your own! Enjoy your meal with family or friends.

Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Skillet

A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring smoked sausage, diced potatoes, and melted cheese, all tossed in ranch dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 medium potatoes, scrubbed and diced into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 quarter cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 half teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes and season with a pinch of salt and paprika. Sauté the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and become tender.
  • Incorporate the chopped onion and sliced sausage into the skillet with the potatoes. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is well-browned and the onions become soft and translucent.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir well. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is aromatic, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Drizzle the ranch dressing evenly over the skillet mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes so that the flavors can blend beautifully.
  • Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid, letting it cook for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly and luscious.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve this delightful skillet hot, and enjoy!

Notes

Pair with a fresh side salad or warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword cheesy, potatoes, ranch, sausage, skillet