Cheesy Ranch Potato & Smoked Sausage Skillet

Smoked sausage sizzles in a hot skillet with ranch seasoning and cheese.

This dish uses one pan, so no need to clean multiple pots.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights and requires minimal ingredients.

About the Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes (about 500g)

Russet potatoes are starchy and firm, so they hold up well to heat. If you don’t have them, use Idaho potatoes as a substitute.

6 links smoked sausage (about 500g)

Smoked sausage is the key flavor here. If you can’t find it, use regular sausage and add a bit of liquid smoke to the seasoning.

1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese

Cheddar melts well and adds a sharp flavor. Use mozzarella if you want something milder and softer.

1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella adds a gooey texture. If you prefer a stronger cheese, use provolone or gouda.

1/4 cup (30g) ranch seasoning mix

Ranch seasoning adds the main flavor. You can make your own by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley.

1/4 cup (50g) butter

Butter adds richness and helps the cheese melt evenly. Use olive oil if you want a lighter option.

1/2 cup (120ml) milk

Milk helps the cheese melt smoothly. If you’re dairy-free, try using almond or oat milk.

1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs help create a crispy top. If you’re out, use crushed crackers or cornflakes instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Peel and cut potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. This makes them cook faster and fit well in the pan.

2. Heat the skillet

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt.

3. Cook the sausage

Add the sausage links and cook for 5 minutes, turning once. They should be browned and slightly crisp.

4. Add the potatoes

Add the potatoes to the pan and stir to coat them in the butter. Cook for 3 minutes.

5. Sprinkle the seasoning

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes and sausage. Stir to mix in the flavors.

6. Pour in the milk

Pour in the milk and stir until the mixture is creamy. This helps the cheese melt smoothly.

7. Add the cheeses

Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until they’re fully melted and the mixture is bubbly.

8. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and cook for 3 more minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.

9. Let it rest slightly

Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve.

10. Serve and enjoy

Serve the dish directly from the pan. It’s best when enjoyed warm with a side of salad or crusty bread.

How to Store Cheesy Ranch Potato & Smoked Sausage Skillet

Tips & Tricks

• Use a non-stick skillet so you don’t need extra oil.
• Cut potatoes into even-sized chunks so they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t skip the milk — it makes the cheese sauce silky.
• If the cheese starts to burn, reduce the heat slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

This cheesy ranch potato and sausage dish is a great way to enjoy a warm, hearty meal in under 40 minutes. Make it tonight and save it for later use.

Cheesy Ranch Potato & Smoked Sausage Skillet

This cheesy ranch potato & smoked sausage skillet is a 40-minute family meal with tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheese.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 500g)
• 6 links smoked sausage (about 500g)
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (30g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 cup (50g) butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs

📋 Instructions

1. 1Peel and cut potatoes — Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. This makes them cook faster and fit well in the pan.
2. 2Heat the skillet — Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
3. 3Cook the sausage — Add the sausage links and cook for 5 minutes, turning once. They should be browned and slightly crisp.
4. 4Add the potatoes — Add the potatoes to the pan and stir to coat them in the butter. Cook for 3 minutes.
5. 5Sprinkle the seasoning — Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes and sausage. Stir to mix in the flavors.
6. 6Pour in the milk — Pour in the milk and stir until the mixture is creamy. This helps the cheese melt smoothly.
7. 7Add the cheeses — Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until they’re fully melted and the mixture is bubbly.
8. 8Sprinkle the breadcrumbs — Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and cook for 3 more minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.
9. 9Let it rest slightly — Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve.
10. 10Serve and enjoy — Serve the dish directly from the pan. It’s best when enjoyed warm with a side of salad or crusty bread.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: If you want to cut down on time, use pre-cooked sausage links and skip the browning step.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Simple Cooker Recipes50 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat