There's something irresistible about the smell of crispy potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheese mingling together in one pan. This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe is the ultimate comfort food – gooey, golden, and packed with bold, zesty flavor.
I first whipped this up on a lazy Sunday when I wanted a hearty dinner without a sink full of dishes. Since then, it’s become a weekly staple – a hit with the kids, endlessly customizable, and ready in under an hour with minimal fuss.
This one’s a true crowd-pleaser with major weeknight appeal. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to your new favorite one-pan wonder. This cheesy ranch sausage bake is a keeper for so many reasons.
It’s truly one-pan magic. Everything roasts together in the oven – no boiling, no extra skillets, and barely any cleanup. Toss it on a sheet pan and you’re good to go.
Quick and easy prep means less stress. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have this dish prepped and in the oven in 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Family-friendly flavors, even for picky eaters. The creamy ranch seasoning, cheesy topping, and crispy sausage bits make this dish a guaranteed win – even with the little ones.
It’s budget-conscious and pantry-friendly. Using inexpensive staples like potatoes, sausage, and shredded cheese, this recipe feeds a hungry family without breaking the bank.
Whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this dish is always a satisfying solution.
Ingredients Notes
This one-pan recipe proves that a few simple ingredients can make magic when combined thoughtfully. Each component plays its part in delivering flavor, texture, and crave-worthy appeal.
The potatoes are the heart of this dish. I recommend using Yukon gold or red potatoes – they roast beautifully and get those golden, crispy edges that everyone loves. Dice them into small, even chunks to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
Smoked sausage brings that rich, savory flavor to the party. I usually go for beef kielbasa, but feel free to use chicken sausage or even andouille if you like a little heat. Sliced into rounds, it crisps up beautifully in the oven and adds a satisfying chew to every bite.
Ranch seasoning is the flavor bomb here. One packet of dry ranch dressing mix adds a creamy, tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the sausage and potatoes. It’s a shortcut with maximum payoff – no need to measure out a bunch of spices.
Cheddar cheese melts over everything at the end, tying it all together in a gooey, golden layer. I suggest using a sharp cheddar for extra punch, but any melty cheese you love will work. Shredding your own from a block helps with melt quality and flavor.
Olive oil helps everything crisp and roast evenly. Don't skip it – it’s what gives those potatoes their glorious crunch. A drizzle is all you need to get that perfect texture.
You’ll also want a large rimmed baking sheet for this recipe. Line it with foil or parchment for easy cleanup and make sure it’s big enough to spread everything in a single layer.
How To Make This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Making this dish is as easy as toss, roast, and melt. Here’s how to do it right every time.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high heat is key to getting those crispy edges on the potatoes and nicely browned sausage. Line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
Dice your potatoes into ¾-inch chunks and slice your sausage into ½-inch rounds. Add them both to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on the ranch seasoning packet. Toss everything thoroughly so that each piece is coated in that flavorful blend.
Spread the mixture onto your baking sheet in a single, even layer. Make sure nothing is too crowded – if the pan is too packed, the ingredients will steam instead of roast. Pop the tray into your hot oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring once or twice halfway through to ensure even browning.
After the potatoes are tender and golden and the sausage is sizzling, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle on your shredded cheddar cheese. Return the pan to the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Take it out, let it cool slightly, and serve right from the pan. You’ll get cheesy, crispy, ranch-infused perfection in every bite – all with zero fuss.
From start to finish, this dish takes about 45 minutes, with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. The oven does most of the work while you kick back and enjoy the savory aroma filling your kitchen.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully for meals later in the week.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The cheese may firm up slightly, but a quick reheat will bring everything back to life.
To freeze, let the dish cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For best results when reheating, use the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. Simply bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch but will soften the potatoes.
Variations and Substitutions
This one-pan dinner is a playground for substitutions and personal twists. You can make it your own in so many ways.
For a spicier kick, swap the smoked sausage for andouille or spicy Italian sausage. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for even more heat.
If you’re cutting back on meat, try a vegetarian version with roasted mushrooms or plant-based sausage. Bell peppers or zucchini also make great veggie add-ins.
Looking to lighten it up? Use turkey sausage and low-fat cheddar. You can also swap out the olive oil for avocado oil or spray to reduce fat further.
Try different cheese blends to suit your taste – Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda can give it a fun twist. Just make sure it melts well!
And if you're in a time crunch, you can use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns. Just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry to avoid sogginess.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own. With a solid base of potatoes, sausage, ranch, and cheese, the possibilities are endless.
PrintOne Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe
This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe is a delicious and hearty dinner option packed with smoky sausage, crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and bold ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy one-pan meal comes together quickly and is family-approved. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a dinner winner you’ll want to make again and again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
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1.5 lbs baby red potatoes, quartered
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Spread potatoes evenly on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 20 minutes, then add sliced sausage and toss together.
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Return to oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender and slightly crispy.
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Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until melted.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Use pre-cooked sausage for quicker cooking.
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Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
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For crispier potatoes, broil for 2–3 minutes after adding cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1050mg
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