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- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced - 4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese The ingredients in this Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Skillet create a great blend of taste and texture. Start with the smoked sausage. It gives your dish a rich, hearty flavor. The diced potatoes add a nice bite, while the onion and garlic give it depth. For the seasonings, ranch dressing is key. It adds creaminess and bold taste. Paprika and black pepper give just the right kick. Salt helps to bring all those flavors together. Do not forget the cheese! The cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey richness to the dish. Fresh parsley on top not only looks nice but also adds a hint of freshness. This mix of ingredients makes your skillet a true delight. You can easily adapt it to your taste if you want. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. - Add potatoes, salt, and paprika to the skillet. Stir well. - Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the potatoes turn golden and tender. - Add the chopped onion and sliced sausage to the skillet. - Cook together for 5-7 minutes. Stir often. - Ensure the sausage is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. - Lower the heat to medium and stir in minced garlic. - Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Drizzle in the ranch dressing and toss everything to combine. - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. - Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes. - Allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly. - Once melted, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. For this skillet dish, I recommend using russet potatoes. They are starchy and will give you a nice, fluffy texture. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier feel. To get even browning, cut the potatoes into small, uniform cubes. This way, they cook at the same rate. Stir them often while cooking to prevent sticking and burning. This cheesy ranch potato sausage skillet pairs well with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrients. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also add sliced green onions for extra flavor and crunch. To save time, you can precook the potatoes. Boil them for about 10 minutes, then cool and cube them. This cuts down the skillet cooking time. Another great tip is to slice the sausage ahead of time. If you meal prep for the week, this dish is easy to assemble quickly on busy nights. Just combine your prepped ingredients and follow the cooking steps. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: For a flavorful dish, opt for a smoked sausage with a good seasoning blend. Kielbasa or andouille sausages work great! Perfect Potato Texture: Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Parboiling them for a few minutes can also speed up the cooking process. Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick and creaminess. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or Italian seasoning, to elevate the flavor profile of your skillet dish. {{image_2}} You can swap the sausage for chicken or turkey. This change keeps the dish light and tasty. If you want a meat-free meal, use plant-based sausage. It gives a similar texture and flavor, making it a great choice for vegetarians. Try changing the ranch dressing to a different dressing for new flavors. A zesty Italian dressing adds a nice twist. You can also add spices like cumin or herbs like thyme. These changes can give your dish a whole new taste. Using different types of cheese can change the flavor too. Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun kick. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. It melts well and keeps the dish creamy without dairy. To keep your Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Skillet fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This way, it stays tasty for up to three days. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently. The microwave is quick, but it can dry out the dish. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or ranch dressing to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. This keeps all the flavors alive. Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just let it cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet, adding a little water or dressing to help it warm evenly. Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Skillet lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before you seal it. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. Yes! You can cook this dish in advance. Prepare it, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to swap out ranch dressing, try these options: - Italian dressing for a zesty twist - Blue cheese dressing for a richer flavor - Homemade yogurt sauce for a lighter choice Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven. Here’s how: 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Follow the skillet steps but transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the cheese. 3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and add cheese. Bake for an extra 10 minutes until bubbly. This dish is great for meal prep! Here are some ideas: - Divide the skillet into single servings for easy lunches. - Pair it with a salad for a full meal. - Serve with crusty bread for added texture. This skillet dish combines smoked sausage, seasoned potatoes, and melted cheese for a tasty meal. You can easily swap ingredients, use different dressings, or change up the cheese. Store leftovers well and reheat them for the best flavor. This recipe is adaptable for your needs and quick to make, making it perfect for busy days. Enjoy creating your own version that suits your taste!

Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Skillet

A hearty skillet dish featuring smoked sausage, potatoes, and melted cheddar 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
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until they are golden and tender.
  • Add the chopped onion and sliced sausage to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.
  • Lower the heat to medium, stir in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Drizzle the ranch dressing over the skillet mixture and toss well to combine. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword cheesy, potatoes, ranch, sausage, skillet