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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage - A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Skillet

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Smoked sausage: 14–16 ounces, sliced into coins (kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage all work).
  • Potatoes: 2 pounds, diced into 1/2-inch cubes (Yukon Gold, red, or russets). Leave skins on for texture if you like.
  • Olive oil or butter: 2–3 tablespoons for sautéing and roasting.
  • Ranch seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons dry ranch mix (homemade or packet).
  • Cheese: 1 1/2–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend).
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup for creaminess and tang.
  • Onion: 1 small, diced (optional but adds nice sweetness).
  • Bell pepper: 1, diced (optional for color and crunch).
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder).
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for color and warmth.
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.
  • Salt: To taste, keeping in mind the sausage and ranch already have salt.
  • Green onions or parsley: For garnish.

Method
 

  1. Prep the potatoes: Wash and dice into even 1/2-inch cubes so they cook at the same speed. Pat dry to help them crisp.
  2. Toss with seasoning: In a large bowl, combine potatoes with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, ranch seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Add a light pinch of salt only if needed.
  3. Start the skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil and brown the sliced sausage for 3–4 minutes per side until edges crisp. Remove sausage to a plate.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for the last 30 seconds.
  5. Crisp the potatoes: Add the seasoned potatoes to the skillet. Spread them out in an even layer and let them sear, undisturbed, for 3–4 minutes to develop color. Stir and repeat. Cook 10–12 minutes total, until edges are golden and centers are tender.
  6. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in sour cream until it coats the potatoes. If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water or milk to loosen.
  7. Add sausage and cheese: Return the sausage to the pan and fold to combine. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 2–3 minutes to melt.
  8. Taste and finish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
  9. Serve hot: Spoon into bowls and enjoy as-is, or add a fried egg, hot sauce, or a side salad for balance.