Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage | One-Pan Dinner

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (add 5 minutes if parboiling potatoes)
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 5–6
• Course: Dinner / One-Pan
• Cuisine: American comfort
• Skill Level: Easy
• Special Equipment: Large rimmed sheet pan (11×17-inch), parchment paper, large bowl

Introduction

If there’s one dish that guarantees everyone drifts toward the kitchen, it’s this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage. We call it our “uniform night dinner” because I can toss it together between cleats and choir folders, and the oven does the rest. The potatoes roast to crispy-edged perfection, the sausage coins caramelize and sizzle, and a blanket of cheddar ties it all together in glorious, melty fashion.

This is true one-pan dinner magic: fast prep, minimal dishes, and flavors that taste like a tailgate and a cozy weeknight had a very delicious baby. Ranch seasoning brings zippy, herby comfort; a quick broil at the end gives you those irresistibly golden cheese freckles. Set out lemony greens or a simple slaw and you’ve got a complete meal—no juggling multiple pots or pans.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lb baby gold or red potatoes, quartered (or 1½ lb russets cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch coins (pork, beef, or turkey)
• 1 small red onion, cut into thick wedges
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional but colorful)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (1-oz) packet ranch seasoning mix (or see homemade blend below)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar (or Monterey Jack/cheddar blend)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced (optional for extra gloss)

For Serving

• 2–3 tbsp chopped scallions or chives
• 1–2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Ranch dressing for drizzling (optional), and hot sauce at the table

Optional / Variations

• Veg Boost: Add 2 cups broccoli florets or halved Brussels sprouts during the last 20 minutes.
• Spicy Night: Use andouille sausage and add 1 sliced jalapeño.
• Lighter Version: Choose turkey sausage and reduce cheese to 1 cup; swap half the potatoes for cauliflower florets.
• Different Cheeses: Pepper Jack for heat, mozzarella for stretch, or smoked gouda for campfire vibes.
• Halal-Friendly: Use halal beef sausage and certified seasonings.
• Gluten-Free: Most ranch packets are GF; check labels or use the homemade blend.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Pan for Head-Start Crisp

Set a rimmed sheet pan on the middle rack and heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot pan jump-starts browning so those potatoes get shatter-crisp edges. Line with parchment after preheating if you prefer easy cleanup.

Step 2: Par-Cook the Potatoes (Optional but Great)

For extra-crispy potatoes on a weeknight, parboil chunks in salted water for 5 minutes, drain well, and let them steam-dry 2 minutes.
Time-crunched? Skip parboiling—just add 5–7 minutes to the first roast time.

Step 3: Toss with Ranch Goodness

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, onion, bell pepper, olive oil, ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss so everything is evenly coated and glossy. My kids call this “potato confetti”—the herby flecks make it look like a party.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Carefully pull the hot pan from the oven. Spread the potato mixture in a single layer (don’t crowd—use two pans if needed). Roast 20 minutes, stirring once so more sides get golden.

Step 5: Add the Sausage

Scatter smoked sausage coins over the potatoes. Dot with butter if using. Roast another 12–15 minutes, until the sausage edges crisp and the potatoes are deeply golden and tender.

Step 6: Make It Cheesy

Sprinkle cheddar over everything. Return to the oven until melted, 3–5 minutes. For browned, bubbly spots, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Shower with scallions/chives and parsley. Drizzle a little ranch dressing if you love extra saucy comfort. Serve straight from the pan with a lemony green salad or simple slaw. At our house, the crispy corner bits mysteriously vanish before plates are passed—chef’s tax.

Tips & Variations

• Homemade Ranch Seasoning (about 3 tbsp / 1 packet):
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 2 tsp dried dill
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried chives
  • ¾ tsp fine salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch paprika and ¼ tsp sugar (optional)
• Crispy Science: Parboiling or microwaving potatoes drives out moisture so oil can contact the starch—hello, crunchy edges. Let them steam-dry 2 minutes after draining for best results.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Crowding traps steam. If everything won’t fit with some breathing room, divide between two sheets and rotate racks halfway.
• Air Fryer Option: Work in batches at 390°F (200°C)—potatoes 12–15 minutes, shaking once; add sausage 6–8 minutes more; add cheese 1–2 minutes.
• Make-Ahead: Toss potatoes with oil + seasonings and refrigerate up to 24 hours; roast cold (add ~5 minutes). You can also roast fully, cool, and reheat at 400°F for 8–10 minutes; add cheese at the end.
• Balance the Plate: A crunchy salad with lemon or dill, or quick pickled onions, cuts the richness.
• Kid Helpers: Little hands can sprinkle cheese and herbs. Mine argue (politely) over who gets to do the final “cheese snow.”
• Sodium Check: Ranch packets and sausage vary—taste before salting at the table.
• Sheet-Pan vs. Casserole: A sheet pan gives max crisp. Prefer casserole vibes? Bake in a 9×13: cover 20 minutes, uncover 15–20 until golden, then add cheese.

Nutrition

(Per serving, 1/6 of recipe made with pork sausage and 1½ cups cheddar; estimates.)

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbs: 38 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 1,120 mg
• Sugar: 4 g

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage | One-Pan Dinner is the kind of weeknight hero that keeps everyone happy—and your sink empty. It’s crispy, cheesy, and big on flavor without asking for much in return. Once you try it, I bet it’ll join your regular rotation alongside sheet-pan fajitas and baked ziti. If your crew finds a favorite house version (pepper jack + jalapeños is ours at the moment), tell me—I’m always collecting those tasty traditions.

Save this for cheesy ranch potatoes, smoked sausage sheet pan, one-pan dinners, easy family meals, and weeknight comfort food on Pinterest. From my ranch-scented, happily noisy kitchen to yours—enjoy every crispy, melty bite!