Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Bake
This Cheesy Ranch Potato Sausage Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for a weeknight meal or family gathering. Tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce combine for an easy and satisfying dish.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley
- Optional garnishes: green onions
- Optional garnishes: crumbled bacon
- Water for boiling potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch.
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain well.
- While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion and cook until the sausage is lightly browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, milk, and garlic powder. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. If you don't have a mixer, you can whisk it vigorously until smooth.
- Add the drained potatoes and the sausage and onion mixture to the bowl with the cheesy ranch sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) into the mixture.
- Pour the potato and sausage mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or crumbled bacon, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a smoother sauce, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. To prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy, do not overcook them when boiling. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or sausage to customize the flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.