This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage dish is a hearty and comforting meal that combines savory smoked sausage with creamy, cheesy potatoes and crisp vegetables. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to please the whole family. Here’s how to prepare this delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (choose different colors for visual appeal)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 regular size bag of frozen shredded hash browns
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby, or a blend works well)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that everything bakes evenly and the cheese gets perfectly melty.
- Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until it starts to brown. Add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté together until the vegetables are just starting to soften. This step not only cooks the ingredients but also builds flavor.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, heavy whipping cream, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning packet. Stir these ingredients until well combined. Add the cooked sausage and vegetables to the bowl and mix everything together.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheeses to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Tips:
- Variations: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. If you like a bit of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side salad or steamed green beans to add a fresh element to the meal.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it in the oven straight from the fridge.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is a robust and flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients into a comforting meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this easy-to-make casserole!