Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage — The Ultimate Comfort Bake

If you’re looking for a dish that’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, look no further than this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage bake. Imagine smoky sausage, golden potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, all coated in a creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce — baked together into bubbling, savory perfection.

This recipe is the kind of comfort food that makes everyone rush to the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend brunches, or even as a potluck crowd-pleaser. And best of all — it comes together easily with simple ingredients and delivers BIG flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds
2 bell peppers, sliced (use red and green for color)
1 medium onion, diced
1 regular-size (30 oz) bag of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but amazing)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Tip: Let the hash browns sit out for about 10–15 minutes to thaw slightly — they’ll cook and blend more evenly this way.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat olive oil). Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until browned on both sides.

Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for another 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Ranch Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Sour cream
Milk or cream
Ranch seasoning mix
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with a bit of salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, add the thawed hash browns. Pour the cheesy ranch mixture over the top, then add the cooked sausage, onions, and peppers.

Stir gently to combine everything evenly, making sure the potatoes are coated with the sauce.

Smooth out the top and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.

Tip: For an extra-crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end — just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set slightly.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve hot and dig in! Each bite is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and full of comforting flavor.

Serving Ideas

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs perfectly with:

A crisp green salad or coleslaw
Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
Scrambled eggs for a breakfast-style feast
Garlic bread or dinner rolls

Pro Tips

Add a kick: Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make it extra creamy: Add ½ cup of cream cheese to the ranch mixture.
Switch it up: Try using diced potatoes instead of hash browns for a chunkier texture.
Storage: Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat perfectly in the oven or microwave.

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage bake is the definition of comfort food. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy potatoes, while the ranch seasoning ties it all together with irresistible flavor.

It’s cozy, filling, and crowd-approved — the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the kitchen the moment it comes out of the oven. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a weekend brunch, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.