Oh, you’re going to love this one! Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is the ultimate comfort dish that requires little effort but delivers big on flavor. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes combined with savory sausage, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, cheesy hug—and the best part? You don’t even have to break a sweat to make it! This slow-cooked wonder is perfect for busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Let me tell you why this dish is about to be your new best friend.
Easy-Peasy
This recipe is as simple as it gets! You literally toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. No need for constant stirring or checking on it every 10 minutes. Just let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Full of Flavor
The magic comes from the ranch seasoning and the gooey cheese that melts together with the potatoes and sausage. It’s like the perfect harmony of savory and cheesy, with just the right amount of seasoning to keep your taste buds dancing.
Comfort Food at Its Best
Cheesy, creamy, and packed with protein, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy even on the coldest of days. Plus, it’s filling enough to serve as a main course or a hearty side.
Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike will go wild for this dish. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at family dinners, potlucks, or even just a quiet weeknight meal at home. Everyone loves potatoes and cheese, and the sausage adds a delicious, savory twist that makes this dish stand out.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage:
For the Crockpot:
- Potatoes: Use russet or baby potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks.
- Sausage: You can use Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or smoked sausage—your choice! Just make sure to slice it into pieces or crumble it for easy serving.
- Cheddar cheese: The star of the dish! Shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect melt.
- Ranch seasoning mix: You know the classic ranch dip seasoning—this is what makes the dish so flavorful.
- Cream of chicken soup: For that creamy, comforting texture. It blends perfectly with the cheese and potatoes.
- Sour cream: Adds a little tang to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Butter: A little bit of butter helps make everything extra creamy and delicious.
- Garlic powder: A dash of garlic powder adds just the right savory note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, because we want everything seasoned just right!
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Making this Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage could not be easier. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First, chop your potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and slice or crumble your sausage into smaller pieces. Set these aside for now.
Step 2: Layer the Crockpot
Place the chopped potatoes into the bottom of your crockpot. Then, add the sausage on top of the potatoes. Don’t worry about being precise—just layer it in there!
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add to the Crockpot
Pour the creamy ranch mixture evenly over the potatoes and sausage in the crockpot. Add a couple of pats of butter on top for extra richness and flavor.
Step 5: Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or on high for about 2-3 hours. The potatoes should be tender, and the sausage cooked through. Stir halfway through the cooking time to make sure everything is coated in that creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Once everything is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted into a gooey, cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted and everything is bubbling, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy this cheesy, savory masterpiece on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 460
Total Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 1100mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 17g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high)
Total Time: 4-5 hours
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
This dish is perfect all on its own, but if you want to elevate it even further, here are a few ideas:
As a Main Dish
Serve it as a hearty dinner on its own! It’s filling and flavorful, making it a complete meal that satisfies.
With a Side Salad
Pair this cheesy delight with a crisp green salad or a Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
With Roasted Vegetables
Try serving it alongside roasted broccoli, green beans, or corn on the cob for a well-rounded meal that has it all.
With Bread
For extra comfort, serve with a warm loaf of garlic bread or some crusty dinner rolls to soak up any extra cheese and sauce!
Additional Tips
Use Different Sausages
Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Smoked sausage will give it a smokier flavor, while Italian sausage adds a nice, herby kick. You can also try breakfast sausage for a milder, but still tasty, option.
Add Veggies
If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, add diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn to the crockpot. They’ll soak up the flavors and add more texture to the dish.
Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat, add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix. It’ll bring a zesty kick to the dish.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture.
Make It Gluten-Free
For a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that the sausage you use is gluten-free.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A1: Yes! Frozen potatoes work just fine. Just toss them in straight from the freezer and cook as usual.
Q2: Can I use turkey sausage instead of regular sausage?
A2: Absolutely! Turkey sausage will give you a leaner option while still providing great flavor.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, cook it the next day in the crockpot for a no-hassle meal.
Q4: Can I add more cheese?
A4: Of course! Add as much cheese as you like for an extra cheesy dish. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses would work wonderfully.
Q5: Can I use other seasonings instead of ranch seasoning?
A5: You can! Try a packet of Italian seasoning or garlic parmesan seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Q6: How do I make it dairy-free?
A6: Use dairy-free sour cream, a dairy-free cream of chicken soup, and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Q7: Can I use red potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
A7: Yes! Red potatoes hold their shape better, so they’re a great option if you prefer a firmer texture.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q9: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A9: Yes, you can cook it on the stove! Just sauté the sausage, add the potatoes, and simmer everything with the creamy sauce until the potatoes are tender.
Q10: Can I freeze leftovers?
A10: Yes! Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra liquid.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is everything you want in a cozy, comforting dish—rich, cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect meal to throw together for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and so delicious!
PrintCrockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe is an easy, hearty, and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days. With tender potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, this dish combines comfort food and convenience in a delicious way. Simply toss the ingredients in the crockpot, and let it cook to perfection for a comforting meal your whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and halve or quarter the baby potatoes. Slice the sausage into 1-inch pieces.
- Layer in the crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, layer the potatoes and sausage.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Pour over the potatoes and sausage: Pour the ranch mixture over the potatoes and sausage in the crockpot. Stir to combine and coat evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and cover again to let it melt.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted, give everything a final stir and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting meal!
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage, such as kielbasa or Italian sausage, for different flavors.
- Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to make this dish more colorful and nutritious.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- For extra creaminess, add more sour cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on crockpot setting)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 411 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 990mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg