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This filling Savory Ranch Potatoes with Sausage dish blends flavorful sausage, golden potatoes, and a velvety ranch-flavored sauce that'll make your family rush to grab dinner. It's the perfect comfort meal that nearly makes itself in the slow cooker, great for those hectic evenings when you want something filling and tasty.
I've brought this to countless gatherings and potlucks, and never take home leftovers. The mix of textures and tastes has everyone grabbing another helping.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
- Smoked Sausage: Go for quality smoked sausage with good firmness - Polish kielbasa is a fantastic choice
- Bell Peppers: Look for solid, vibrantly colored peppers for better taste and snap
- Frozen Hash Browns: The shredded kind works better, let them thaw a bit first
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Crucial for that thick, luxurious texture - don't try using lighter options
- Cheddar Cheese Soup: Gives the perfect smooth foundation
- Ranch Seasoning: Add the entire packet for full flavor
- Shredded Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Prepare Your Mix-ins
- - Cut sausage into 1/4-inch coins
- Slice peppers into skinny strips
- Chop onion into small, even chunks
- Warm a big skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook until sausage turns golden and veggies soften (around 8-10 minutes) - Step 2: Load Your Crockpot
- - Spread hash browns across the crockpot bottom
- Scatter the cooked mixture on top
- Mix cream, soup, sour cream, and ranch powder in a bowl
- Drizzle this mixture throughout
- Scatter cheese over everything
- Lightly mix all components together - Step 3: Slow Cooking Time
- - Adjust crockpot to your time needs
- For high heat: Cook 2 hours, stir once midway
- For low heat: Cook 4 hours, stir now and then
- Test if potatoes are soft before serving
The smoky sausage pieces are what my family can't get enough of. My grandson always hunts for them first, so I've started throwing in extra just for him!
Keeping and Warming Leftovers
This meal stays good in the fridge up to 3 days. Put it in a sealed container and warm portions in your microwave or oven. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors blend even more nicely. I often cook twice as much just to have extras.
Ways to Switch It Up
You can easily tweak this dish to fit what your family likes. Try switching to turkey sausage for something lighter, or go with andouille for some Cajun flavor. Different cheeses work great too - I've had good results using pepper jack for some heat or mixing cheddar with mozzarella for that stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
What to Serve With It
Though it stands alone as a full meal, I enjoy pairing it with a fresh green salad or some steamed broccoli to cut through the richness. For casual get-togethers, I put out some crusty bread and let everyone serve themselves. It's always popular at shared meals and family dinners, especially when it's cold outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap frozen potatoes for fresh ones?
- Absolutely, just lightly cook fresh shredded potatoes beforehand so they finish cooking completely.
- → Could I make this without a crockpot?
- Sure, bake it at 375°F in an oven-safe dish for about an hour until it’s bubbly and cooked through.
- → Can I try another sausage in this dish?
- Yes, smoked chicken or turkey sausage is a tasty alternative.
- → How long is it safe to keep leftovers?
- Store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 or 4 days.
- → Can I prep this the day before?
- Yes, combine the ingredients ahead of time, and just start cooking when you’re ready.