Description
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is a comforting and flavorful slow cooker dish combining tender hash browns, smoky sausage, melty cheese, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. This hearty casserole features sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor, making it a perfect easy weeknight meal or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 onion, diced
Potatoes and Creamy Ingredients
- 1 regular size bag of frozen shredded hash browns (about 20-24 oz)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Instructions
- Sauté Sausage and Vegetables: In a hot skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced smoked sausage, sliced bell peppers, and diced onion until they are slightly browned and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor and caramelization but is optional.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the sautéed sausage and vegetable mixture into your crockpot or slow cooker, spreading it evenly on the bottom.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the frozen shredded hash browns, heavy whipping cream, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning packet, and shredded cheese on top of the sausage and veggies in the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly inside the crockpot until evenly mixed, ensuring the creamy components coat the potatoes and sausage well.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. The dish is ready when the hash browns are tender and the cheese has melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Final Stir and Serve: Before serving, stir the cheesy potato and sausage mixture well to combine all the flavors. Serve warm for the best taste and comforting texture.
Notes
- Optional: Sautéing the sausage and vegetables beforehand adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- You can customize the cheese type to your preference, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly or cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to thicken.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently in the crockpot or oven.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
