Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1½ lb baby potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 packet (about 1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
Optional
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage and cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, ranch seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika and black pepper.
- Load the slow cooker: Add potatoes, onion, corn and sliced sausage to the crockpot.
- Add the sauce: Pour the seasoned butter mixture evenly over everything.
- Mix: Toss gently so the potatoes, sausage and corn are coated.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Check: Stir once during cooking if convenient. Make sure the sausage is thoroughly heated and the potatoes are completely tender.
- Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Details
- Prep: 15 minutes
- LOW: 5–6 hours
- HIGH: 2½–3½ hours
- Servings: 5–6
Nut & Allergen Information
- Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts are required.
- Dairy: Contains dairy if the ranch seasoning contains milk ingredients and because of the butter.
- Gluten: Check the ranch seasoning and smoked sausage label if you need a gluten-free meal.
- Soy: Some processed sausage or seasoning mixes may contain soy, so check labels.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
- Calories: ~500–550
- Protein: ~18–22 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45–50 g
- Fat: ~27–32 g
- Fiber: ~4–5 g
Values vary depending on the sausage, ranch seasoning and amount of butter used.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen corn?
Yes. Add it directly to the slow cooker; no need to thaw.
Q: Can I use chicken sausage?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Make sure it reaches the safe temperature specified on the package.
Q: Can I make it without brown sugar?
Yes. The brown sugar adds a slightly sweet contrast to the savory ranch and smoked sausage, but it can be omitted.
Q: Can I add cheese?
Yes. Add shredded cheddar during the final 10–15 minutes for a cheesy version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in a covered container within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.