Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes

Before we talk about this recipe, I must warn you: it was not exactly what I had planned to make, but it turned out delicious and satisfying! I was intending to make a casserole-type dish in the crockpot, but time constraints and a spoiled bag of tater tots changed my plans. Instead, I winged it, so to speak - threw together some ingredients in an electric skillet and hoped for the best. And it turned out great!

If you prefer more of a sauce, add half a cup of milk and extra butter. If not, leave them out and the texture is more like a casserole.

Ingredients:

1 package smoked sausage
1 box of au gratin potatoes
2 cups water
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Garlic powder and dry ranch seasoning for flavor, or seasonings to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup milk

Slice smoked sausage into bite size pieces and toss in a buttered skillet. Add the dehydrated potatoes and about half of the au gratin flavor packet. Pour in water and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 min or until potatoes are firm but tender. Add butter, cheese, and seasonings to taste, as well as milk if desired; stir and let simmer another 4-5 minutes. Serve topped with extra cheese!