There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa filling your kitchen. This dish combines tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Polish family gathering.
I first discovered this recipe on a cold winter evening when I wanted something hearty but effortless. Since then, it’s become a staple for busy weeknights and potlucks alike. The best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it perfect for days when you need a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing comfort food. It’s everything you want in a casserole: warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
First off, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal prep work, you can toss everything into the crockpot and go about your day. By dinnertime, you'll have a rich and hearty meal waiting for you.
It’s also a budget-friendly recipe. Using frozen pierogies and kielbasa keeps costs low while still delivering maximum flavor. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.
Another great perk? The versatility of this recipe. You can customize it to suit your family’s tastes—add some veggies, swap the kielbasa for another protein, or tweak the cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Finally, the slow cooker method makes it foolproof. No need to babysit the stove or oven—just let the crockpot work its magic while you handle other tasks.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this dish shine:
- Pierogies: Frozen pierogies are the heart of this recipe. You can use potato and cheese, potato and onion, or any variety your family enjoys. Their pillowy texture and savory filling are the perfect base.
- Kielbasa: This smoky, seasoned sausage brings bold flavor to the dish. Slice it into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has a bit of that savory goodness.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: These two ingredients create the creamy sauce that ties everything together. Full-fat options deliver the richest results, but you can opt for reduced-fat versions if desired.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a gooey, melty topping. Sharp cheddar works best to cut through the richness, but mild or medium cheddar will also work.
- Chicken Broth: This adds a touch of moisture and helps the sauce stay smooth. For a deeper flavor, use a low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
For this recipe, you’ll also need a slow cooker—preferably one with a 6-quart capacity or larger to fit all the ingredients comfortably.
How to Make This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
Creating this cozy casserole is as easy as layering ingredients and letting your crockpot do the rest. Let’s break it down step by step.
- Prep the Kielbasa
Begin by slicing the kielbasa into bite-sized rounds. For extra flavor, you can lightly brown them in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot, but this step is optional. - Layer the Ingredients
Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Then, layer half the pierogies at the bottom of the crockpot. Top with half of the kielbasa slices. - Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour half of this mixture over the pierogies and kielbasa. Repeat the layering with the remaining pierogies, kielbasa, and sauce. - Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the crockpot with its lid. - Cook Low and Slow
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when the pierogies are tender, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is melted. - Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve this comforting casserole straight from the crockpot. Pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Storage Options
This casserole is just as good the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole is fully cooled before transferring it to a container.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it into individual servings to make reheating a breeze.
- Reheat: To reheat, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe means you can make it your own! Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions for added color and nutrition.
- Switch the Protein: Not a fan of kielbasa? Substitute it with cooked bacon, diced ham, or even shredded chicken.
- Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, you could use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a milder, Italian-inspired flavor.
- Go Spicy: Add some heat with sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or spicy kielbasa.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free pierogies to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe is forgiving and adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors.
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or cozy night in, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
PrintCrockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a creamy and cheesy comfort food recipe, combining tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and a rich sauce for the ultimate slow cooker dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American/Polish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen pierogies
- 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In the crockpot, layer the frozen pierogies and sliced kielbasa.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the pierogies and kielbasa, ensuring everything is coated.
- Sprinkle diced onions on top, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until heated through.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if preferred.
- Add veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a crispier texture, transfer to a baking dish and broil briefly after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙th of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880
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