Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa – A Hearty Comfort Dish
If you love easy, hearty, and comforting meals, this Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the perfect slow cooker recipe! Combining cheesy pierogis, smoky kielbasa, and a creamy sauce, this dish is effortless to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a crockpot pierogi casserole, a kielbasa recipe, or a simple crockpot meal, this dish will become a new family favorite!
What is Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa?
This crockpot pierogi casserole is an easy, one-pot meal that brings together the comfort of classic pierogis and the smoky goodness of kielbasa sausage. Instead of making homemade pierogis from scratch, this recipe uses frozen pierogis, which cook perfectly in a slow cooker with a rich, creamy sauce and melted cheese. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
To make this delicious slow cooker dish, you’ll need:
- Frozen Pierogis: 1 (16-ounce) package (cheddar and potato work best)
- Kielbasa Sausage: 1 pound, sliced into rounds
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened (for a creamy texture)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups (for extra cheesiness)
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (adds moisture and flavor)
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (for tanginess and richness)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (for extra depth of flavor)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (adds richness)
- Green Onions or Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this crockpot cooking recipe, gather the following tools:
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – for effortless cooking
- Cutting Board & Knife – for slicing kielbasa and onions
- Mixing Bowl – for combining sauce ingredients
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
- Ladle or Serving Spoon – for easy serving
How to Make Pierogi Casserole in a Crockpot
Follow these simple steps to make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole:
- Prepare the Kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized rounds and set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the frozen pierogis at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sliced kielbasa on top.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Pour Over the Pierogis: Evenly distribute the creamy sauce over the pierogis and kielbasa.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until the pierogis are heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Finish & Garnish: Stir gently to combine, then sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Pierogi Casserole
- Use Pre-Cooked Kielbasa: Most kielbasa is already cooked, so you only need to heat it through.
- Avoid Overcooking: Pierogis can become too soft if cooked too long, so check at the 3-hour mark.
- Add a Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed crackers or crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
- Use Different Pierogi Fillings: Cheddar and potato are classic, but try mushroom, onion, or bacon-filled pierogis for variety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Liquid: Stick to the recipe measurements; excess broth can make the casserole too soupy.
- Forgetting to Stir Before Serving: Mixing everything before serving ensures the sauce coats every bite evenly.
- Cooking on High for Too Long: Low and slow cooking helps develop the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This pierogi casserole with kielbasa pairs well with:
- Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts – for a balanced meal
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – to soak up the creamy sauce
- A Side Salad with Vinaigrette – to add freshness to the dish
- Caramelized Onions on Top – for an extra layer of flavor
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
Variations and Swaps
- Spicy Pierogi Casserole: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy kielbasa.
- Bacon & Cheese Version: Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit kielbasa and use sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in a little more sour cream and cream cheese for an ultra-rich texture.
FAQ About Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
- Can I use fresh pierogis instead of frozen? Yes! Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on LOW.
- What’s the best kielbasa to use? Smoked Polish kielbasa is the best choice, but turkey or beef kielbasa also work.
- Can I cook this in the oven instead? Yes! Layer everything in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With cheesy pierogis, smoky kielbasa, and a rich, creamy sauce, this slow cooker recipe will become a go-to meal in your household.
Try this crockpot pierogi casserole today and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal effort! Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends, and subscribe to our blog for more crockpot dishes and easy comfort food ideas! 😊
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa – A Hearty Comfort Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on LOW / 2 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights! Frozen pierogis, smoky kielbasa, and a rich, tangy sauce come together effortlessly in the slow cooker for a set-it-and-forget-it meal your whole family will love. Try this easy slow cooker recipe today!
Ingredients
✅ 1 (16-ounce) package frozen pierogis (cheddar and potato recommended)
✅ 1 pound kielbasa sausage (sliced into rounds)
✅ 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
✅ 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
✅ 1 cup chicken broth
✅ 1/2 cup sour cream
✅ 1 small onion (finely chopped)
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
✅ 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
✅ 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
✅ 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Kielbasa: Slice kielbasa into bite-sized rounds and set aside.
2️⃣ Layer the Ingredients: Place frozen pierogis in the bottom of the slow cooker and add sliced kielbasa on top.
3️⃣ Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sauce evenly over the pierogis and kielbasa.
5️⃣ Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
6️⃣ Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until pierogis are tender and cheese is melted.
7️⃣ Stir & Garnish: Gently mix everything together, then sprinkle with green onions or parsley before serving.
8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Pre-Cooked Kielbasa: Most kielbasa is already cooked, so you only need to heat it through.
- Check for Doneness: Pierogis should be soft but not mushy; check after 3 hours.
- Add a Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or crispy bacon bits before serving for extra texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the kielbasa and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers instead.
