Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

The Heartiest Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe Ever

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa that promises to warm your soul.

Polish-inspired flavors dance together in a slow-cooked marvel packed with rich, satisfying ingredients.

Layers of tender pierogies intermingle with smoky kielbasa sausage, creating a mouthwatering combination that speaks to traditional cuisine.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings blend seamlessly in this one-pot wonder that feels like a culinary hug.

Each bite carries the essence of home-style cooking without hours of complicated preparation.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that transforms an ordinary evening into something special.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh pierogies, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to create a vegetarian version.

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, provolone, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day for an easy meal preparation.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Highlights

  • Burst with Flavor: Packed with a perfect blend of spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper that create a mouthwatering taste explosion.
  • Master Simple Techniques: Straightforward cooking process that allows both beginner and experienced cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A classic southern-style recipe that brings families together, ideal for weekend dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves hearty, satisfying meals.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable recipe that works great as a main course, can be paired with various sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients For Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Frozen Pierogies: The heart of the dish, these doughy pockets provide a comforting and hearty base for the casserole.
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds a smoky and savory element to the recipe.
For the Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.
  • Cream Cheese: An optional ingredient that enhances the dish's richness and adds a tangy depth.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics provide a foundational flavor profile to the casserole.
  • Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that add warmth and a subtle kick to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: An optional liquid that helps create a moist and flavorful casserole.
  • Bacon, Dijon Mustard: Optional ingredients that can elevate the overall taste with their distinctive flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds a touch of freshness and color to the final presentation.

How To Prepare Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa

Step 1: Arrange Base Layers

Create a delicious foundation by placing frozen pierogies across the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer with:
  • Kielbasa slices
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sprinkle of paprika

The ingredients will nestle together, promising a hearty meal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

Whisk together a luxurious sauce that will infuse incredible flavor throughout the dish:
  • Sour cream
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Chicken broth

Pour this velvety mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring every pierogi gets coated.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty blanket that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

The goal is perfectly heated pierogies and a fully melted cheese topping.

Step 5: Optional Flavor Boosters

Midway through cooking, consider adding exciting flavor enhancers:
  • Crispy cooked bacon
  • Cream cheese
  • Dijon mustard
  • Red pepper flakes for heat lovers

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those incredible flavors.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Tips For Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Success

  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • Prevent soggy pierogies by using frozen ones directly from the freezer and avoiding thawing beforehand.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
  • Enhance protein content by adding cooked ground beef or crispy bacon bits during the last hour of cooking.
  • Accommodate vegetarian diets by substituting kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.

Flavor Twists For Pierogi Casserole

  • Spicy Kielbasa Pierogi Bake: Replace cream of mushroom soup with spicy nacho cheese soup and add jalapeños for a fiery kick.
  • German-Inspired Casserole: Incorporate sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and swap cheddar for Swiss cheese to create an authentic German flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Pierogi Fusion: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean-style transformation.
  • Smoky Bacon Ranch Pierogi: Add ranch seasoning mix, extra crispy bacon bits, and smoked paprika for a rich, tangy version of the original recipe.

Best Pairings For Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty pierogi casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors. The fresh greens will cut through the dish's richness.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings. Transport in the crockpot to keep it warm, and watch friends dive in for seconds with excitement.
  • Rustic Weekend Comfort: Pair with crusty garlic bread or roasted vegetables. The side dishes will complement the casserole's savory kielbasa and cheesy pierogi layers, creating a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: Top with extra crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions just before serving. These garnishes add crunch and fresh flavor, transforming the basic recipe into something special without extra effort.

Storage Advice For Pierogi Casserole

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture changes.
  • Thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating throughout the dish.
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings Polish comfort to dinner tables. Cheesy layers of potato dumplings and smoky sausage blend perfectly for easy weeknight meals you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages (16 oz/454 g) frozen pierogies (cheddar and potato flavor)
  • 1 lb/454 g kielbasa sausage (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
  • 2 cups/226 g shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup/113 g cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup/120 ml sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 cup/240 ml chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup/113 g cooked bacon pieces
  • 1/2 cup/56 g shredded mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Arrange frozen pierogies in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot, creating a foundational base for the casserole.
  2. Distribute kielbasa slices evenly across the pierogies, ensuring consistent meat coverage throughout the dish.
  3. Sprinkle diced onions and minced garlic over the meat, then dust with paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Whisk sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the layered ingredients, making sure to cover every pierogi and kielbasa slice uniformly.
  6. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a rich and melty surface.
  7. For added depth, optionally mix in crumbled bacon, cream cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard during the midpoint of cooking.
  8. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until pierogies are thoroughly heated and cheese is completely melted.
  9. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat just before serving.
  10. Gently stir the casserole to blend all ingredients, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  11. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality pierogies to ensure a delicious base for the casserole.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pierogies.
  • Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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