If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dinner, look no further than this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. Imagine layers of pillowy pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that all come together in your slow cooker—no oven required! This crowd-pleasing dish is the kind of meal that draws everyone to the kitchen with its irresistible aroma and delivers pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or need something hearty for a potluck, Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the definition of easy, fuss-free comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll create a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Frozen pierogies: The star of the show! Use any flavor you love—cheddar, potato, or onion all work perfectly and hold up well in the slow cooker.
- Polish kielbasa: Sliced kielbasa brings smoky, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender pierogies.
- Chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavors, melting into the sauce as it cooks.
- Minced garlic: Just two cloves infuse the whole casserole with an aromatic kick—don’t skip this step!
- Cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the creamy, savory backbone of the sauce, tying everything together.
- Sour cream: Brings tang and silkiness, ensuring every bite is lusciously rich.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top, adding sharpness and a pop of color.
- Chicken broth: Thins the sauce just enough so it coats everything evenly and keeps the casserole from drying out.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness—plus a lovely color boost.
- Black pepper: Gives a little bite to balance the creamy and smoky flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The final flourish for freshness and a pop of green when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures cleanup is a breeze and keeps all that cheesy goodness from sticking to the sides.
Step 2: Layer the Pierogies, Kielbasa, and Onions
Place half of the frozen pierogies on the bottom of the crockpot. Next, sprinkle half of the sliced kielbasa and chopped onions over the pierogies. This layering technique ensures every serving is loaded with both pierogies and sausage.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended—this will be the luscious sauce that coats every bite of your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.
Step 4: Layer and Pour
Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over the first layer in the crockpot. Then repeat with the remaining pierogies, kielbasa, onions, and finish with the rest of the sauce. This double-layer approach guarantees a perfect mix of flavors throughout the dish.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Cook
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the crockpot, and set it to cook. On low, it’ll need about 4 to 5 hours; on high, you’ll have dinner ready in just 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the whole house smells incredible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Then, grab a big spoon and get ready to dig into your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa!
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this casserole quite like a generous handful of fresh parsley. For extra flair, you could also add a sprinkle of extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even some sliced green onions. These little touches brighten up the hearty flavors and make your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. The freshness of the veggies balances the richness of the main dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins at a dinner party, or spoon it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch. You can even top each portion with a fried or poached egg for a brunch-worthy spin on Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, and the casserole will keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool before storing to keep everything as fresh as possible.
Freezing
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa freezes surprisingly well! After cooling, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—this makes it perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners down the line.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. If the sauce has thickened too much, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up before heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies work just as well, though they may cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness about 30 minutes earlier if you’re using the high setting.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the kielbasa for your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just make sure your pierogies are vegetarian-friendly, too!
Can I add vegetables to this crockpot casserole?
Definitely! Stir in some baby spinach, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Add them in the last hour of cooking so they stay vibrant and don’t overcook.
What’s the best way to prevent the pierogies from getting mushy?
To keep the pierogies tender but intact, avoid stirring the casserole once it’s layered, and stick to the recommended cook times. Using frozen pierogies straight from the freezer helps maintain their texture, too.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
You sure can! Use a 6- or 7-quart crockpot and add an extra 30 to 60 minutes to the cooking time if needed. Just be careful not to overfill your slow cooker so everything heats evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa—it’s pure comfort in a bowl and so easy to pull together. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. Give it a go, and watch this recipe become an instant favorite at your table!
Print
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting and flavorful slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring layers of frozen pierogies, savory Polish kielbasa, onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with cheddar cheese, this dish brings the taste of Eastern European-American cuisine straight to your table with minimal effort. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Protein and Pierogies
- 2 boxes frozen pierogies (about 24, any flavor)
- 1 pound Polish kielbasa, sliced into rounds
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Spices and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Pierogies and Kielbasa: Place half of the frozen pierogies evenly on the bottom of the crockpot, then top with half of the sliced kielbasa and chopped onions.
- Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, paprika, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sauce to Layer: Pour half of the prepared sauce evenly over the pierogi and kielbasa layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining pierogies, kielbasa, and onions, then pour the rest of the sauce on top.
- Add Cheese and Cook: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey kielbasa and use reduced-fat sour cream to reduce calories and fat content.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- You can customize the pierogies’ flavor according to your preference, such as potato and cheese or sauerkraut-filled varieties.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Eastern European-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
