Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Tender pierogis, smoky kielbasa, and melty cheese come together effortlessly with a creamy, flavorful sauce that slow-cooks to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for game day, or just need a hearty meal with minimal effort, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s packed with savory flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness in every bite, sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen pierogis

• 14 ounces kielbasa, sliced into rounds

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.

3. Lightly spray the crockpot with nonstick spray.

4. Layer half of the frozen pierogis at the bottom of the crockpot.

5. Add half of the sliced kielbasa on top, followed by half of the sautéed onions and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Repeat the layers with the remaining pierogis, kielbasa, onions, and cheese.

7. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layers in the crockpot.

8. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until heated through and creamy.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (low) | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 495 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa: The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that are easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa tops the list. This dish is a beautiful marriage of creamy, cheesy pierogis and smoky, flavorful kielbasa, all slow-cooked to create a mouthwatering casserole perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins, flavors, cooking tips, variations, and serving ideas for this comforting classic.

What Is Pierogi Casserole?

Pierogi are traditional Eastern European dumplings, typically filled with ingredients like potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, meat, or even sweet fillings. Popular in Polish, Ukrainian, and Slovakian cuisine, pierogi are usually boiled and then sautéed in butter. In this recipe, frozen pierogis are layered with sliced kielbasa (a Polish sausage), onions, and cheese, then smothered in a creamy sauce and cooked slowly in a crockpot.

By turning these iconic dumplings into a casserole, this dish takes all the beloved flavors and makes them even more accessible for modern busy lifestyles. It’s cozy, savory, and delightfully indulgent a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

• Ease of Preparation:
  With minimal prep work and the help of a slow cooker, you can have a delicious homemade casserole without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Hearty and Filling:
  Pierogis and kielbasa are both naturally satisfying, making this dish perfect for feeding a hungry family.

• Comfort Food at Its Best:
  The combination of creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and smoky sausage creates layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

• Versatile:
  This casserole can be customized easily with different cheeses, sausages, or additional veggies like spinach or mushrooms.

Flavor Profile

The flavors of this casserole are rich and savory with just the right balance between creamy and smoky:

• Pierogis offer soft, pillowy bites with a tender potato-cheese filling.

• Kielbasa adds a deep, smoky flavor with a slightly crisp texture when browned before layering.

• Onions bring sweetness and depth.

• Cheddar cheese melts into gooey goodness, creating an irresistible sauce when combined with sour cream and broth.

• Cream cheese adds extra silkiness, making each bite luxuriously creamy.
  A sprinkling of fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish just enough to keep it from feeling too heavy.

Best Tips for Making Perfect Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

1. Brown Your Kielbasa:
Although it’s not absolutely necessary, quickly browning the sliced kielbasa before adding it to the crockpot can amplify its flavor and texture. It creates those delicious caramelized edges that add another layer of richness.

2. Thaw the Pierogis Slightly:
Using frozen pierogis is convenient, but letting them thaw for about 15–20 minutes before layering can prevent them from becoming too mushy during the long slow cook.

3. Use Full-Fat Dairy:
Sour cream and cream cheese provide the creamy base. Choosing full-fat versions will help ensure the sauce stays rich and luscious, rather than separating or becoming watery.

4. Keep the Crockpot Covered:
Slow cookers work best when heat is retained. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this can release heat and increase cooking time.

5. Stir Gently Before Serving:
If you want an even saucier casserole, gently stir everything once it’s finished cooking to evenly coat the pierogis and kielbasa with the luscious sauce.

Possible Variations

Vegetarian Version:
Omit the kielbasa and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli florets. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Spicy Kick:
Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a little extra heat. You could also use a spicy kielbasa if you enjoy bold flavors.

Different Cheeses:
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or a smoked provolone for a new flavor twist. A blend of cheeses also works beautifully for a deeper cheesy flavor.

Alternative Meats:
Although kielbasa is traditional, you could experiment with cooked bacon pieces, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crumbled breakfast sausage for a different take.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Fresh Salad:
Since this casserole is rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables:
Simple roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make a great side, offering freshness without overwhelming the flavors of the casserole.

Bread Rolls:
A side of warm bread rolls is always a good idea for scooping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Pickles or Sauerkraut:
Adding a sharp, tangy element like pickles or a spoonful of sauerkraut on the side can cut through the richness and add an authentic Polish touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen and become even better after sitting overnight!

Reheating:
Gently reheat the casserole in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.

Freezing:
Although you can freeze the cooked casserole, note that the texture of the pierogis may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion:

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is truly the epitome of comfort food: easy, hearty, and brimming with savory, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, need a dish for a potluck, or simply want something cozy and satisfying after a long day, this casserole has you covered.

Its ease of preparation, versatility, and ability to feed a crowd make it a must-have recipe in your slow cooker arsenal. Plus, the flavor possibilities are endless you can customize it to your liking with different meats, cheeses, or veggies, and it will still deliver an irresistibly delicious result every time.

If you’ve never tried combining pierogis and kielbasa in a creamy slow-cooked casserole before, you’re in for a treat. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be going back for seconds (and maybe thirds)!