Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Introduction

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a dish that brings all the cozy, comforting flavors of a hearty meal together in one simple recipe. If you’re a fan of pierogis, savory kielbasa, and creamy cheese, this casserole will become an instant favorite. The beauty of this dish is that it’s made in the crockpot, so you can throw everything in, set it to cook, and go about your day while it works its magic. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll be greeted with a bubbling, cheesy casserole that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

I made this casserole on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a staple in our dinner rotation. The mix of tender pierogis, smoky kielbasa, and gooey cheese is absolutely delicious and pairs perfectly together. The kielbasa adds a savory, meaty kick that balances out the richness of the cheese and the soft, pillowy pierogis. Plus, there’s minimal prep—just chop the kielbasa, layer the pierogis and cheese, and let the crockpot do the heavy lifting. It’s a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a warm, comforting hug after a long day.

Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual dinner, or craving a cozy meal, Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Perfect for:

• Busy weeknights
• Family gatherings
• Comfort food lovers
• Potlucks
• Easy dinner solutions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa will quickly become a family favorite:

• Comforting and Hearty: This casserole combines the heartiness of pierogis and kielbasa with the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes it incredibly comforting.
• Convenient and Easy: Made in the crockpot, this recipe requires minimal effort. Simply layer the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work!
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a great dish for feeding a crowd, as it yields plenty of servings. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or parties.
• Savory and Flavorful: The kielbasa adds a smoky and savory flavor to the creamy pierogis, creating a balance that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can customize the casserole with different types of cheese, veggies, or even substitute the kielbasa for another type of sausage to suit your tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3.5 hours (on high)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa:

• 1 package (16 oz) frozen pierogis (cheese, potato, or your preferred variety)
• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Pierogis: The frozen pierogis are a time-saver, but they still deliver that classic homemade texture and flavor once cooked in the slow cooker.
• Kielbasa: The smoky, savory kielbasa adds a meaty depth of flavor that perfectly complements the soft pierogis.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is used for its sharp, melty goodness, while the sour cream brings a tangy creaminess to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creamy soup adds richness and helps to bind everything together, giving the casserole its signature comfort food texture.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder give the dish an extra layer of savory flavor, while salt and pepper round out the seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Slice the Kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa into ¼-inch thick rounds. Set aside.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the onion and set aside.
3. Grate the Cheese: Grate the cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend) if it’s not pre-shredded.

Assemble the Casserole:

4. Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 6-quart crockpot, add a layer of frozen pierogis. Top with a layer of kielbasa slices and a sprinkle of chopped onion.
5. Add the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the layered pierogis and kielbasa, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Cook the Casserole:

8. Cook on High: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3.5 hours, or until the pierogis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Check for Doneness: Check the casserole after 3 hours to ensure the pierogis are tender and the cheese is fully melted. If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a satisfying meal.
• With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls is perfect for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
• With Sauerkraut: For a traditional touch, serve with a side of tangy sauerkraut.
• With Pickles: A side of dill pickles adds a burst of acidity that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa turns out perfect every time:

• Use Frozen Pierogis: Frozen pierogis work best in this recipe because they hold their shape and texture when cooked slowly in the crockpot.
• Customize the Meat: You can substitute kielbasa with other types of sausage, such as turkey sausage or smoked sausage, for different flavor profiles.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking the pierogis. They should be tender but not mushy.
• Add Extra Veggies: Add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the casserole for an extra veggie boost.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, and choose a lighter cheese blend.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa:

• Cheesy Bacon Pierogi Casserole: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch that enhances the casserole’s flavor.
• Vegetarian Pierogi Casserole: Skip the kielbasa and use a mix of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
• Spicy Pierogi Casserole: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Italian Pierogi Casserole: Swap the kielbasa for Italian sausage and top with mozzarella and marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired dish.
• BBQ Pierogi Casserole: Use BBQ sauce in place of the cream of mushroom soup for a smoky, tangy twist.
• Southwestern Pierogi Casserole: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cumin to create a southwestern version of the casserole.
• Buffalo Pierogi Casserole: Mix in buffalo wing sauce with the creamy sauce and top with blue cheese for a spicy, tangy twist.
• Creamy Alfredo Pierogi Casserole: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for Alfredo sauce for a creamy, rich flavor.
• Mushroom Pierogi Casserole: Add extra sautéed mushrooms to the casserole for more umami flavor.
• Cheddar and Broccoli Pierogi Casserole: Add steamed broccoli to the casserole for a pop of color and a fresh, vegetal flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the crockpot on low heat until warmed through.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa easier:

• Crockpot: A 6-quart crockpot is the perfect size for this casserole. It ensures even cooking and plenty of room for the ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make slicing the kielbasa and chopping the onions a breeze.
• Grater: A grater or food processor is helpful for shredding the cheese quickly.
• Spatula: Use a spatula to spread the creamy sauce evenly over the casserole layers.
• Ladles: For serving the casserole, a large ladle ensures you get a hearty portion of the layers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your seasonings and ingredients are balanced.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping and slicing the kielbasa and veggies.
• Casserole Dish (Optional): If you prefer, you can bake the casserole in the oven instead of the crockpot. Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish for this.
• Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil (for Freezing): These are essential if you want to freeze the casserole for later.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers for storing leftovers or for freezing portions.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa:

1. Can I use fresh pierogis instead of frozen?
   Fresh pierogis can be used, but they may cook more quickly than frozen ones, so keep an eye on the casserole as it cooks.
2. What kind of kielbasa should I use?
   You can use any type of kielbasa you prefer, such as Polish, smoked, or turkey kielbasa. Choose your favorite flavor!
3. Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
   Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or even cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.
4. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the extra ingredients.
5. Can I use a different type of sausage?
   Absolutely! You can swap kielbasa for any other type of sausage, such as Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even chicken sausage.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food, blending the rich flavors of kielbasa with the creamy, hearty texture of pierogi. This dish is an easy, hands-off meal that comes together effortlessly in your crockpot, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and flavorful without the fuss. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

The layers of creamy potatoes, savory kielbasa, and melty cheese create a flavor-packed casserole that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a comforting weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Its simplicity and flavor make it an ideal go-to meal for any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creation. Feel free to leave a comment or share how you made this dish your own—let’s connect over this cozy, flavorful meal!