If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you are going to adore this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe. It perfectly combines tender, cheesy pierogi with savory slices of kielbasa, all melded together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This hearty casserole is low-effort but delivers big on flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want to come home to something satisfying without fussing over the stove. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe is both simple and essential. Each item brings a unique texture, taste, or color that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Frozen potato and cheese pierogi (2 packages, 16 oz each): These tender dumplings form the hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Fully cooked kielbasa sausage (1 lb): Adds a smoky, meaty punch and perfectly balances the creamy elements.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The rich, umami-packed binder that creates a luscious sauce.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Smooth and tangy, it lightens the sauce while keeping it rich.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into every bite, adding sharpness and that irresistible gooey texture.
- Medium yellow onion (1, thinly sliced): Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch once cooked.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A simple seasoning that deepens the overall flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Wakes up the dish with a little spice and warmth.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a smoky nuance that complements the kielbasa beautifully.
- Fresh chives or parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens the final presentation with a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by lightly greasing the insert of your 6-quart slow cooker. This step helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier, so your beautiful layers remain intact.
Step 2: Layer the Pierogi
Spread half of the frozen pierogi evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Since they are frozen, don’t worry about thawing because the slow cooking will soften them perfectly.
Step 3: Add Kielbasa and Onions
Layer half of the sliced kielbasa and half of the thinly sliced onions over the pierogi. This alternating layering ensures each bite is bursting with flavor, combining creamy potato dumplings with savory sausage and sweet onion.
Step 4: Mix and Spread the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth. This sauce is the magic that brings everything together with creamy, smoky, and tangy notes.
Then, spoon half of this sauce evenly over the kielbasa and onions. Top this with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, letting cheesy goodness melt into the layers.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Now repeat the layering process: add the remaining pierogi, followed by the rest of the kielbasa, onions, sauce mixture, and finally finish with the remaining cheddar cheese. This creates a beautifully structured casserole that cooks evenly.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for about 240 minutes. During this time, the pierogi will become tender, the cheese will melt into gooey pockets, and the flavors will meld into one irresistible dish. You’ll notice the bubbling sauce signaling it’s ready.
Step 7: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped chives or parsley on top. This fresh garnish adds a pop of color and a slight oniony bite that brightens the creamy casserole.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate the presentation and flavor, try topping your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, or even some crispy fried onions. These additions add layers of texture and creaminess that make every serving special.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is rich and filling, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance the meal with freshness and crunch. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp cucumber salad complements the smoky kielbasa perfectly without competing with the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform leftovers into individual portions by layering the casserole into ramekins and baking until golden on top. You can also serve it over a bed of sautéed greens or alongside pickled vegetables to contrast the creamy, cheesy notes of the casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they meld overnight, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after cooking. If freezing uncooked, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly with foil; it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. For freezing cooked leftovers, cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. To retain the creamy texture, cover the dish loosely with foil and stir halfway through heating to distribute the sauce evenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogi will work wonderfully and may require a slightly shorter cooking time. Keep an eye on the casserole as it cooks to avoid over-softening the pierogi.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the kielbasa for smoked mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. The smoky paprika in the sauce helps maintain that rich character without meat.
Can I prepare this dish in an oven instead of a crockpot?
You can bake it covered at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour until the pierogi are tender and the cheese melted. Just keep an eye on the moisture levels and cover to prevent drying out.
What other types of cheese can I use?
While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooey stretchiness or pepper jack for a little extra kick. A blend can also be delicious and add depth.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has mild heat from black pepper and a smoky kick from paprika, but it is generally kid-friendly. You can always add cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer more spice.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when comfort food cravings hit hard. The layers of tender pierogi, smoky kielbasa, creamy sauce, and melted cheese come together so effortlessly in the slow cooker, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with those you love.
Print
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Description
This hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting and easy-to-make slow cooker meal combining tender potato and cheese pierogi, smoky kielbasa sausage, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy days, this casserole layers frozen pierogi with savory sausage, onions, and a rich sour cream-based sauce, all cooked low and slow to ensure a warm, bubbly, and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Pierogi and Sausage
- 2 (16 oz) packages frozen potato and cheese pierogi
- 1 lb fully cooked kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (divided as 1/2 tsp per sauce mixing step)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.
- Layer pierogi: Spread half of the frozen potato and cheese pierogi evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, forming the first layer of the casserole.
- Add sausage and onions: Layer half of the sliced kielbasa and half of the thinly sliced yellow onions evenly over the pierogi.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Add sauce and cheese: Spoon half of the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the pierogi and sausage layers, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pierogi, kielbasa, onion, sauce mixture, and the remaining cheddar cheese to complete the casserole.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on LOW for about 240 minutes (4 hours), or until the casserole is bubbling and the pierogi are tender and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- Use fully cooked kielbasa for convenience; if using raw, make sure to cook it thoroughly before layering.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
- Fresh chives or parsley can be replaced with green onions or dill based on preference.
- To avoid a watery casserole, do not thaw pierogi before layering—they cook perfectly in frozen form within the slow cooker.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
