If you adore hearty comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you are going to fall in love with this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe. It’s the perfect way to bring together pillowy potato and cheese pierogi, smoky kielbasa sausage, and a luscious creamy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This dish is an effortless crowd-pleaser that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each element plays a key role, from the tender pierogi providing a comforting base, to the kielbasa adding a smoky, savory punch, and the creamy sauce tying everything together with warmth and richness.
- Frozen potato and cheese pierogi: These provide a soft, chewy texture that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Fully cooked kielbasa sausage: Sliced into rounds, it brings a smoky, meaty depth that balances the richness.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and binds the casserole in a velvety sauce.
- Sour cream: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets throughout the casserole.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced to add a mild sweetness and tender crunch.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness and adds a gorgeous color to the sauce.
- Fresh chives or parsley: Chopped to garnish, bringing a fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by lightly greasing the insert of your 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup. This small step makes a huge difference when it comes to serving and tidying afterward.
Step 2: Layer the Pierogi
Spread half of the frozen potato and cheese pierogi evenly across the bottom of the crockpot. No need to thaw—these will cook beautifully from frozen, saving you time and effort.
Step 3: Add Kielbasa and Onions
Layer half of the sliced kielbasa and thinly sliced yellow onions over the pierogi. These layers create delicious pockets of savory flavor and slight crunch that contrast perfectly with the soft pierogi.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the sauce is smooth. This sauce is the heart of the casserole, enveloping every bite in creamy, smoky goodness.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour half of the sauce mixture over the pierogi layer, followed by a sprinkle of half the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts into the sauce for that irresistible gooey texture we all crave.
Step 6: Repeat Layers
Repeat the layering process with the remaining pierogi, kielbasa, onion, sauce, and cheddar cheese. This builds a hearty, well-balanced casserole that’s bursting with flavor from top to bottom.
Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 240 minutes. This slow, gentle heat allows the pierogi to become tender while the flavors meld into a bubbling, comforting casserole.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top. These vibrant herbs cut through the richness and add a delightful pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley truly elevate the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe by adding a fresh contrast to the creamy, smoky layers. For extra zest, a dollop of sour cream on the side never hurts!
Side Dishes
This casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables gives a nice balance and brightens the plate. Think simple mixed greens with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli for a burst of color and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this dish family-style right from the crockpot, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings. For a more formal touch, plate individual servings garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh herbs, perhaps alongside crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap so it retains moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save portions for later, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To maximize freshness, consider freezing before cooking, then thaw overnight in the fridge before slow cooking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by warming gently in the microwave or oven until bubbly and heated through. Stir halfway when microwaving to ensure even warmth without drying out the pierogi.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogi work wonderfully and may reduce the overall cook time slightly, so keep an eye on your casserole as it cooks to ensure the pierogi don’t overcook.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can swap it for cream of chicken soup or make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk to maintain that creamy texture.
Is it necessary to slice the kielbasa thinly?
Thin slices ensure the kielbasa integrates well throughout the layers and allows its smoky flavor to permeate the casserole evenly. Larger chunks are fine but may concentrate the sausage flavor in spots.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace kielbasa with sautéed mushrooms, smoked tempeh, or a plant-based sausage to keep that satisfying umami and meaty texture while making it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe?
This recipe uses mild spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder, resulting in a gentle warmth rather than heat. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a bit more kick!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe feels like a warm, delicious hug from the inside out. It’s one of those meals that invites comfort, simplicity, and plenty of smiles around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, it’s a must-try that will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a go, and watch everyone fall in love bite after bite.
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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: Polish-American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of frozen potato and cheese pierogi, fully cooked kielbasa sausage, sautéed onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce are slow-cooked together, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh herbs for a savory, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (16 oz) packages frozen potato and cheese pierogi
- 1 lb fully cooked kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare slow cooker: Lightly grease the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Layer pierogi: Spread half of the frozen potato and cheese pierogi evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker to form the first base layer.
- Add kielbasa and onions: Layer half of the sliced kielbasa and half of the thinly sliced yellow onions evenly over the pierogi layer.
- Mix 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 kielbasa and onion layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pierogi, kielbasa, onions, sauce mixture, and cheddar cheese to build the second layer.
- Cook in crockpot: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 240 minutes (4 hours) until the casserole is bubbling and the pierogi are tender and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Once done, sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Using fully cooked kielbasa means less cook time and better texture in the final dish.
- Frozen pierogi can be used straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
- If preferred, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher taste.
- For added flavor, caramelize the onions beforehand, then add them to the layering.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
