Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

The Coziest Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

Crafting a hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Polish flavors mingle beautifully in this one-pot wonder that satisfies deep hunger.

Layers of pillowy pierogies cuddle alongside savory kielbasa sausage, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when simple ingredients combine with minimal effort.

You appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together without complicated techniques.

Cheesy, rich, and packed with robust flavor, this casserole promises to become a new family favorite.

Come hungry and leave completely satisfied with this delightful meal that celebrates classic comfort food.

What Makes Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa So Good

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, enjoying a hands-off cooking experience that transforms basic components into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a classic combination of pierogies, kielbasa, and melted cheese that provides ultimate comfort and warmth, perfect for families craving a nostalgic and filling dinner.
  • Flavor-Packed One-Pot Dish: Develops rich, layered tastes through slow cooking, allowing ingredients to blend seamlessly and create a deliciously creamy casserole without multiple cooking steps or complex techniques.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe serves multiple people easily and appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, crowd-pleasing ingredients.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:
  • Pierogies: Delightful dumplings filled with potato and cheese goodness.
  • Kielbasa: Classic Polish sausage with robust and savory flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps create a delicious base.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich, tangy flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy ingredient that creates a silky texture.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

How to Make Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot Base

Grab your trusty crockpot and create a flavor-packed foundation by layering frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour in chicken broth to keep everything moist and delicious.

Spread the ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is packed with goodness.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to work its magic.

Choose high heat for 3-4 hours or low heat for 6 hours.

This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to dance and mingle, creating a mouthwatering blend that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 3: Create Creamy Magic

About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, whip up a dreamy cream cheese sauce.

Gently warm cream cheese with chicken broth, using either the microwave or stovetop.

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Final Flavor Fusion

Pour the velvety cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring gently to incorporate.

Sprinkle an extra layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top for ultimate cheesy goodness.

Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into pure comfort.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this warm, hearty casserole while it’s piping hot.

For an extra pop of freshness, scatter some sliced green onions on top.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Pro Tips for Pierogi Casserole in the Crockpot

  • Spread ingredients evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
  • Warm cream cheese gradually and whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
  • Add extra cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a perfectly melted, gooey texture without burning.
  • Swap regular kielbasa for turkey or chicken sausage, and use low-fat cheese options to make the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
  • Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot to enhance the overall taste profile and create more complex, robust flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Pierogi Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, where it can maintain quality for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm refrigerated casserole in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.
  • Reheat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the casserole reaches 165°F and steams evenly. Top with extra cheese if desired.

What Goes Well with Pierogi and Kielbasa

  • Enhance Polish Comfort Meal Pairings
  • Craft Crisp Cabbage Slaw: Prepare a tangy, light cabbage slaw with vinegar and dill to cut through the casserole's richness. The bright, acidic notes will refresh your palate between bites of the hearty dish.
  • Select Bold Red Wine Companion: Choose a robust Polish red wine like Cabernet Franc from Lubuskie region. Its full-bodied character and slight spiciness perfectly match the kielbasa's smoky depth and creamy cheese elements.
  • Serve Zesty Pickle Sides: Add traditional Polish dill pickles or quick-pickled cucumber slices as a side. Their sharp, briny crunch provides a delightful contrast to the creamy, rich casserole texture and helps cleanse the palate.
  • Recommend Wheat Beer Pairing: Opt for a crisp Polish wheat beer like Żywiec or Hefeweizen. Its light, slightly citrusy profile will balance the dish's heavy components and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich casserole.

Tasty Takes on Pierogi Casserole Recipes

  • Vegetarian Pierogi Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms like portobello, keeping the casserole's rich texture while offering a meat-free alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute traditional pierogies with gluten-free pierogi options available in specialty stores, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this comforting meal.
  • Low-Sodium Solution: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium kielbasa to create a heart-friendly version without compromising the dish's overall flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cheddar and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast, making the casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole?

The key ingredients are frozen pierogies, kielbasa sausage, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. These components work together to create a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal.

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with similar melting cheeses like monterey jack or colby. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the savory kielbasa and pierogies.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week for quick, satisfying meals.

  • Do I need to thaw the pierogies before adding them to the crockpot?

No, you can add the frozen pierogies directly into the crockpot. They will cook perfectly during the long, slow cooking process and absorb all the delicious flavors.

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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, blending Polish-inspired flavors into a simple one-pot meal. Cheesy, savory layers of potato dumplings and smoky sausage create a satisfying dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
  • 3 packages Mrs. Ts cheddar pierogies
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Cheese Components:

  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a harmonious base for this comforting pierogi casserole by selecting a spacious crockpot that can accommodate all ingredients generously.
  2. Layer frozen pierogies across the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even initial foundation for the dish.
  3. Slice kielbasa into uniform half-moon shapes, strategically distributing them throughout the pierogi layer to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
  4. Pour three-quarters of the chicken broth directly over the pierogies and kielbasa, allowing liquid to seep between ingredients and prevent potential sticking.
  5. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese across the initial layer, creating a preliminary melting foundation that will enhance overall dish richness.
  6. Cover the crockpot and initiate cooking on high temperature, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complementary flavors for approximately three and a half hours.
  7. Thirty minutes before cooking completion, softly warm cream cheese with remaining chicken broth, whisking meticulously until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
  8. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring carefully to integrate without disrupting the existing layer structure.
  9. Generously scatter remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious, molten topping.
  10. Continue cooking for an additional half-hour, permitting cheese to completely melt and flavors to harmonize.
  11. Once finished, garnish with finely chopped green onions, providing a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, hearty casserole.
  12. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing guests to experience the full depth of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Enhancing Flavor Depth: Use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste profile that elevates the entire dish’s complexity.
  • Dietary Modification: Substitute kielbasa with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains protein content.
  • Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to create unique flavor variations that suit personal preferences.
  • Texture Optimization: If preferring firmer pierogies, partially thaw them before adding to the crockpot to prevent overcooking and maintain a pleasant texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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