Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe to Enjoy

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty slow cooker pierogi and kielbasa casserole that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Eastern European flavors dance together in a single pot, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Tender pierogies nestle alongside savory kielbasa, blending traditional ingredients with modern cooking techniques.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky sausage and soft dumplings.

The slow cooker works its magic, melding robust seasonings and allowing flavors to develop slowly and deeply.

Caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs elevate this simple yet delicious dish.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

• Quick Comfort Cooking: Effortlessly whip up a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep work using your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pot Dish: Combines classic Polish-inspired ingredients like kielbasa and pierogies into a creamy, cheesy dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Offers a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming traditional ingredients into a crowd-pleasing casserole that's sure to bring everyone to the table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe that works great for casual family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a comforting meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

• Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds smoky richness to the dish.
• Cheddar Pierogies: Cheesy dumplings that bring comfort and hearty texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that adds extra cheesy goodness.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that helps create a delicious cooking base.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Foundation

• Cheddar pierogies
• Chicken broth
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Kielbasa sausage
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently place all ingredients into the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

The combination of creamy cheeses and savory sausage will create a mouthwatering base for your comfort meal.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to high temperature and let the magic happen for 3-4 hours.

If you prefer a slower cooking method, use the low setting for 6 hours.

Every hour or so, give the mixture a gentle stir to help the cheese melt uniformly and prevent any sticking.

This slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend and intensify, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Step 3: Final Touch and Serve

Once the casserole reaches a beautiful, bubbling consistency and the pierogies are tender, do a final gentle stir.

The result will be a luscious, cheesy dish that promises pure comfort and satisfaction.

Step 4: Enhance Your Meal

For a complete dining experience, consider serving alongside a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread.

The fresh salad will provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

• Cube cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, faster melting and more even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Choose high-quality, smoked kielbasa for deeper flavor and authentic Polish-style taste.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Experiment with different pierogi flavors like potato and cheese, sauerkraut, or mushroom to add variety.
• Prepare ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply dump into the slow cooker for quick morning preparation.

Storage Notes for Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole's flavors fresh and intact.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture.
• If the sauce separates during reheating, whisk gently to restore its creamy consistency and bring back the original delicious flavor.

Sides That Match Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Polish Lager: Select a traditional Polish beer like Żywiec or Tyskie to complement the rich, hearty flavors of kielbasa and pierogies, cutting through the creamy cheese sauce with refreshing carbonation.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or chives on top to add brightness and a light, herbal note that balances the heavy, comforting casserole textures.
• Add Tangy Sauerkraut Side: Serve a small portion of cold, zesty sauerkraut alongside the dish to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich casserole.
• Create Rustic Table Setting: Use wooden serving boards and simple ceramic plates to enhance the traditional Eastern European feel of this hearty comfort food, making the dining experience more authentic and inviting.

Ways to Vary Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

• Vegetarian Pierogi Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pierogies with gluten-free pierogies. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives. Choose lactose-free kielbasa or plant-based sausage for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to increase heat. Incorporate smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra spicy flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are pierogies?

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings made of unleavened dough, typically stuffed with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat, then boiled or pan-fried.

• Can I use frozen pierogies for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pierogies work perfectly in this slow cooker casserole. There’s no need to thaw them before adding to the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional pierogies contain wheat flour. However, you can find gluten-free pierogi alternatives in some specialty stores if needed.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to maintain a similar flavor profile and texture.

Slow Cooker Pierogi And Kielbasa Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish-inspired slow cooker pierogi and kielbasa casserole brings comfort straight from traditional kitchens to your dinner table. Rich layers of potato-filled dumplings and smoky sausage create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• 3 boxes Mrs. Ts Cheddar Pierogies (mini-sized recommended)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) block of cream cheese, cut into cubes

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Arrange cheddar pierogies, sliced kielbasa, cream cheese cubes, and shredded cheddar cheese inside the slow cooker, creating an even layer of ingredients.
2. Pour chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring all components are slightly submerged and well-distributed.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the surface to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set to high temperature, allowing the ingredients to cook and meld together for approximately 3-4 hours.
5. Periodically stir the contents gently, helping the cream cheese and cheddar cheese to melt and create a rich, velvety sauce throughout the dish.
6. Check the consistency and ensure the pierogies are tender and the kielbasa is heated thoroughly.
7. Once cooking is complete, give the casserole a final gentle stir to incorporate all the melted cheese and distribute the flavors evenly.
8. Transfer the hot casserole to a serving dish, allowing diners to enjoy the warm, comforting meal.
9. Complement the dish with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to round out the dining experience.

Notes

• Swap traditional pierogies with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and selecting reduced-fat cheese varieties.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for increased nutrition and color contrast.
• Experiment with different kielbasa types such as turkey or spicy versions to customize flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg