Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food to warm up your weeknight? This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is your ticket to pure, cheesy happiness. It brings together tender potato-cheese pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and velvety cheeses, all swirled in a creamy sauce and slow-cooked to bubbly perfection. Each bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia, with a set-and-forget method that means less fuss and more joy at dinnertime. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or simply treating yourself to some Eastern European-inspired coziness.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa plays a key role. From the tanginess of sour cream to the hearty richness of kielbasa, each component layers flavor and texture to make a truly memorable dish. Here’s what makes this casserole great:

• Frozen potato and cheese pierogies (16 oz): These deliver pillowy potato goodness and a cheesy filling that forms the heart of the casserole.
• Kielbasa sausage (14 oz, sliced): Its smoky, savory bite contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and soft pierogies.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into dreamy strings of gooey cheesy magic, gilding every layer.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, cubed): Makes the sauce extra luscious, helping it coat every bite of pierogi and kielbasa.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and silkiness—Greek yogurt can be swapped in, if you like.
• Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce, infusing everything with savory depth.
• Onion (1 small, diced): Sautéed until golden, this brings gentle sweetness and complexity.
• Butter (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the onions and adding that rich, comforting touch.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for perfect seasoning—don’t skip the taste test!
• Chopped chives or green onions (for garnish): A pop of freshness and color to top off the finished casserole.

How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in your diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and golden, around 5 minutes. This step brings out sweet flavors that deepen the entire casserole—it’s absolutely worth it.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Use the back of a spoon or a whisk until the mixture is mostly smooth. Don’t worry about a few small lumps—they’ll melt into the sauce as your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa cooks.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Coat your crockpot with a bit of nonstick spray. Layer in half of the frozen pierogies, followed by half the kielbasa slices and half of the sautéed onions. Pour on half of the creamy sauce and sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar. Then, repeat all the layers with your remaining ingredients, ending with a glorious blanket of cheese on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on your crockpot and set it to low. Let everything simmer for 3–4 hours, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through. The pierogies will be soft, the cheese gloriously melted, and the kielbasa tender and juicy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Give everything a gentle stir to blend the flavors without breaking up the pierogies. Ladle the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa into bowls or plates, and shower with chopped chives or green onions for a bright finishing touch.

How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Garnishes

Elevate your casserole with a handful of freshly chopped chives or green onions, which add a bit of crispness and color. If you have them, crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley are also tasty options to amp up both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This hearty main dish is amazing with simple sides: think steamed broccoli, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. If you want to keep it traditional, cucumber salad or pickled beets on the side make a tangy, refreshing contrast to your rich Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your casserole in shallow bowls for a rustic feel, or spoon it onto a platter and top with extra cheese, then pop it under the broiler for a minute or two for a bubbly, golden crown. For parties, divide into ramekins for personal servings that double as conversation starters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes quite well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, layering parchment between stacks if needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best consistency and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through. If you stored a bigger batch, warm it gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep it moist, until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh pierogies work perfectly here. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they might soften up a bit faster in your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.

What other types of sausage can I substitute for kielbasa?

You can swap in smoked sausage, andouille, or even a turkey variety for a lighter option. Each sausage will bring its own flavor spin to your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! Skip the kielbasa, and try adding sautéed mushrooms, extra onions, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa meat-free but still full of flavor.

Is there a way to make this casserole less rich?

If you want something lighter, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and choose turkey kielbasa or swap in extra veggies. The result will still be a satisfying Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, just a bit easier on the waistline.

Do I need to thaw the pierogies before assembling?

No need to thaw the pierogies—they go straight from freezer to crockpot. This saves time and keeps the process easy, plus they’ll absorb more sauce this way.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is one of those comforting classics that quickly becomes a household favorite, thanks to its creamy layers and irresistible smoky flavors. Give it a try—you’ll love how hands-off, hearty, and crowd-pleasing this slow cooker wonder can be!

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