There’s something magical about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the savory aroma of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender pierogies, hearty kielbasa, and a rich sauce that will make you feel like you’ve spent hours cooking – when really, your slow cooker did all the work.
I first discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed something comforting and hands-off. Now, it’s a go-to meal in my home, loved by adults and kids alike. Let me show you how to bring this crowd-pleaser to life in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa
Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight dinner rotation. This dish is loaded with flavor and perfect for those who crave simplicity and comfort.
First off, it’s a true time-saver. With minimal prep, you can have this casserole ready to cook in under 10 minutes. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on other things.
The flavor combination is unbeatable. The savory kielbasa pairs perfectly with the tender pierogies, while the creamy, cheesy sauce ties it all together in one satisfying bite.
It’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters can’t resist the comforting blend of flavors in this casserole. Plus, it’s easy to customize for different preferences.
Leftovers are a dream. If you’re lucky enough to have any left, this dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one adds something special to the dish, creating layers of flavor and texture.
- Pierogies: Frozen pierogies are the star of this casserole. Opt for potato and cheddar varieties for classic comfort, but feel free to experiment with other flavors like spinach or mushroom.
- Kielbasa: This smoky sausage brings a hearty, savory punch. Slice it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base of the sauce, it adds creaminess and depth. For a twist, you can use cream of chicken or cream of onion soup instead.
- Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar melts into the casserole, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that everyone loves.
- Milk: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency without losing its richness.
- Onions and Garlic: These aromatics add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that enhance the dish.
Special Equipment: You’ll need a large crockpot (6 quarts or bigger) to ensure everything cooks evenly and has enough room.
How To Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa
Making this casserole couldn’t be easier. Let’s break it down step by step:
- Prepare your ingredients: Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch rounds, dice a small onion, and mince two cloves of garlic. No need to thaw the frozen pierogies; they’ll cook perfectly in the crockpot.
- Layer the ingredients: Start by spraying your crockpot with nonstick spray. Add a layer of pierogies on the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced kielbasa, and sprinkle with the diced onions and garlic.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and set your crockpot to low. Let it cook for 4-5 hours, or until the pierogies are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Once done, give everything a gentle stir to mix the sauce with the pierogies and kielbasa. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color before serving.
Total Time: 4-5 hours | Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Storage Options
This casserole is just as delightful the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure the dish has cooled completely before transferring.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through to maintain moisture.
Variations and Substitution
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Swap the kielbasa: Try using smoked sausage, cooked chicken, or even crumbled bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Use different pierogies: Experiment with various pierogi fillings like spinach and feta, sauerkraut, or mushroom.
- Add vegetables: Mix in frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers to add color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Change the cheese: Substitute sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a unique twist.
No matter how you tweak it, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s bound to become a household favorite.
Happy cooking!
PrintCrockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a simple, hearty dish combining creamy pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this slow-cooked recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both flavorful and effortless to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogies
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer the frozen pierogies and sliced kielbasa in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the pierogies and kielbasa.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté the kielbasa slices before adding to the crockpot.
- You can substitute with turkey kielbasa or vegetarian alternatives for a different dietary preference.
- Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1240
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