Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe for Dinner

My grandmother’s classic crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings Polish comfort straight to your dinner table.

Memories of hearty meals dance through each creamy, savory bite.

Layers of tender potato dumplings nestle between smoky sausage and melted cheese.

Chewy edges crisp up perfectly during slow cooking, creating a rich texture that satisfies deeply.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical in this one-pot wonder.

Weekend meal planning becomes effortless with such a delicious, filling dish.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Why Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Is A Hearty Winner

  • Craft Easy One-Pot Meal: Combine all ingredients in a crockpot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Celebrate Hearty Comfort Food: Packed with kielbasa, pierogies, and melted cheese, this dish delivers rich, satisfying flavors that warm the soul and please everyone at the table.
  • Transform Traditional Ingredients: Reimagine classic pierogi and kielbasa by transforming them into a creamy, cheesy casserole that feels like a nostalgic family recipe with a modern twist.
  • Perfect for Busy Cooks: Minimal prep work and hands-off cooking method make this recipe ideal for people with packed schedules who still want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything In Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa

Main Dish Ingredients:
  • Frozen Pierogies: Classic Polish dumplings that form the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
  • Kielbasa: A smoky Polish sausage that adds rich, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid base that helps cook the ingredients and infuse them with moisture.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese: Cheeses that create a creamy, melty texture and add depth to the casserole.
Garnish Ingredient:
  • Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a light, crisp topping to brighten the rich dish.

How To Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot Base

Toss frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese into your trusty crockpot. Pour in chicken broth, making sure everything gets cozy and well-distributed.

This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Let your crockpot work its wonder by cooking on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours.

During this time, the ingredients will dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 3: Create Creamy Goodness

About half an hour before the cooking time ends, warm up the cream cheese with additional chicken broth.

You can use the microwave or stovetop – whichever feels right. Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 4: Blend and Enhance

Pour the dreamy cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring gently to incorporate. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top like a delicious blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Final Melt and Blend

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for an extra 30 minutes. This final stage allows the cheese to melt completely and lets all the flavors intermingle.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this comfort food masterpiece while it’s piping hot. For an extra pop of color and freshness, scatter some sliced green onions on top.

Get ready for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips For Perfect Pierogi Casserole

  • Elevate the dish's flavor by using high-quality kielbasa and sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust taste profile.
  • Prevent pierogies from sticking by lightly spraying the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray before adding ingredients.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat cheese with reduced-fat alternatives and use low-sodium chicken broth to cut calories.
  • Enhance the texture by stirring gently halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent bottom burning.
  • Prepare this meal ahead of time by assembling ingredients the night before and refrigerating, then start cooking in the morning for a convenient dinner.

Flavor Swaps For Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa

  • Polish-Inspired Potato Pierogi Remix: Swap frozen pierogies with homemade potato-filled pierogies for an authentic Polish flavor profile.
  • Spicy Chorizo Crockpot Version: Replace kielbasa with spicy chorizo sausage and add jalapeños for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Casserole: Use Greek-style kielbasa, add feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Pierogi Bake: Substitute kielbasa with mixed wild mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a meat-free option.

What To Serve With Pierogi Casserole

  • Pair Hearty Polish Comfort with Bold Companions
  • Elevate Kielbasa's Richness: Pair with a crisp, hoppy German pilsner like Bitburger to cut through the casserole's creamy richness and complement its smoky sausage notes.
  • Contrast Creamy Textures: Select a tangy sauerkraut side dish to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate between each cheesy, hearty bite.
  • Balance Flavor Intensity: Serve with a simple cucumber salad dressed in light vinaigrette to introduce a fresh, cool element that offsets the dish's robust and dense character.
  • Enhance Regional Connection: Choose a dry Riesling from Germany that offers subtle sweetness and clean acidity to harmonize with the Eastern European ingredients.

Storing Pierogi Casserole With Ease

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
  • Freeze: Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

FAQs For Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa

  • What makes pierogies special in this recipe?

Pierogies are traditional Polish dumplings that add a unique, hearty texture and authentic flavor to this comforting casserole, transforming a simple slow cooker meal into a rich, satisfying dish.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This crockpot casserole is perfect for meal prep since it yields multiple servings and can be easily stored and reheated for quick weeknight dinners.

  • Can I use different types of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages like andouille or polish sausage to customize the flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s overall character.

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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Polish-inspired Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables across American kitchens. Cheese-laden layers of potato dumplings and smoky sausage meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies
  • 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid and Seasoning:

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

Instructions

  1. Layer frozen pierogies, kielbasa slices, and half the cheddar cheese in a 4-6 quart crockpot, ensuring even distribution throughout the cooking vessel.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the layered ingredients, creating a moisture-rich environment for slow cooking.
  3. Set crockpot to high temperature and cook for 3-4 hours, or alternatively use low temperature for 6 hours, allowing ingredients to tenderize and develop deep, complex flavors.
  4. Approximately 30 minutes before cooking completion, soften cream cheese by warming it with remaining chicken broth, either using microwave or stovetop method.
  5. Whisk cream cheese and broth until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency without any lumps.
  6. Gently incorporate the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring carefully to prevent disrupting the existing layers.
  7. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
  8. Continue cooking on low temperature for an additional 30 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely and flavors to harmonize.
  9. Once finished, dish out steaming hot portions, optionally garnishing with freshly sliced green onions for a vibrant, aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Swap frozen pierogies with fresh ones for a more homemade texture that elevates the entire dish.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and selecting a lighter kielbasa variety to control salt intake.
  • Customize the casserole by adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth and complexity of flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pierogies and verify all ingredient labels carefully to ensure compliance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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