When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfying combination of pierogi, kielbasa, and rich, creamy layers of cheese and potatoes. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa recipe takes these classic flavors and transforms them into an easy, hassle-free, one-pot meal. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even holiday gatherings.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this savory, satisfying pierogi casserole with kielbasa, and share some tips for making it the best it can be. Let’s dive in and make this hearty, delicious meal that will become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is such a fantastic meal option.
1. Easy and Convenient
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s made in the Crockpot, or slow cooker. This means you can throw everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. No need for constant attention or checking the oven – just set it, forget it, and come back to a warm, hearty meal.
2. Comfort Food at Its Best
Pierogi is a Polish dumpling filled with potatoes, cheese, or even meat. Combined with kielbasa, a flavorful smoked sausage, this dish becomes the ultimate comfort food. The creamy layers of cheese, tender pierogi, and savory kielbasa create a dish that is both filling and satisfying.
3. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
Whether you’re serving your family, hosting a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a great option for feeding a large group. The ingredients are easy to find, affordable, and yield a generous amount of food.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
You can customize this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with kielbasa to suit your preferences. Add more cheese, use a different type of sausage, or throw in some veggies for added nutrition. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
To make this delicious pierogi casserole with kielbasa, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into rounds or half-moons (you can use any smoked sausage of your choice)
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen pierogi (potato and cheese filling works best, but you can use your favorite variety)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (you can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is incredibly easy to make, and most of the work is simply layering the ingredients in the slow cooker. Here’s how to make this comforting dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the kielbasa into rounds or half-moons. If you prefer smaller pieces, feel free to slice them thinner. Set the kielbasa aside for now.
Next, finely chop the onion. If you like your onions sautéed for extra flavor, heat a pan with butter over medium heat, and sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and slightly golden. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the casserole.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now it’s time to assemble your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole.
- Begin by adding a layer of frozen pierogi at the bottom of the Crockpot. You can arrange them in a single layer, or just scatter them for ease. The pierogi will cook as they heat and absorb all the delicious flavors from the other ingredients.
- Next, add a layer of kielbasa slices on top of the pierogi.
- Add the sautéed onions (if you opted to sauté them), followed by a sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Repeat the layers if you have more pierogi and kielbasa. Continue layering until all ingredients are used up.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined, then pour this creamy sauce evenly over the layered pierogi and kielbasa in the Crockpot. The sauce will help create a rich, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey, cheesy topping for the pierogi and kielbasa.
Step 5: Cook the Casserole
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. You don’t need to stir the casserole during the cooking process – just let it do its thing while the flavors meld together and the pierogi cook through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours, but cooking it on low will result in a creamier, more flavorful dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is cooked and the cheese is melted, give it a quick stir to mix the ingredients together. Taste the casserole and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish the casserole with some fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor to balance the richness. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
- Use Frozen Pierogi: Using frozen pierogi works best for this recipe because they hold their shape better during the slow cooking process. You can use store-bought pierogi or even homemade ones if you have them on hand.
- Customize Your Kielbasa: While kielbasa is the traditional sausage for this recipe, you can swap it for any smoked sausage or even other types of sausage, such as turkey sausage or chicken sausage, for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra vegetables, feel free to add some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole. These will cook down and absorb the flavors of the dish.
- Make It Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check the label of your pierogi to ensure they are gluten-free.
- Add Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier casserole, add more cheese on top or mix some into the sauce before layering it over the pierogi.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extra casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Why This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Is a Must-Try
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavors, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The slow-cooked flavors meld together beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The ease of using a Crockpot makes this recipe not only delicious but incredibly convenient. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can make it your own by adding extra ingredients or swapping things out to suit your tastes.
Final Thoughts on Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the perfect choice. With its layers of creamy goodness, savory kielbasa, and tender pierogi, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it for dinner, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a satisfying weekend meal – no matter the occasion, it’s sure to be a hit!
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