If you have ever dreamed of a cozy, comforting dinner that combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, then this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe is your new go-to. Picture layers of tender frozen pierogies, smoky sausage, and a luscious blend of sour cream, cheddar, and mushroom soup cooked low and slow to bubbling perfection. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or leisurely weekends when you want something warm and satisfying waiting for you. It’s truly a mouthwatering, flavor-packed meal that brings everyone around the table with smiles and full bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and thoughtfully chosen to create incredible textures and flavors in every bite. Each component plays a crucial role from the creamy tang of sour cream to the smoky richness of sausage, all rounded out by comforting pierogies and a cheesy sauce.
- Frozen pierogies: Choose your favorite variety; they become tender yet hold their shape beautifully during slow cooking.
- Smoked sausage: Adds a wonderful smoky depth and meaty heartiness to the casserole.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This classic ingredient blends the creaminess and umami flavors that tie the casserole together.
- Sour cream: Gives the sauce a tangy richness that balances the smoky sausage perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the layers, adding sharpness and gooey delight.
- Onion and garlic: Sautéed together, they create a fragrant base that elevates every bite.
- Black pepper and smoked paprika: These spices bring warmth and a subtle smoky kick.
- Butter: Used for sautéing to enrich the flavors of onion and garlic.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh note to garnish and add color.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Sauté Aromatics
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze later. Then, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and forms the delicious flavor foundation for your casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook it for another 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s lightly browned. This key step caramelizes the sausage edges and intensifies its smoky flavor, which will complement the creamy layers perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and well integrated, creating a rich sauce that will soak into the pierogies and sausage as it cooks.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now for the fun part: layering. Start by placing half of the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread half of the browned sausage and onion mixture evenly on top, then drizzle half of the creamy sauce over that. Repeat the layers once more with the remaining pierogies, sausage, and sauce. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. This gentle heat lets all the flavors meld beautifully while the pierogies become tender and the sauce turns irresistibly bubbly and cheesy. Patience here is rewarded with a dish that feels like a warm hug on a platter.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich casserole.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you could also add a dollop of sour cream or a few thinly sliced green onions to introduce freshness and a bit of tang to each serving. These little touches elevate the whole presentation and taste experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans works perfectly to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini crockpots to create personal portions that look charming and cozy. Adding a crisp, buttered breadstick or a slice of crusty rustic bread can also complement the creamy texture beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before cooking (assemble in a freezer-safe dish) or freeze leftovers after cooking. Wrapped tightly, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheating slowly helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will work great and may reduce the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of cooking to avoid over-softening.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the smoked sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives, and use vegetable broth or mushroom cream soup without meat additives to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed with the onions or added to the layers for extra nutrition and texture without overpowering the flavorful base.
What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa offers a rich, smoky flavor ideal for this recipe. You could also try turkey sausage for a lighter option, adjusting seasoning to maintain boldness.
How do I make sure the pierogies don’t get too mushy?
Cooking on low and layering the casserole as directed helps maintain pierogi texture. Avoid cooking on high heat, and be sure to keep track of cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe is a true comfort food treasure that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Its beautiful marriage of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors delivered effortlessly from your slow cooker makes it a fantastic weeknight dinner or weekend crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a staple in your recipe arsenal for every chilly day or whenever you need a little extra warmth at the dinner table.
Print
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is a comforting and hearty slow cooker meal perfect for an easy dinner. Frozen pierogies layered with smoked sausage, a creamy mushroom-cheddar sauce, and flavorful spices come together in a cheesy, bubbling casserole that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen pierogies, any variety
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown lightly and release its flavor.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir the mixture well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Layer the Casserole: Begin by layering half of the frozen pierogies on the bottom of the slow cooker. Top them with half of the cooked sausage mixture, followed by half of the creamy soup mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining pierogies, sausage, and soup mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours. The casserole should be heated through, bubbly, and the pierogies tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting pierogi casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa or turkey sausage for a lighter version of this dish.
- Adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms before layering enhances the flavor and adds extra veggies.
