If you’ve ever wished for a comforting meal that combines classic Eastern European flavors with the ease of slow-cooking, you’re absolutely going to love this Crockpot Pierogi with Kielbasa Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender, cheesy pierogi and smoky kielbasa, all simmered together in a creamy sauce that’s rich and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite—plus, it’s effortlessly made in your slow cooker, freeing you up for all the fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the layered taste and hearty texture of this dish. From the smooth creamy soups creating the velvety base to the bold kielbasa adding a savory kick, you’ll find this list perfectly balanced and easy to shop for.
- Frozen pierogi (16 oz): Potato and cheese pierogi bring comforting softness and a cheesy base that holds up beautifully in the crockpot.
- Kielbasa (1 lb), sliced: Use your favorite variety—beef, chicken, or turkey—for that unmistakable smoky, meaty flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and creaminess when stirred in towards the end of cooking.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Creates depth with earthy, savory notes in the casserole sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Balances the mushroom soup with a mild, comforting richness.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Lightens and blends the creamy base to just the right consistency.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Essential for a subtle aromatic kick that ties together the flavors.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory profile without overwhelming the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): Provides a mild smoky warmth with a pop of color if you choose to include it.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Stirred in at the end for tanginess and luscious texture.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Boosts richness and smoothness for an indulgent finish.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish to balance the richness.
- Sautéed onions (½ cup): Adds sweetness and texture.
- Crispy bacon bits (½ cup): A welcome crunchy, salty contrast.
- Bell peppers (½ cup): Impart a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi with Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Pierogi
Start by placing your frozen pierogi directly into the bottom of the crockpot. Using frozen pierogi saves time and helps keep them distinct so they don’t clump together during cooking. This layer forms the hearty foundation of your casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors to come.
Step 2: Add the Kielbasa
Next, evenly distribute the sliced kielbasa on top of the pierogi. The kielbasa’s smoky, savory profile is a perfect companion to the mild pierogi, and as it cooks, its flavors will infuse the entire casserole.
Step 3: Seasoning Sprinkle
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional paprika over the kielbasa and pierogi. These spices awaken the dish by adding a warm, savory depth without overpowering the rest of the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth. This blend creates the luscious, rich sauce that brings this casserole to life.
Step 5: Pour and Cover
Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the pierogi and kielbasa layers. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the pierogi will become tender, and all the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Sour Cream
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. These ingredients melt into the casserole, enhancing its creaminess and adding a little tangy brightness.
Step 7: Final Stir and Garnish
Allow the cheese to fully melt and blend into the sauce, then gently stir the casserole. Top with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness just before serving. If you love, you can also mix in your sautéed onions, bell peppers, and crispy bacon bits at this point to add layers of texture and excitement.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi with Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it brightens every bite with its herbal freshness. Crispy bacon bits and sautéed onions bring a wonderful textural contrast. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top for the fullest experience.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple green salads or steamed vegetables to balance out its richness. Roasted asparagus or a crisp cucumber salad provide refreshing complements that keep the meal feeling light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual oven-safe ramekins for personalized portions. You can also top each serving with caramelized onions and pickled jalapeños for added complexity. Drizzle with a touch of hot sauce or mustard for those who like a little extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days and tastes just as delicious when reheated carefully, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before cooking or after it has cooled following the full cooking process. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for convenience but heat in shorter intervals to avoid overcooking and drying out the pierogi.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogi can be used, but be aware they may cook faster and become softer, so you might want to reduce the crockpot cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Crockpot Pierogi with Kielbasa Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the kielbasa and bacon, then add more mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite plant-based sausage alternatives to keep the dish flavorful and hearty.
What’s the best type of kielbasa to use?
Any kielbasa works well—beef, chicken, or turkey all bring unique flavors. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand. Smoked kielbasa adds wonderful depth.
Can I prepare this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can bake it in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes until everything is heated through and bubbly. Keep an eye to avoid overcooking the pierogi.
Do I have to add the sour cream?
Sour cream is key to the creamy, tangy finish of the casserole, but if you prefer, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or omit it entirely, though the richness may be slightly reduced.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as gathering around the table over a steaming dish of Crockpot Pierogi with Kielbasa Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug and comes together effortlessly thanks to your slow cooker. If you want a hassle-free dish bursting with cozy flavors, this recipe is absolutely worth a try. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with all the people you love!
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Crockpot Pierogi with Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 2 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Description
This Crockpot Pierogi with Kielbasa Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender potato and cheese pierogi with flavorful kielbasa sausage, creamy soups, melted cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a perfect hands-off meal for busy days, delivering rich, savory flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogi (potato and cheese recommended)
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream (stirred in at the end)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Additional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ½ cup sautéed onions
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits
- ½ cup bell peppers
Instructions
- Prepare Pierogi Base: Place the frozen pierogi at the bottom of the slow cooker as the base layer for the casserole.
- Add Kielbasa: Layer the sliced kielbasa on top of the pierogi evenly.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional paprika over the pierogi and kielbasa to add depth of flavor.
- Mix Soups and Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the pierogi and kielbasa in the slow cooker to cover them partially and help cook evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the pierogi become tender and the mixture is bubbly.
- Add Cheese and Sour Cream: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream to enrich the casserole.
- Melt and Blend: Allow the casserole to cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sour cream is blended into the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir everything together carefully to distribute the cheese and sour cream well throughout the casserole.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve the casserole hot, optionally topped with sautéed onions, crispy bacon bits, and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use any type of kielbasa (beef, chicken, or turkey) to suit your preference.
- Adding sautéed onions, bacon bits, and bell peppers boosts both flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a richer casserole, stir in the optional butter before cooking.
- To make this dish gluten-free, verify that the pierogi and soup cans are gluten-free or substitute accordingly.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit paprika.
- Stir gently after adding cheese and sour cream to avoid breaking the pierogi.
