Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish that combines two beloved comfort foods: pierogies and kielbasa. This recipe offers the perfect balance of rich, cheesy pierogies and savory kielbasa, all simmered together in a slow cooker for an easy, no-fuss meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

The slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, making each bite irresistibly flavorful. The cream cheese and chicken broth create a creamy, luscious base, while the shredded cheddar cheese adds a gooey, cheesy finish. The kielbasa, with its smoky and savory notes, complements the rich, tender pierogies perfectly. It’s a delicious one-pot dish that’s ideal for busy days, family dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Best of all, you only need a slow cooker to prepare it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With only a handful of ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish practically cooks itself, making it a great option for busy days.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

The combination of cheesy pierogies, savory kielbasa, and creamy sauce makes for a comforting and indulgent meal.

3. Minimal Prep

There’s no need to boil the pierogies or cook the kielbasa separately. Just layer everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work.

4. Family-Friendly

This recipe is a hit with both adults and kids, making it a great choice for family dinners.

5. Versatile and Customizable

You can add extra vegetables or spices, or even swap out the kielbasa for a different type of sausage, making this dish adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

Three packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies
Four cups of chicken broth
One 8-ounce block of cream cheese
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
One pound of kielbasa, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

Vegetable Addition: Add onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
Different Sausage: Swap the kielbasa for another type of sausage, such as smoked sausage or Italian sausage, for a different twist on the dish.
Creamy Alternative: Use a different variety of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, for a slightly different flavor profile.
Spicy Version: If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the casserole for an extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Place the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the sliced kielbasa on top of the pierogies.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Cream Cheese

Pour the chicken broth over the pierogies and kielbasa. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 3: Season and Cook

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the pierogies are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover again and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly, serve it up and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: If you have a smaller crockpot, consider reducing the ingredients to avoid overcrowding, which may affect the cooking process.
Check for Tenderness: Ensure the pierogies are fully tender before serving. If not, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the casserole a stir halfway through cooking to make sure everything cooks evenly.

How to Serve

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a filling meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of sautéed greens, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. It also pairs perfectly with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a little bit of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the crockpot on low until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh pierogies, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they cook faster than frozen pierogies.

2. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

3. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, feel free to swap kielbasa for any other type of sausage, such as smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or chicken sausage.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or stovetop after thawing.

6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese as a substitute for regular cream cheese, though it may slightly alter the texture.

7. How long does it take to cook this dish?

Cook on low for 4-5 hours in the crockpot, or until the pierogies are tender and the casserole is bubbling.

8. Can I use another type of cheese besides cheddar?

Yes, you can use mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese that melts well for a different flavor profile.

9. How do I prevent the pierogies from getting mushy?

Be sure not to overcook the casserole. Once the pierogies are tender, it’s time to serve.

10. Can I cook this on high in the crockpot?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the casserole on high for 2-3 hours, though the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food that combines cheesy, creamy goodness with savory kielbasa in a way that’s both simple and delicious. Perfect for busy days or when you want a hearty, no-fuss meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. With minimal prep time and a slow-cooked flavor that deepens as it simmers, it’s a dish that delivers both convenience and satisfaction. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy, filling meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!