Cheesy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Layers of cheesy, potato-filled pierogies mingle with savory kielbasa sausage in a slow-cooked masterpiece.

The dish brings together classic Polish flavors in one simple, satisfying meal.

Each bite offers a perfect blend of tender pasta pockets and smoky sausage chunks.

Creamy cheese melts throughout, creating a rich and indulgent texture that makes this casserole irresistible.

Minimal prep work means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious dinner.

Bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to your next family gathering and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Pierogi Casserole

• Enjoy a hands-off meal that practically prepares itself with minimal prep work and simple ingredients.
• Discover a hearty dish that combines the rich tastes of kielbasa, pierogies, and melted cheese for ultimate satisfaction.
• Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a stress-free experience.
• Embrace a convenient recipe that requires minimal cleanup and offers maximum flavor in a single crockpot.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Pierogi Bake

• Frozen Pierogies: Traditional Eastern European dumplings that form the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Kielbasa: Polish sausage that adds a rich, smoky flavor and protein to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a creamy, tangy element and helps bind the casserole together.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the pierogies and creates a moist cooking environment.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth dairy product that adds richness and creates a creamy sauce for the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper: Standard seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Slow Cooking a Pierogi Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Grab your slow cooker and toss in frozen pierogies and sliced kielbasa.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, creating a flavorful bath for the ingredients.

Mix everything gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

• Frozen pierogies
• Sliced kielbasa
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chicken broth

Step 2: Set and Cook

Cover the slow cooker and select your cooking time.

For faster results, use high heat for 3-4 hours.

For deeper flavor development, choose low heat for 6 hours.

During cooking, minimize lid lifting to maintain consistent temperature and preserve moisture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Warm cream cheese with remaining chicken broth.

Use microwave or stovetop method to soften.

Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy, eliminating any lumps.

This step transforms the dish from good to extraordinary.

• Cream cheese
• Chicken broth

Step 4: Final Cheesy Fusion

Pour cream cheese mixture over the pierogi and kielbasa.

Stir gently to coat ingredients evenly.

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for extra richness.

Cook uncovered for final 30 minutes on low heat to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the bubbling casserole into serving dishes.

The combination of tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and melted cheese creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Tips for Pierogi and Kielbasa Success

• Gently coat frozen pierogies with a light cooking spray before adding to the crockpot to ensure they don't clump together during cooking.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth and kielbasa to control salt content without sacrificing flavor, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Let the shredded cheddar sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to the crockpot, helping it melt more evenly and creating a smoother cheese sauce.
• Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth to create a delicious meat-free version of this hearty casserole.
• Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms before the final 30-minute cooking stage to introduce extra depth and interesting textures to the dish.

Reheating Pierogi Casserole Smoothly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid storing with additional toppings.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, add small amount of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Side Dishes for Pierogi Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Polish Beer: Grab a traditional Polish lager like Zywiec or Tyskie to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the pierogi casserole. The beer's light, refreshing taste cuts through the creamy cheese and balances the savory kielbasa.
• Create Tangy Sauerkraut Side: Whip up a quick sauerkraut salad with diced apples and caraway seeds. The fermented, acidic notes will brighten the heavy casserole and provide a traditional Eastern European flavor contrast.
• Add Fresh Green Salad: Toss together a light mixed greens salad with cucumber, dill, and a light vinaigrette. This fresh, crisp side dish will help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Select Smooth Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. These wines offer enough acidity to cut through the creamy dish while providing a smooth, complementary flavor profile.

Creative Pierogi Casserole Variations

• Gluten-Free Pierogi Swap: Replace traditional pierogies with gluten-free potato or rice flour pierogies to accommodate gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu chunks, keeping the hearty texture and adding a meat-free protein option for vegetarian diners.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium kielbasa to create a heart-friendly adaptation for those monitoring salt intake, without compromising the casserole's rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and use dairy-free cream cheese to create a lactose-free version that still delivers creamy comfort.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Fresh pierogies work, but frozen ones hold up better in the crockpot and provide a more consistent texture throughout the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-sensitive friendly?

Not naturally. Traditional pierogies contain wheat flour, making them unsuitable for gluten-sensitive diets. You’ll need to use gluten-free pierogies to make this recipe safe.

• What type of kielbasa works best?

Polish kielbasa is ideal for this recipe. Beef or pork varieties both work well, but traditional Polish kielbasa provides the most authentic flavor profile for this casserole.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild and family-friendly. Kielbasa provides a slight smoky flavor, but there’s no significant heat. If you want more kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce when serving.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings Polish comfort straight to dinner tables, blending creamy potato dumplings and smoky sausage. Slow-cooked magic creates a warm, satisfying meal that will comfort and delight you in every savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound kielbasa (sliced)
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese

Pierogies:

• 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crockpot by layering frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and a portion of shredded cheddar. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients and mix gently to ensure even distribution, allowing the ingredients to settle comfortably.
2. Set the crockpot to cook on low temperature for approximately 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Minimize lid opening to maintain consistent heat and preserve the developing flavors.
3. Approximately 30 minutes before cooking completion, soften cream cheese by heating with remaining chicken broth. Microwave briefly and whisk until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the pierogi and kielbasa combination, stirring carefully to integrate flavors. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the surface.
5. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes on low setting, allowing cheese to melt thoroughly and create a rich, cohesive texture. The final dish should appear bubbling and golden, with ingredients melded together deliciously.

Notes

• Swap frozen pierogies with fresh or homemade for a more authentic texture and flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and kielbasa, perfect for heart-conscious diets.
• Add chopped green onions or fresh dill before serving for a bright, herbaceous kick that cuts through the richness.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pierogies and verify all ingredient labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg