Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

Savory Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Pierogies dance with smoky kielbasa in this hearty crockpot pierogi casserole that promises comfort on chilly evenings.

Cold winter nights call for warm, satisfying meals that hug you from the inside.

Polish-inspired flavors meld beautifully in this simple yet robust dish.

Layers of tender potato dumplings and savory sausage create a mouthwatering symphony of textures.

Minimal prep work means you can set the crockpot and focus on enjoying your day.

Cheesy and rich, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Dig into a plate of pure, cozy deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Main Protein and Starch:
  • Kielbasa: Rich sausage that adds smoky flavor and hearty protein to the casserole. Polish sausage works best for authentic taste.
  • Frozen Pierogies: Classic Polish dumpling providing the main starchy base. Choose traditional potato or cheese-filled varieties.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient adding tanginess and richness to the sauce. Full-fat version recommended for best texture.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that provides sharp flavor and gooey texture. Sharp or medium cheddar works well.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds depth. Standard condensed version preferred.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions: Provides sweet and savory background flavor. Yellow or white onions are most suitable.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid component that helps create smooth sauce consistency. Low-sodium version suggested.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle garlic flavor without chopping fresh garlic. Ground version works best.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing overall dish flavor. Kosher salt recommended.
  • Chives or Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and light onion flavor. Optional but recommended.

Slow-Cook Instructions for Pierogi Casserole

Step 1: Create Delicious Layered Base

Place frozen pierogies across the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Top with:
  • Kielbasa slices
  • Diced onions
  • Sliced mushrooms (optional)

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Build Flavor Masterpiece

Gently pour sauce mixture over layered ingredients, making sure everything gets coated. Sprinkle generously with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Dried parsley flakes

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook:
  • Low setting: 4-5 hours
  • High setting: 2-3 hours

Wait until pierogies become tender and cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Touches

Garnish with:
  • Chopped chives
  • Sliced green onions

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Helpful Hints for Perfect Pierogi Texture

  • Prevent Soggy Pierogies: Avoid overcooking by checking the casserole at the lower end of the recommended time range to maintain a perfect texture.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions before adding to the crockpot to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a richer taste profile.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular kielbasa for turkey kielbasa and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a lighter version of the dish.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Sprinkle cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and ensure a perfectly creamy, melted topping.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Prepare the casserole in advance and freeze uncooked for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze on busy days.

Storage Tips for Pierogi and Kielbasa

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
  • Portion out desired amount, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Meals That Match with Pierogi Casserole

  • Crisp, light beer that cuts through the rich, creamy casserole and complements the kielbasa's smoky flavor perfectly.
  • Fresh, cold side dish provides a bright contrast to the hearty, warm casserole and balances the heavy ingredients.
  • Medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir brings out the depth of kielbasa and adds a sophisticated touch to the comfort food.
  • Tart, sweet pickled beets offer a zingy counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy casserole and add a traditional Eastern European touch.

Ways to Customize Pierogi Casserole

  • Vegetarian Pierogi Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap regular pierogies for gluten-free potato pierogies. Ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified and use cornstarch as a potential thickener if needed.
  • Lighter Wellness Option: Substitute full-fat cream of mushroom soup with a low-sodium, reduced-fat version. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Spicy Flavor Boost: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture. Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to give the casserole a zesty kick that elevates the traditional recipe.

What Makes Crockpot Pierogi Casserole a Crowd-Pleaser

  • Effortlessly create a hearty meal with minimal prep and hands-off cooking time.
  • Combine classic comfort foods like pierogies and kielbasa in one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will love.
  • Toss ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and return to a ready-to-serve, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Use affordable ingredients like frozen pierogies and kielbasa to create a filling meal that won't break the bank, perfect for feeding a hungry family.
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole brings Polish comfort to your dinner table, blending traditional kielbasa with creamy potato-filled pierogies. Comfort meets convenience in this simple slow cooker dish that delivers rich flavors and satisfying warmth you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 16-ounce (454 grams) packages frozen potato and cheese pierogies
  • 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 10.5-ounce (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Create a strategic base in the crockpot by arranging frozen pierogies in an overlapping configuration to maximize coverage and ensure even cooking.
  2. Slice kielbasa into uniform medallions and distribute evenly across the initial pierogi layer, allowing for consistent meat distribution throughout the dish.
  3. Chop onions into fine, delicate pieces and sprinkle across the meat layer to enhance flavor complexity and provide subtle aromatic undertones.
  4. Craft a creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with sour cream, integrating chicken broth to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that will permeate the entire casserole.
  5. Season the sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of complementary flavors.
  6. Gently cascade the sauce over the pierogi and kielbasa layers, ensuring complete and uniform coverage to prevent any dry spots during cooking.
  7. Generously crown the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a golden, tantalizing surface during the cooking process.
  8. Secure the crockpot lid and set to low temperature, allowing the casserole to simmer and meld flavors for 4-5 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 2-3 hours until pierogies reach perfect tenderness.
  9. Once cooking is complete, garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions to add a vibrant, fresh element and enhance visual appeal.
  10. Serve immediately, allowing the rich, comforting layers to be enjoyed at peak temperature and flavor.

Notes

  • Customize the casserole by swapping frozen pierogies with fresh or homemade versions for a more authentic taste.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium kielbasa and cream of mushroom soup to make the dish more heart-healthy.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add unique flavor dimensions to the classic recipe.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing kielbasa with plant-based sausage alternatives and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 491
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1223 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 71 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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