Substantial Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

The Lazy Day Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa that promises to warm hearts.

Layers of potato-filled dumplings mingle with savory sausage in a slow-cooker dream.

Hearty Polish-inspired flavors dance across your plate with minimal effort.

Creamy textures and rich ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Weekend meal planning just got easier with this simple yet impressive dish.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic blend of traditional ingredients and modern cooking techniques.

You’ll find yourself craving this comforting casserole again and again.

Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa That Feels Like Home

Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa That Feels Like Home

Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss all ingredients into the crockpot with minimal prep, creating a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Comfort Food Convenience: Combines classic Polish-inspired ingredients like pierogis and kielbasa into one easy, satisfying dish that warms both body and soul.

Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, making it perfect for large families or gatherings.

Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Requires zero constant monitoring – just set the crockpot and walk away while it transforms frozen pierogis into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that tastes like you spent hours cooking.

Kielbasa Pierogi Casserole Supply List

Main Ingredients:
  • Frozen Pierogis: Traditional Eastern European dumplings that form the hearty base of the casserole. Choose potato or cheese-filled varieties for best flavor. Frozen options save preparation time.
  • Kielbasa: Classic Polish sausage adding smoky and rich protein to the dish. Select high-quality smoked kielbasa for deeper flavor profile.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese providing creamy melting texture and tangy taste. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for better melting properties.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds rich, earthy undertones.
  • Sour Cream: Adds silky texture and slight tanginess to the sauce. Full-fat version recommended for richer consistency.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and deepens overall flavor profile. Low-sodium broth gives more seasoning control.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient enhancing overall taste complexity. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds warm, smoky undertone complementing kielbasa. Use high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced flavor enhancement.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb adding color and fresh herbaceous note. Choose curly or flat-leaf parsley based on preference.

Pierogi Casserole Crockpot Method

Pierogi Casserole Crockpot Method

Step 1: Prepare The Crockpot

Give your crockpot a quick spray of cooking spray or rub with butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Layer The Pierogis

Create a cozy base by spreading frozen pierogis in an even layer across the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Minced garlic
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture is silky smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Add Hearty Proteins

Scatter sliced kielbasa and diced onions over the pierogi layer to add rich flavor and texture.

Step 5: Pour And Coat

Drizzle the creamy sauce evenly across the top, making sure every pierogi and piece of kielbasa gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole for a melty, golden finish.

Step 7: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic:
  • Low setting: 4-5 hours
  • High setting: 2-3 hours

Cook until pierogis are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Just before serving, shower the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, colorful touch.

Crockpot Tips for Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole

  • Spray the slow cooker generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • Arrange frozen pierogis in a single, flat layer to guarantee even cooking and prevent uneven texture.
  • Mix the cream sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a silky, well-blended base that coats every ingredient perfectly.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add unique taste dimensions to the casserole.
  • Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage and use dairy-free cream alternatives for vegetarian or lactose-intolerant versions of the dish.

Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, preserving flavor and texture.
  • Warm refrigerated portions in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
  • For quick reheating, place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warm and steaming.

Kielbasa Pairings for Pierogi Casserole

  • Pair with Polish Pilsner: Crisp, light Polish beer like Tyskie or Zywiec complements the rich, hearty casserole perfectly, cutting through the creamy texture and balancing the smoky kielbasa flavors.
  • Serve with Tangy Cucumber Salad: Fresh, cool cucumber salad with dill and vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, creamy casserole, adding a bright, acidic note to the meal.
  • Match with Robust Red Wine: Medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel offer enough depth to stand up to the kielbasa’s smoky profile while enhancing the dish’s comfort food appeal.
  • Add Pickled Side Dish: Traditional Polish pickles or sauerkraut bring a sharp, fermented tang that cuts through the richness and adds an authentic Eastern European touch to the meal.

Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Cozy Takes

  • Vegetarian Comfort: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional pierogis with gluten-free potato dumplings and use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup for celiac-friendly dining.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt, use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast, and select lactose-free cream of mushroom soup.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños, use hot smoked paprika, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for a zesty, heat-packed casserole experience.

FAQs

  • Are pierogis a traditional Polish dish?

Yes, pierogis are a beloved staple in Polish cuisine, traditionally handmade with various fillings like potato, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat.

  • Can I use fresh pierogis instead of frozen?

While frozen pierogis work best for this recipe, you can use fresh pierogis, but reduce cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.

  • Is kielbasa necessary for this recipe?

Kielbasa adds authentic Polish flavor, but you can substitute with other sausages like turkey or chicken sausage if preferred.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

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Substantial Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Substantial Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings Polish comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy layers of potato-filled dumplings and smoky sausage blend into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized rounds
  • 2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen pierogis (cheddar or potato varieties)

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker by thoroughly coating the interior with a light layer of non-stick cooking lubricant.
  2. Arrange the frozen pierogis in a uniform, single layer across the bottom of the cooking vessel, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together the cream of mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, savory chicken broth, minced garlic, smoky paprika, and seasoning until achieving a silky, consistent texture.
  4. Distribute the kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized rounds, and finely chopped onions evenly across the pierogis, creating a rich, flavorful foundation.
  5. Gently cascade the creamy mixture over the entire surface, guaranteeing each ingredient is thoroughly coated and infused with the robust blend of flavors.
  6. Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, providing a golden, melty top layer.
  7. Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to work its magic – on low temperature for approximately 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pierogis reach a tender consistency and the flavors meld seamlessly.
  8. Just before presenting the dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous accent and visually appealing touch.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Generously coat the crockpot with cooking spray or butter to ensure pierogis don’t stick and easily release when serving.
  • Cheese Melting Tip: Shred cheese fresh for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Make It Healthier: Swap cream of mushroom soup with low-sodium version and use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to cut calories without sacrificing taste.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu for a meat-free alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 508
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1075 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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