This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort dish that blends traditional Eastern European flavors with modern convenience. Imagine the heartwarming aroma of smoky kielbasa mingling with creamy pierogies, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. This recipe is reminiscent of family gatherings and festive occasions, where hearty meals bring people together. Using a crockpot not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa stands out for its unique fusion of flavors and textures that bring together the comforting taste of Eastern European cuisine with the convenience of modern cooking. The creamy, cheesy pierogies paired with smoky, savory kielbasa create a hearty dish that’s both filling and flavorful. What truly makes this recipe special is its simplicity—just a few ingredients, minimal prep time, and the magic of a slow cooker. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Additionally, it’s a versatile dish that works equally well for a cozy weekend meal, allowing you to relax while your crockpot does all the work. The combination of ease and comfort in this recipe ensures that it will become a family favorite, providing a satisfying meal that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients in this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa are carefully selected to create a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.

Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies serve as the main component, offering a delicious blend of pasta and cheesy filling that holds up well during slow cooking. They are ideal for this dish because they absorb the flavors of the other ingredients while maintaining their texture.

Kielbasa adds a smoky, savory depth to the casserole, infusing the entire dish with its rich flavor. This sausage’s robust taste pairs perfectly with the creamy elements, making it a standout component.

Cheddar Cheese is crucial for its gooey, melty texture that binds the dish together, creating a satisfying and rich mouthfeel. Its sharpness also cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and kielbasa, balancing the flavors.

Chicken Broth and Cream Cheese are essential for adding moisture and creaminess to the casserole. The broth prevents the dish from drying out, while the cream cheese ensures a smooth, luxurious consistency.

Finally, a touch of seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the flavors without overpowering them. These simple ingredients complement the dish, bringing out the best in the kielbasa, pierogies, and cheese, making the casserole truly irresistible.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

1. Layering the Ingredients

Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Layer half of the frozen pierogies at the bottom of the crockpot. This forms the base of your casserole.

Next, evenly distribute half of the sliced kielbasa over the pierogies. This ensures that each bite has a good mix of pierogi and sausage.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pierogies and kielbasa.

2. Cooking

Set your crockpot to low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as it releases heat and can extend the cooking time.

3. Cream Cheese Mixture

In a small saucepan, combine cream cheese and chicken broth over medium heat. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layered pierogies and kielbasa in the crockpot. This step adds creaminess and ensures the dish stays moist during cooking.

4. Final Touches

About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden topping.
If desired, you can switch the crockpot to the warm setting once the cooking time is complete, keeping the dish at an ideal serving temperature.

5. Serving Suggestions

Serve the casserole hot, directly from the crockpot, for a comforting family-style meal.
Optional garnishes include chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

Storage and Reheating Options

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s fully cooled before refrigerating to maintain quality.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating:

Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Oven: To reheat a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. The foil helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from becoming overly crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan Adaptation: To make this dish vegan, replace the kielbasa with plant-based sausage alternatives, such as those made from soy or pea protein. Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version, and use a vegan cheddar-style cheese. Opt for a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the creaminess and flavor.

Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pierogies, which are available in many stores or can be homemade. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the kielbasa and seasonings, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to add variety to the dish. Smoked gouda can enhance the smoky flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder, stringy texture. For a sharp, tangy twist, try using a mix of cheddar and parmesan.

Adding Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables for added nutrition and color. Sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be layered with the pierogies and kielbasa. Frozen peas or spinach can be stirred into the cream cheese mixture for a boost of vitamins and minerals, making the dish more balanced and wholesome.

Nutritional Information

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a hearty dish, providing a substantial amount of calories, protein, and fat. A typical serving may contain around 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and ingredient brands. The kielbasa adds a good amount of protein, while the pierogies and cheese contribute to the carb and fat content.

To make it lighter, consider using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, or turkey kielbasa. Adding more vegetables can increase fiber and vitamins, making it a more balanced meal.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply start the cooking process when you’re ready, adjusting the cooking time slightly if starting from cold.

What other meats can I use instead of kielbasa? You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, ham, or even diced chicken for a different flavor profile.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead? Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a large skillet and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

How can I make the casserole creamier? For extra creaminess, add a bit more cream cheese or stir in some heavy cream before the final cooking stage.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa offers a perfect blend of ease and comfort, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The simplicity of the ingredients and the convenience of the crockpot make it a go-to recipe for a hearty, satisfying meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience—whether you follow it to the letter or put your own twist on it. Don’t forget to explore more crockpot recipes for delicious, low-effort meals that bring everyone together.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Author: Christine

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the rich, cheesy flavor of pierogies with the smoky, savory taste of kielbasa. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is incredibly easy to prepare—just layer the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do all the work. The result is a comforting, creamy meal that will satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Combining Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 4-6 quart crockpot, combine three cups of the chicken broth, the frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Cooking the Casserole: Set the crockpot to cook on high for 3-4 hours, or alternatively, on low for 6 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together, resulting in a cohesive and flavorful dish.
Preparing Cream Cheese Mixture: Approximately 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, warm the block of cream cheese with the remaining one cup of chicken broth. This can be done either in a microwave or on a stovetop. Once warmed, whisk the mixture until it achieves a smooth consistency.
Final Assembly: Pour the smooth cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring well to integrate. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to bind.

Serving: Serve the casserole hot, ideally garnished with sliced green onions if desired, to add both color and a mild, oniony crunch that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Notes

For a lighter version, consider using turkey kielbasa and low-fat cream cheese. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. This recipe is also highly adaptable—experiment with different cheeses or meats to suit your preferences.