Cozy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe
Crafting a comforting crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.
Polish roots shine through this hearty dish that combines classic ingredients with modern slow-cooking convenience.
Layers of tender pierogies mingle beautifully with savory kielbasa sausage and creamy cheese.
Weeknight meals never looked so delicious and satisfying.
Minimal prep work means maximum flavor potential in this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Imagine a one-pot wonder that delivers warmth, nostalgia, and incredible taste in every single bite.
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FAQs
Yes, you can use fresh pierogies, but reduce the cooking time slightly as they won’t need as much time to heat through compared to frozen ones.
No, traditional pierogies contain wheat flour, so this recipe is not gluten-free. You would need to use gluten-free pierogies to make it celiac-friendly.
Absolutely! Andouille, smoked sausage, or Polish sausage work great as alternatives and will provide similar flavor profiles to kielbasa.
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture to increase the heat level and give the casserole a spicy kick.
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa to Enjoy
Ingredients for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Main Protein and Starch:Dairy Components:Liquid and Seasoning:How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Step 1: Toss Ingredients into Slow Cooker
Grab your trusty slow cooker and start layering the delicious components. Drop in frozen pierogies, kielbasa slices, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese.
Pour in chicken broth to create a mouthwatering base that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
Spread everything evenly so each bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 2: Set and Forget Cooking
Plug in your slow cooker and set it to high heat for 3-4 hours or low heat for 6 hours. This long, slow cooking process will transform these simple ingredients into a magical meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Magic
About 30 minutes before finishing, prepare the secret weapon – a silky cream cheese sauce. Warm cream cheese with remaining chicken broth in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Final Flavor Fusion
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently.
Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer. Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes, letting all those amazing flavors mingle and dance together.
Step 5: Serve and Celebrate
Scoop this comforting casserole into bowls. For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top.
Watch as everyone digs in and enjoys this ultimate comfort food!
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Stocky Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Polish comfort comes alive in this crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa, blending hearty flavors of Eastern European cuisine. Creamy cheese, savory sausage, and tender potato dumplings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa (sliced)
- 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz/226 g) block cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml/100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare the crockpot by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer frozen pierogies and kielbasa in the crockpot, creating an even distribution of ingredients for consistent flavor and texture.
- Pour chicken broth over the pierogies and kielbasa, ensuring the liquid covers the bottom of the crockpot and provides moisture for cooking.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese across the top of the ingredients, allowing it to melt and create a preliminary cheese layer during cooking.
- Cover and set the crockpot to high temperature, cooking for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours until pierogies become tender and kielbasa is heated through.
- Thirty minutes before completion, soften cream cheese by warming it with remaining chicken broth in a separate microwave-safe bowl or saucepan.
- Whisk the cream cheese and broth mixture until smooth and lump-free, creating a creamy sauce that will enhance the casserole’s richness.
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring carefully to distribute evenly without breaking the pierogies.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
- Continue cooking uncovered on low for an additional 15-30 minutes until cheese is fully melted and edges are slightly crispy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty, rich casserole before serving hot directly from the crockpot.
Notes
- Customize the kielbasa type to match dietary preferences, such as turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and selecting a reduced-fat cheese blend.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach during the initial cooking stage to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling ingredients in the crockpot the night before, then refrigerate and start cooking in the morning for a convenient dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 527 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1070 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Thompson
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR
ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.
Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.