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
Scale
- 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