Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a dish that brings together the tender, pillowy goodness of pierogi with the smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa, all in one creamy, cheesy casserole. And when you can make it in the crockpot? Well, that’s a game-changer. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is pure comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to feed your family something hearty and soul-satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Imagine soft pierogi nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with slices of smoky kielbasa layered throughout. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make this dish a winner for both adults and kids. Whether you’re looking to make something comforting after a long day, or you want an easy dish to bring to a potluck, this pierogi casserole is the answer.

I first tried this recipe on a whim, looking to use up a random pack of pierogi and kielbasa I had in the fridge. Let me tell you, it quickly became a family favorite. The best part? You throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. It’s one of those meals that tastes like you’ve put in a lot of effort, but it couldn’t be easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, hands-off cooking: The crockpot does all the hard work for you. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it!
• Rich and comforting: The combination of tender pierogi, savory kielbasa, and a creamy sauce makes this casserole the ultimate comfort dish.
• Family-friendly: Kids love pierogi, and the smoky kielbasa adds a flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Perfect for leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it the next day or freeze it for future meals.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile option for any household.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low
• Servings: Serves 6-8
• Calories per serving: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 18g, Carbs: 42g, Fat: 24g

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogi (cheddar and potato or your preferred flavor)
• The pierogi are the star of this casserole. Choose your favorite kind, but cheddar and potato work wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• 1 lb kielbasa (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
• Smoky kielbasa adds rich flavor to the casserole. You can use turkey kielbasa for a lighter option.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• This creates a creamy base that ties everything together. Feel free to swap with cream of chicken if you prefer.
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (cut into cubes)
• For an ultra-creamy texture, cream cheese is a must!
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Cheddar adds a sharp, cheesy flavor that complements the pierogi and kielbasa.
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• Onions add a nice savory layer of flavor to balance the richness of the cheese and cream.
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Helps thin out the sauce and keep the casserole from drying out.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• A bit of garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• This spice enhances the smokiness of the kielbasa and adds a subtle warmth to the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Don’t forget to season to your liking!
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the crockpot:

• Spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a crockpot liner to make cleanup easier.

1. Layer the ingredients:

• Start by placing the frozen pierogi at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about thawing them; the pierogi will cook perfectly in the crockpot.
• Next, scatter the sliced kielbasa over the top of the pierogi. This ensures every bite has a little bit of that savory, smoky flavor.
• Add the chopped onions and garlic on top for a nice layer of aromatic flavor.

1. Mix the creamy base:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and smoked paprika. Once combined, pour this mixture over the pierogi and kielbasa. This will become the base of your creamy sauce.

1. Add the cheese:

• Sprinkle the cubed cream cheese throughout the crockpot. It may look like a lot, but as it cooks, the cream cheese will melt into the sauce, making it incredibly creamy.
• Top everything off with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later.

1. Set it and forget it:

• Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours. The pierogi will become tender, the kielbasa will infuse the sauce with its smoky goodness, and the cheese will melt into a dreamy, creamy texture.

1. Final cheese touch:

• About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover the crockpot again and let the cheese melt.

1. Serve and enjoy:

• Once the cheese has melted and everything is heated through, give the casserole a gentle stir to combine all the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve

• Over sautéed spinach or greens: Add some extra veggies to your meal by serving this casserole over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale.
• With a simple side salad: A light, tangy salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty bread: Grab a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce from the pierogi. It’s comfort food at its finest.
• Pickled vegetables: The tang of pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: If you have a smaller crockpot, consider halving the recipe to ensure everything cooks evenly.
2. Use low-sodium broth: Since kielbasa and cream cheese can be salty, using low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the salt level in check.
3. For a crispier top: If you love a crunchy topping, transfer the casserole to a baking dish, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally: If you’re home, give the casserole a gentle stir halfway through cooking to ensure even distribution of the cheese and sauce.
5. Add vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers into the mix during the last hour of cooking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the kielbasa for a vegetarian sausage, or add in sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pierogi and double-check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your casserole.
• Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Gouda, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar would all be delicious in this casserole.
• Turkey Kielbasa: For a leaner option, try using turkey kielbasa instead of the traditional pork version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the crockpot or oven at 350°F until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Crockpot: A 6-quart crockpot works best for this recipe to ensure there’s enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: For mixing the creamy base before pouring it into the crockpot.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time by about an hour, as fresh pierogi will cook faster than frozen.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge the night before. In the morning, simply pop everything into the crockpot and set it to cook.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers would be great additions. Just toss them in during the last hour of cooking.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is everything you want in a comfort food dish—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish to impress at your next potluck, this casserole will be a hit.

I can’t wait to see how your pierogi casserole turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations!