Imagine coming home to the cozy aroma of a warm, hearty casserole that feels like a hug on a chilly evening. This Crock Pot Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of creamy cheese, tender pierogis, and savory kielbasa sausage. It’s the perfect dish to bring family together for a quick dinner or to share with friends on a casual weekend. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity — just toss everything into the crockpot and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Whether it’s a family tradition or something you’re discovering for the first time, this dish is sure to make an impression. It’s a meal that’s both nostalgic and comforting, ideal for those days when you crave something filling without a lot of fuss. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe creates a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s packed with flavor and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Crock Pot Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole is everything you want in a one-pot meal. The pierogis provide that soft, pillowy texture, while the kielbasa adds a savory, smoky punch. The cheese melts into the casserole, creating a rich and creamy layer that binds it all together perfectly. And because it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s virtually hands-off. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and a real crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen pierogis (cheese and potato variety)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use a cream of chicken soup alternative)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How to Make Crock Pot Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing the kielbasa into thin rounds. Dice the onion and set both aside. You can use store-bought frozen pierogis to keep things easy, but feel free to go with homemade pierogis if you’re feeling extra ambitious!
- Layer the Casserole: Grease the bottom of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. Begin by placing a layer of frozen pierogis at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about thawing them — they will cook perfectly from frozen. Next, sprinkle over half of the kielbasa slices and a few spoonfuls of diced onion.
- Add the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth, then pour this cheesy mixture over the layers in the slow cooker. Gently spread it out to cover the pierogis.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of frozen pierogis on top, followed by the remaining kielbasa and onions. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the pierogis are tender and the casserole is bubbly and golden. If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Helpful Tips:
- Customize the Sausage: If you want to add a little variety, you can swap out the kielbasa for turkey kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even a mild beef sausage. Just be sure to slice it thin so it cooks evenly with the pierogis.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is ideal for prepping ahead of time. Layer everything in the crockpot the night before, then store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker and cook as usual.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add an extra dollop of sour cream or a few extra handfuls of cheese toward the end of the cooking time for a richer, creamier texture.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Meat-based (Can be modified for specific diets)
Notes:
This Crock Pot Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole can be easily doubled for a larger crowd or family gatherings. Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased portion size.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal (approx.)
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh pierogis instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh pierogis, but they may cook more quickly than frozen ones. Keep an eye on the casserole and check the tenderness of the pierogis.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before cooking. Just assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then slow cook as directed.
What can I serve this with? This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even just some crusty bread to soak up any leftover cheesy sauce.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm up in the oven covered with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Related Recipes:
If you loved this cheesy casserole, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy comfort foods:
Conclusion:
This Crock Pot Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole is a deliciously easy meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich flavors, tender pierogis, and savory kielbasa, it’s comfort food at its finest. Plus, with minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can spend more time enjoying your family and less time cooking. Give this recipe a try and let it warm your home with its irresistible aroma!
PrintCrock Po Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserolet
Description
Imagine coming home to the cozy aroma of a warm, hearty casserole that feels like a hug on a chilly evening. This Crock Pot Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of creamy cheese, tender pierogis, and savory kielbasa sausage. It’s the perfect dish to bring family together for a quick dinner or to share with friends on a casual weekend. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity — just toss everything into the crockpot and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Whether it’s a family tradition or something you’re discovering for the first time, this dish is sure to make an impression. It’s a meal that’s both nostalgic and comforting, ideal for those days when you crave something filling without a lot of fuss. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe creates a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s packed with flavor and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen pierogis (cheese and potato variety)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use a cream of chicken soup alternative)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing the kielbasa into thin rounds. Dice the onion and set both aside. You can use store-bought frozen pierogis to keep things easy, but feel free to go with homemade pierogis if you’re feeling extra ambitious!
- Layer the Casserole: Grease the bottom of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. Begin by placing a layer of frozen pierogis at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about thawing them — they will cook perfectly from frozen. Next, sprinkle over half of the kielbasa slices and a few spoonfuls of diced onion.
- Add the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth, then pour this cheesy mixture over the layers in the slow cooker. Gently spread it out to cover the pierogis.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of frozen pierogis on top, followed by the remaining kielbasa and onions. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the pierogis are tender and the casserole is bubbly and golden. If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
This Crock Pot Cheesy Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole can be easily doubled for a larger crowd or family gatherings. Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased portion size.