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There’s a special kind of magic that happens when humble ingredients are left to mingle in a slow cooker all day. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the absolute embodiment of that magic, a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug at the end of a long day. It’s the kind of meal that makes your entire house smell incredible, promising something deeply satisfying long before you even lift the lid.
Imagine tender pierogies, their pillowy softness soaking up a rich, velvety sauce. Now, picture smoky slices of kielbasa adding a hearty, savory punch to every single bite. This casserole is a beautiful, delicious shortcut, bringing the soul-warming essence of a traditional Polish kitchen into your modern, busy life with incredible ease. Honestly, it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food but doesn’t have all day to stand over a stove.
What Makes This Casserole So Special?
Beyond the incredible flavor, this dish is a masterclass in convenience. It’s built around frozen pierogies, which means you skip all the tedious dough-making and filling steps. The slow cooker does nearly all the work, transforming these simple components into a cohesive, elegant meal with minimal effort from you.
It’s also wonderfully forgiving and adaptable. Forgot to thaw something? No problem. Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it. This recipe is a fantastic foundation that welcomes your own personal touch. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or simply stocking your fridge with delicious leftovers that might just be better the next day.
Gathering Your Ingredients
This recipe is all about simple, flavorful ingredients working in harmony. You’ll be amazed at how such a short list can create something so complex and comforting. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- Frozen Potato and Cheddar Pierogies: These are the star of the show, providing a soft, starchy base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Kielbasa: A full pound, sliced into hearty rounds, delivers that essential smoky, garlicky flavor throughout the dish.
- Cream Cheese: Use a full-fat block, softened, for the richest, smoothest sauce that clings to every component.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal for a more pronounced cheesy flavor, but any good melting cheddar will work wonderfully.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the savory liquid base that everything cooks in, building a deep foundation of flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors in the pot.
The Perfect Occasions for This Dish
This casserole truly shines on those busy weeknights when you need a guaranteed hit with zero fuss. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning, and you can come home to a ready-made dinner that feels indulgent. It’s the ultimate solution for defeating the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma on your most hectic days.
It’s also a fantastic choice for casual gatherings. Game day, a potluck with friends, or a cozy family weekend meal—this dish fits right in. It’s hearty, approachable, and served straight from the crockpot, which makes cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s the kind of food that encourages everyone to gather around and help themselves to a second helping.
How to make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa?
The process is wonderfully straightforward, but a few key details make all the difference. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful result every single time.
Layering the Foundation
Begin by taking your frozen pierogies and placing them directly into the crockpot insert—there’s no need to thaw them. Scatter the sliced kielbasa evenly over the top, and then add a generous handful of the shredded cheddar cheese right into the mix. Pour in most of your chicken broth, reserving about a cup for the next step.
The Slow Simmer
Now, just cover the crockpot and set it to cook. A low and slow setting of 6 hours is perfect for deep flavor melding, but if you’re short on time, the high setting for 3-4 hours will also work beautifully. The pierogies will become tender, and the kielbasa will infuse the broth with its smoky essence.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
About 30 minutes before your cooking time is complete, it’s time to make the luscious sauce. In a separate bowl, gently warm the remaining chicken broth and the block of cream cheese together. You can do this in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove, whisking until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps.
The Final Combine
Carefully pour this smooth cream cheese mixture over the contents of the crockpot. Gently stir everything together—you’ll see the sauce immediately begin to thicken and coat the pierogies and kielbasa. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, cover it back up, and let it cook for one final 30 minutes on low.
Serving with Style
Once the cheese on top is beautifully melted and the entire casserole is bubbly, it’s ready to serve. For a fresh, colorful finish, a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a bit of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely contrast. Dish it out into bowls and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips
For the absolute best texture, avoid lifting the lid during the main cooking time if you can help it. Every peek lets out precious heat and steam, which can extend the cooking time needed. Trust the process, the aroma will let you know it’s working its magic.
If your sauce seems a bit too thin after adding the cream cheese mixture, simply leave the lid off for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the excess liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening the sauce to a perfect, creamy consistency.
Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Sautéed onions or mushrooms are a classic addition. For a bit of freshness and crunch, a handful of frozen peas stirred in during the last 30 minutes works wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. If you can’t find potato and cheddar pierogies, a sauerkraut or onion-filled version would be equally delicious. For the kielbasa, a smoked turkey sausage is a fantastic leaner alternative that still delivers great flavor.
When it comes to the cheese, don’t feel limited. A smoky gouda or a pepper jack would add a wonderful new dimension. You could even use a combination of cheeses for a more complex profile. The broth can also be swapped; a rich beef broth will make the dish even heartier, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly (just swap the kielbasa for a plant-based sausage).
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers
Any leftover casserole should be cooled completely before being transferred to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making the leftovers a true treat.
Reheating is best done gently to maintain the creamy texture. The microwave works fine for single portions—just heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between. For a larger portion, reheat it in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through, which helps prevent the sauce from breaking.
You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy meals. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, adding a small splash of broth when you warm it up to bring back the perfect saucy consistency.
Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
While this casserole is a complete meal in a bowl, a simple side can round out the dinner perfectly. A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy main dish. The acidity helps cut through the richness, cleansing the palate between bites.
For a cooked vegetable, something simple like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even buttered peas are excellent choices. Their bright flavors and different textures complement the casserole without competing for attention. A crusty loaf of bread is also never a bad idea for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Description
This cozy, comforting Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a modern twist on a Polish classic—made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Tender frozen pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce meld together over hours of gentle cooking to create a hearty, satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal prep. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
ingredients
Instructions
-
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
In a 4–6 quart slow cooker, add 3 cups of chicken broth, frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to distribute evenly. -
Cook the Casserole
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until pierogies are tender and flavors are well blended. -
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
About 30 minutes before cooking ends, combine the cream cheese and remaining 1 cup of chicken broth in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, whisking until smooth and lump-free. -
Final Assembly
Pour the warm cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and stir thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. -
Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with sliced green onions for freshness and color.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 ½ cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30gg47%
- Saturated Fat 14gg70%
- Trans Fat 0.5gg
- Cholesterol 95mgmg32%
- Sodium 1180mgmg50%
- Potassium 420mgmg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 38gg13%
- Dietary Fiber 2gg8%
- Sugars 3gg
- Protein 24gg48%
- Calcium 25% mg
- Iron 10% mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey kielbasa to lower calories and fat.
- Add veggies: Stir in 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers with the pierogies for extra nutrition.
- Cheese swaps: Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a smoked cheddar for a flavor twist.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pierogies?
Yes! Use about 30 oz of cooked or uncooked homemade pierogies. If uncooked, you may need to extend the cook time by 30–60 minutes on LOW.
Can this be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free cheddar shreds, and ensure your pierogies and kielbasa are dairy-free (many brands contain milk).
Why is my sauce too thin?
If the sauce seems runny, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow evaporation. Alternatively, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir in during the final 15 minutes.