Crock pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa recipe

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients

To start, slice the kielbasa sausage into rounds and slice the onion into thin strips. While you’re at it, grab the frozen pierogies from the freezer—no need to thaw them first. The beauty of this dish is that you can throw everything in the crock pot straight from the freezer, making prep time a breeze.

2. Layer the Casserole in the Crock Pot

In your slow cooker, begin layering the ingredients:

• Place half of the frozen pierogies on the bottom of the crock pot.
• Top with half of the sliced kielbasa, then sprinkle with half of the sliced onions.
• Add a few dollops of butter and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pierogies, kielbasa, onions, and butter.

3. Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir in the paprika and a little more salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the crock pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-coated. The soup mixture will melt into the dish as it cooks, creating a rich and creamy base for the casserole.

4. Cook the Casserole

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. The pierogies will cook through and become tender, while the kielbasa will infuse the casserole with its savory flavor. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, creating a creamy, comforting layer that perfectly complements the pierogies.

5. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the top of the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let the cheese melt into the dish, adding a rich, gooey finish to the casserole.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is ready, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. If you’d like, you can also sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheese on top for even more cheesy goodness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why This Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole is a Winner:

This Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor, all while being incredibly easy to make. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and because it uses frozen pierogies, there’s no need to cook anything in advance. You simply layer everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you.

Here’s why this casserole stands out:

• Minimal Prep Time: With just a few simple steps, you can have a meal in the crock pot that requires virtually no hands-on time. Layer the ingredients, pour over the sauce, and set it to cook.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of pierogies, kielbasa, and cheese makes for a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cooler weather or when you need something filling after a long day.
• Comforting, Classic Flavors: With the creamy mushroom soup, savory kielbasa, and cheesy pierogies, this dish tastes just like home. It’s a fusion of classic Eastern European comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Perfect for Busy Days: If you’ve got a busy schedule, this recipe is a godsend. Set it and forget it, and come back to a warm, hearty meal that’s ready to serve. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it over a couple of days.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Veggies: If you want to add a bit more nutrition to the casserole, consider adding frozen peas, corn, or broccoli to the layers. These vegetables pair well with the creamy sauce and will make the dish even heartier.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the casserole for a spicy kick.
• Change the Sausage: While kielbasa is a classic pairing, feel free to use any smoked sausage or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Chicken sausage or turkey sausage are lighter options that still bring plenty of flavor.
• Use Different Pierogies: Pierogies come in a variety of fillings, so feel free to switch things up. If you can’t find cheese and potato pierogies, try ones with meat, sauerkraut, or even mushroom fillings. Each will bring its own twist to the casserole.
• Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free variety and double-check that the kielbasa and pierogies are gluten-free as well. Some brands make gluten-free pierogies, so you can still enjoy the dish without any gluten.

Why This Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a versatile dish that works for so many occasions. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course for a family dinner, but it also works beautifully as a dish to bring to a potluck or holiday gathering. The slow cooker makes it super easy to prepare, and the combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a special event, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? There are no leftovers—or if there are, they’re just as delicious the next day!

So, next time you’re craving comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious, give this Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa a try. It’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!