There’s something magical about a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food, combining the cheesy goodness of pierogies, the smoky richness of kielbasa, and a creamy, indulgent sauce. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth and tantalizing aromas, inviting everyone to gather around the table for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or someone who just loves good food, this recipe is here to make your life easier—and tastier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 3 packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (frozen)
- Four cups of chicken broth
(Adds depth and keeps everything moist.) - One 8-ounce block of cream cheese
(For that irresistibly creamy texture.) - One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
(The more cheese, the better, right?) - One pound of kielbasa, sliced
(Smoky, savory, and satisfying.) - Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: Sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Grab your 4-6 quart crockpot and add:
- Three cups of chicken broth
- Frozen pierogies
- Sliced kielbasa
- Half of the shredded cheddar cheese
Give everything a good toss, ensuring that the ingredients are well-coated and evenly distributed.
2. Let the Crockpot Do the Work
Cover the crockpot and set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. During this time, the pierogies will soak up the savory flavors, while the kielbasa infuses the dish with its smoky richness.
3. Add the Creamy Sauce
When there are about 30 minutes left on the timer:
- Warm the cream cheese with the remaining cup of chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir or whisk the mixture until creamy and lump-free.
4. Final Touches
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and stir gently to incorporate. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating an irresistible, gooey topping.
5. Serve and Savor
Scoop the casserole onto plates while it’s hot, and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. This dish is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the casserole
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Pierogi Casserole
- Handle Pierogies Gently: Stir carefully to keep the pierogies intact.
- Pick the Best Kielbasa: A high-quality kielbasa will elevate the flavor of this dish.
- Thicken the Sauce if Needed: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch into the cream cheese mixture before adding it to the crockpot.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pierogies: Try different pierogi flavors like potato, onion, or mushroom.
- Cheese: Use gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Protein: Replace kielbasa with smoked sausage, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the kielbasa and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
FAQs About Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
Q: Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can! Fresh pierogies work perfectly, though they may require slightly less cooking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, set it to cook as instructed.
Q: What sides go well with this casserole?
A: A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with this rich and cheesy dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven until the dish is hot. If the casserole seems a little dry, add a splash of chicken broth to restore its creamy texture.
More Recipes to Try
If you loved this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole, here are a few other comforting recipes you’ll enjoy:
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa isn’t just a meal—it’s a love letter to the joys of comfort food. Try it for dinner tonight and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!