When the weather turns chilly and you crave a comforting, easy-to-make meal, look no further than Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. This dish combines the delicious flavors of kielbasa sausage, creamy pierogi, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheddar cheese—making it a perfect, hearty comfort food. Even better, it’s all prepared in a slow cooker, allowing you to come home to a warm, delicious meal without any fuss!
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy this dish as a dinner with family or want to bring it to a gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the rich flavors of kielbasa and the creamy texture of sour cream and melted cheese combine in a way that’s absolutely irresistible.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step to make this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole a delicious success. You’ll learn how to prep the ingredients, layer them in the crockpot, and cook everything to perfection. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Effortless Preparation
One of the best things about Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal ready to cook while you go about your day. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so all you have to do is add the ingredients, set the time, and let the magic happen.
Perfect for Busy Days
On busy days when you don’t have time to make dinner from scratch, this casserole is the answer. Whether you’re running errands, working from home, or taking care of other tasks, the crockpot lets you prepare a hot, comforting meal with minimal effort. After 4-5 hours of cooking, you’ll have a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare.
Hearty and Filling
With kielbasa, pierogi, and sour cream, this dish is a hearty meal that will fill you up. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a leftover lunch the next day, it’s sure to leave everyone satisfied.
Versatile Ingredients
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole allows you to get creative with ingredients. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can swap out the kielbasa for a different protein or skip it entirely. You can also play around with different types of pierogi or add your favorite veggies. The options are endless, and the crockpot makes it easy to experiment!
Ingredients for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The following ingredients are perfect for creating the flavorful layers of this casserole. Let’s take a look:
Main Ingredients
-
1 lb kielbasa, sliced
Kielbasa, a Polish sausage known for its smoky flavor, is the star of this dish. It adds savory depth to the casserole that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. -
1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogi (cheese and potato or your choice)
Pierogi are dumplings stuffed with delicious fillings, such as cheese, potato, or even meat. Frozen pierogi are the perfect time-saver, making this dish even easier to prepare. Choose your favorite flavor for the best results. -
1 medium onion, diced
Onions bring a touch of sweetness and savory flavor to the casserole, enhancing the overall taste and creating an aromatic base. -
1 cup sour cream
The sour cream adds a rich, creamy texture to the casserole, giving it a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. It also helps bind the ingredients together. -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese gives this casserole the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s sure to satisfy. It adds a savory, tangy flavor and melts perfectly into the casserole. -
1 cup chicken broth
Chicken broth provides a flavorful liquid base for the casserole, helping the pierogi cook evenly and adding moisture to the dish. -
2 cups sauerkraut, drained (optional)
Sauerkraut is a traditional addition that adds a tangy, fermented kick to the dish. It’s optional but highly recommended if you love that distinct flavor. -
1 tsp garlic powder
Garlic powder enhances the savory, comforting flavor of the dish, giving it an extra layer of richness. -
Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning is essential for bringing out the best flavors in the casserole. Salt and pepper elevate the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese and sour cream. -
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Making Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is as easy as layering the ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this cozy, comforting meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start layering the ingredients in the crockpot, take a few minutes to prepare everything.
- Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. This will help it cook evenly and allow the flavors to meld together as it simmers.
- Dice the onion to add a soft, savory flavor to the casserole.
- Drain the sauerkraut (if using). If you choose to include sauerkraut, make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to layer everything in the crockpot. Start by placing the sliced kielbasa at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the frozen pierogi on top of the kielbasa, followed by the diced onion. If you’re using sauerkraut, add it at this stage.
The layers of kielbasa, pierogi, onion, and sauerkraut create a hearty base that will soak up all the savory goodness of the chicken broth and sour cream.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the chicken broth and sour cream. Pour both evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot. The chicken broth will help the pierogi cook thoroughly, while the sour cream will give the casserole a rich, creamy texture.
Gently stir to combine, ensuring that the sour cream coats everything for a smooth and creamy finish.
Step 4: Season the Casserole
Season the casserole with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These simple seasonings are all you need to bring out the best in the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Stir everything again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for ensuring each bite is as flavorful as possible!
Step 5: Cook the Casserole
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the pierogi are tender and heated through. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together and develop a deep, comforting flavor. It’s the perfect meal for a busy day when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will melt beautifully into the dish, adding a gooey, cheesy layer that’s impossible to resist. Cover the crockpot and let the cheese melt into the casserole before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese has melted, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is filling, hearty, and comforting, all while being relatively light in calories for such a delicious dish. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 14g
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but overall, this casserole is a great balance of comfort and nutrition.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
- Use Frozen Pierogi: While fresh pierogi would work as well, frozen pierogi are incredibly convenient and give you that perfect texture after slow cooking.
- Customize the Meat: If you prefer a different sausage, feel free to substitute kielbasa with another type of smoked sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed twist on the casserole.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, make sure the pierogi and broth are certified gluten-free.
Related Recipes to Try
If you love this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, you might enjoy these other cozy, comforting dishes:
Conclusion
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the epitome of comfort food, offering the perfect balance of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. With the smoky kielbasa, creamy pierogi, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a dish for a gathering, this casserole will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for more. So go ahead, make this easy and delicious recipe today, and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table!
Print
Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa and Cheese
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa combines smoky kielbasa, creamy pierogi, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheddar cheese. A warm, hearty meal perfect for busy days, this slow cooker casserole is full of flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogi (cheese and potato or your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and drain the sauerkraut (if using).
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the sliced kielbasa, frozen pierogi, diced onion, and sauerkraut (if using) into the crockpot.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth and sour cream over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the pierogi are tender and heated through.
- Add Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let it melt into the casserole.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
- For a dairy-free version, you can swap sour cream and cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Crockpot Pierogi Casserole, Kielbasa Pierogi Bake, Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole, Kielbasa Casserole, Comfort Food Casserole, Easy Pierogi Recipe, Kielbasa Dinner