If you love comfort food that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe is about to be your new weeknight champion. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky kielbasa and pillowy pierogies, this set-and-forget casserole brings pure coziness straight to your table – with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Just toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax – you’ll have a cozy dinner ready without breaking a sweat.
- Big Flavor, Crowd-Pleasing Results: Smoky kielbasa, tangy cream cheese, and pillowy cheddar pierogies meld together for a rich, cheesy dish everyone comes back for.
- Family-Friendly and Adaptable: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hungry adults, this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe makes everyone happy and is easy to tweak to taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead or Potlucks: This casserole reheats beautifully and travels well, making it the ultimate dish to share with friends, family, or work gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of classic ingredients to make this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe, but each one brings something essential to the party. They combine to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of depth—exactly what comfort food dreams are made of!
- Cheddar Pierogies (3 boxes, mini preferred): The star of the show! Mini pierogies cook up super tender and soak up the sauce, making every bite irresistibly cheesy.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): This brings a savory backbone, keeping everything moist and giving the casserole a luscious, flavorful base.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces): For creamy, tangy richness that melts into the sauce and ties every texture together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds a melty, cheesy factor that makes the casserole gooey, golden, and completely craveable.
- Kielbasa (1 lb., sliced): Slices of smoky, garlicky sausage lend big flavor, hearty bites, and a pop of savory depth. Use your favorite cooked sausage if you like!
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: A finishing touch to make the flavors pop—adjust for your palate and find your perfect level of savory goodness.
Variations
What I adore about this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to personalize. Don’t be afraid to play around—whether for dietary needs, a new flavor twist, or using what you have on hand, it’s a total chameleon of a dish!
- Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrition—simply scatter them in when layering your ingredients.
- Swap the Sausage: Try smoked turkey sausage or cooked chicken for a lighter version, or go meatless with vegetarian sausages for a new spin.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pierogies (available at many grocery stores!) and double-check your kielbasa and broth to keep everything safe for sensitivities.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Experiment with different shredded cheeses—like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack—for even more gooey goodness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by spraying your slow cooker insert with a bit of nonstick spray for easy cleanup. Then, add the mini cheddar pierogies to create the delicious base. Top them evenly with the kielbasa slices, spreading them out so there’s a little sausage in every bite!
Step 2: Add Creamy Goodness
Cube the cream cheese and scatter it over the pierogies and kielbasa, then pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across everything. This combination will melt together and create the oozy, cheesy sauce as it cooks.
Step 3: Season and Cook
Add salt and pepper to taste (start with just a pinch – you can always adjust at the end). Place the lid on your slow cooker. Now, simply set it on high for 3–4 hours, or low for about 6 hours, depending on your schedule. The casserole is ready when everything is hot, creamy, and melded together.
Step 4: Stir, Serve, and Enjoy!
When the time’s up, give the casserole a gentle stir to blend the sauce and distribute all those pockets of cheese and sausage. Scoop out big, satisfying portions and serve hot. Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a well-rounded, soul-warming meal.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
- Pierogi Placement: Try to keep pierogies in a single layer or just slightly overlapping – this helps them cook evenly and get super tender.
- Cream Cheese Distribution: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and spread them out so you don’t end up with one big blob—each bite should get some creamy goodness.
- Low and Slow for Richer Flavor: If you have time, opt for the “low” setting—letting everything simmer together longer really develops the flavors.
- Customize Your Sausage: Use a smoky, garlicky kielbasa for classic flavor, but don’t be afraid to try andouille, smoked turkey, or even a spicy sausage for a fun twist.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley lends a fresh, bright finish that pops against the creamy casserole. For a little zing, try sliced green onions or even a dollop of tangy sour cream on top—extra cheese never hurts either if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
I always serve this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette—the freshness balances the rich flavors perfectly. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are ideal for mopping up every drop of cheesy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon portions into individual ramekins and broil with extra cheese for a bubbly top. If you’re serving a crowd, scatter the casserole with fresh herbs right before bringing it to the table—an easy way to make it look as special as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them into airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, so you can enjoy hearty, delicious lunches with hardly any effort.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (flatten for quick thawing). It’ll stay tasty for about 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. For larger amounts, warm it gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly. A splash of extra broth or milk can help refresh the sauce if it thickens up.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen pierogies directly, or do I need to thaw them first?
You can absolutely use frozen pierogies straight from the package—no need to thaw them. They’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker and soak up all the creamy sauce as they go.
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Is there a way to make this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the kielbasa for your favorite plant-based sausage, and make sure to use vegetarian “chicken” broth. You’ll still get all that cozy, cheesy comfort in every bite.
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How can I prevent the pierogies from getting too soft or mushy?
Keep the pierogies in a fairly even layer, don’t over-stir during cooking, and stick to the recommended cooking times. Mini pierogies hold up especially well—they stay tender but keep their shape nicely.
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Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Just make sure you’re using a large (6- to 8-quart) slow cooker so everything fits, and add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time if needed. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking, and you’re set for a crowd-pleasing feast.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better way to gather around the table than with a bubbling dish of Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe. It’s hearty, easy, and brimming with flavors that make everyone smile. Give it a try this week and enjoy some slow-cooked comfort—you just might find your new favorite!
Print
Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6 hours on low
- Total Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6 hours on low
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty slow cooker pierogi kielbasa casserole recipe that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. This dish combines cheddar pierogies, chicken broth, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced kielbasa, and seasonings for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Cheddar Pierogies:
- 3 boxes cheddar pierogies (mini-sized recommended)
Other Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8–ounce cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb. sliced kielbasa or preferred cooked meat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place all ingredients into the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
- Cooking: Set the crockpot to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours for a more infused flavor.
- Final Touches: Once done, serve the casserole with a green salad and crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pierogies, kielbasa, and chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Calories: 467 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1489mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 114mg
