Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa: A Symphony of Cheese, Pierogies, and Comfort

Picture this: a blustery evening, the wind rattling the windows, and the comforting aroma of cheesy goodness wafting through your home. Inside your crockpot, a symphony of flavors is slowly melding together, creating a warm and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the epitome of easy comfort food. It’s cheesy, it’s hearty, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. I remember the first time I made a pierogi casserole. I was searching for a quick and effortless meal that would satisfy my family’s cravings for something warm and comforting. I had some frozen pierogies and kielbasa on hand, and I decided to experiment, throwing everything together in a baking dish with some cheese and broth. The result was a cheesy, flavorful casserole that was devoured in minutes. This crockpot version takes that simple concept to the next level, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours, creating a truly irresistible and deeply satisfying dish. The slow cooking process transforms the humble ingredients into a rich and creamy delight, a true testament to the magic of the crockpot.

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This recipe is an absolute dream for beginner cooks. It requires minimal prep time (just 10 minutes!), it’s a true “set it and forget it” meal, and it’s incredibly forgiving – it’s practically impossible to mess up! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to utilize frozen pierogies and create a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is a perfect example of how easy and delicious home cooking can be. It’s a quick, comforting, and relatively budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a casual get-together with friends, or any time you’re yearning for a taste of pure, unadulterated comfort food.

Ingredients and Preparation: The Building Blocks of Flavor

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole utilizes simple, readily available ingredients, making it an accessible and affordable meal for everyone. The quality of your ingredients, especially the kielbasa and cheese, will directly impact the overall flavor of your casserole.

• Pierogies:
  • Three packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (or your preferred brand, approximately 36 pierogies total) – Pierogies are the star of this casserole, providing a soft, doughy texture and a cheesy filling that melts beautifully into the sauce. Cheddar pierogies add a rich, cheesy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. You can, however, experiment with other flavors of pierogies, such as potato and onion, farmer’s cheese, or even a sweet cheese variety, to create different and exciting flavor profiles. Just be mindful that the cooking time might need slight adjustments depending on the type of pierogies you use.
• Liquids:
  • Four cups of chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) – Chicken broth forms the base of the casserole, adding moisture and a subtle savory flavor. Using low-sodium chicken broth is highly recommended as it allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish, preventing it from becoming overly salty. You can always add more salt later if needed, but it’s much harder to take it away.
• Dairy:
  • One 8-ounce block of cream cheese (softened) – Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and richness to the casserole, creating a luscious and decadent sauce that coats the pierogies and kielbasa beautifully. Make absolutely sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the crockpot to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce. You can soften cream cheese quickly by unwrapping it and microwaving it for short bursts, checking it frequently until it’s soft.
  • Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese (divided: one cup for the casserole and one cup for topping) – Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavor that complements the pierogies and kielbasa perfectly. Using a good quality cheddar cheese will make a noticeable difference in the overall taste of the casserole. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and evenly. Dividing the cheese and adding some at the beginning and some at the end creates a creamy sauce and a perfectly melted, golden-brown topping.
• Protein:
  • One pound of kielbasa, sliced (smoked kielbasa recommended) – Kielbasa adds a savory, smoky flavor and a satisfying meaty element to the casserole, creating a well-rounded and delicious meal. Smoked kielbasa is a classic choice that adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can use your favorite type of kielbasa, such as Polish kielbasa, turkey kielbasa, or even Italian sausage (though that would technically make it a sausage casserole, but still delicious!). Just be sure to slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
• Seasoning:
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. Season generously, tasting the casserole as you go and adjusting the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings as well, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Optional Garnish:
  • Sliced green onions – Sliced green onions add a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the finished casserole, making it visually appealing and adding a subtle oniony crunch that complements the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for even the most beginner cook. The simplicity of this recipe is one of its greatest strengths.

1. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 4-6 quart crockpot, combine three cups of the chicken broth, the frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the crockpot. Distributing the ingredients evenly is important to ensure that each serving has a good balance of pierogies, kielbasa, and cheese. This also helps the casserole to cook more evenly.  
2. Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours, or alternatively, on low for 6 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together, resulting in a cohesive and flavorful dish. Cooking on low for a longer period often results in a richer, more deeply developed flavor, as the ingredients have more time to interact and infuse the broth. However, cooking on high is a faster option if you’re short on time and still yields a delicious result.  
3. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Approximately 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop over low heat, combine the softened cream cheese with the remaining one cup of chicken broth. Heat the mixture gently until the cream cheese is melted and easily whisked. Warming the cream cheese with the broth helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce. You can also use a hand mixer to ensure a completely smooth consistency.
4. Final Assembly: Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, pour it into the crockpot, stirring well to integrate it with the other ingredients. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The final 30 minutes of cooking allows the cream cheese to melt and combine with the other ingredients, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats everything beautifully. The additional cheese on top melts perfectly, creating a golden brown and bubbly crust that adds a wonderful texture to the dish.
5. Serving: Once the casserole is cooked and the cheese is melted, serve it hot. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, to add both color and a mild, oniony crunch that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Green onions not only add a fresh and vibrant element to the casserole, but they also provide a subtle oniony flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and kielbasa.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Culinary Companion

Here are some helpful tips and notes for beginner cooks to ensure success with this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole:

• Pierogie Options: You can use any type of frozen pierogies you like in this recipe. Experiment with different flavors, such as potato and onion, farmer’s cheese, or even sweet cheese varieties, to create your own unique and delicious variations. Just be mindful that the cooking time might need slight adjustments depending on the type of pierogies you use.
• Kielbasa Substitutes: If you don’t have kielbasa on hand, you can use other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even chorizo. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different types of sausage may cook at different rates.
• Cream Cheese Consistency: Make absolutely sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the crockpot. This is crucial for preventing lumps from forming in the sauce. If you add cold cream cheese to the hot broth, it will likely clump together and create an uneven texture.
• Cheese Quality: Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. The better the cheese, the better the casserole will taste. Consider using a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate the dish and create a more complete and balanced meal:

• Side Salad Sensation: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the cheesy goodness and cleanses the palate.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve the casserole with slices of crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy and flavorful sauce. The bread soaks up the sauce beautifully, making it a perfect accompaniment to the pierogies and kielbasa.
• Steamed Vegetable Variety: Add a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli florets, green beans, or sliced carrots, for a boost of nutrients and a pop of color to the plate. Steamed vegetables offer a healthy and light counterpoint to the rich casserole.
• Garlic Bread Goodness: Take your bread game up a notch by serving the casserole with garlic bread. The garlicky flavor complements the cheesy and savory notes of the casserole perfectly.
• Sour Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each serving for added tanginess and creaminess. This adds a cool and refreshing element to the warm casserole.
• Crispy Onion Topping: Sprinkle some crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole for added texture and flavor. The crispy onions provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft pierogies and kielbasa.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven for the best texture. Reheating in the oven will help to crisp up the top again.

Conclusion: Let’s Get Cooking!

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a warm, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, it’s customizable to your liking, and it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. It’s a true comfort food classic, a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, home, and deliciousness. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own! Experiment with different pierogi flavors, sausage types, vegetables, and toppings to create your perfect pierogi casserole. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and have some fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, a chance to explore new flavors and create delicious meals that you can share with your loved ones.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What did you think? Did you make any modifications? What toppings did you use? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below! Your feedback is valuable and helps other readers who are trying the recipe for the first time. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media – we love to see your culinary creations! We can’t wait to see what delicious variations you come up with! This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a true kitchen staple, a versatile and easy recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious way to bring comfort food to your table. Enjoy! We hope this recipe inspires you to create delicious and memorable meals that nourish your body and delight your taste buds. From cozy weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, grab your crockpot, and get ready to experience the cheesy, comforting goodness of this incredible Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa! This recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and slow-cooked to perfection, can be transformed into something truly extraordinary.