If comfort food had a champion, it would surely be the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe. Imagine layers of tender, cheesy pierogies mingling with savory slices of kielbasa, all cooked slowly in a creamy, flavorful broth that turns into an irresistible casserole. This dish is the perfect blend of ease and heartiness, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients deliver the most satisfying meals. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat, this casserole brings warmth, taste, and pure joy to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in making the dish shine. Every component has been carefully chosen to create a perfectly balanced casserole with rich textures, bold flavors, and a comforting finish.
- Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (3 packages): These frozen dumplings are the base of the dish, offering a delicious blend of potato and cheddar that melts into creamy goodness.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Adds moisture and a gentle savory background that infuses into every pierogi and kielbasa slice as it cooks.
- Cream cheese (1 8-ounce block): Creates a smooth, luscious sauce that binds everything together beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sprinkles in sharpness and melty cheesiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Kielbasa (1 pound, sliced): Brings a smoky, hearty punch that perfectly complements the mild pierogies.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that unlock the best tasting result by balancing all the rich flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Step 1: Combine Key Ingredients
To start, grab a 4-6 quart crockpot and add 3 cups of chicken broth, your frozen pierogies, the sliced kielbasa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to distribute everything evenly, which helps the flavors blend seamlessly as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Base
Set the crockpot to high and let it cook for 3 to 4 hours, or switch to low and leave it for about 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the pierogies to soften perfectly while the kielbasa releases its savory juices, creating a cozy mix that smells amazing as it bubbles away.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
About half an hour before your casserole finishes cooking, warm the block of cream cheese with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth in a separate bowl. Whisk this until it becomes silky smooth—this creamy mixture will add richness and a velvety texture to your dish.
Step 4: Final Assembly in the Crockpot
Pour the cream cheese mixture into your crockpot and stir gently to combine it with the pierogi and kielbasa base. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Lower the heat to low and cook for another 30 minutes to meld all the flavors together and melt the cheese topping into a golden, gooey perfection.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, sprinkle your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe with some freshly chopped green onions or chives. These add a pop of color and a mild oniony crispness that brightens every bite, making your casserole look just as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides to balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables are great choices that add freshness and contrast, ensuring the meal feels wonderful from start to finish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing this dish with friends or family, consider serving it straight from the crockpot at the table for a casual, communal feel. Alternatively, scoop portions into shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic plating that invites everyone to dig in. Adding a dollop of sour cream on the side can elevate the presentation and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole gently in the oven or crockpot on low until heated through. Adding a little splash of broth or cream will help keep it wonderfully moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will work well too; just keep an eye on the cooking time as they generally need less time to soften compared to frozen.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the kielbasa and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu to maintain that savory depth while keeping it meat-free.
Can I substitute the cream cheese for something else?
You can swap cream cheese for sour cream or a blend of cream and cheese if you prefer a lighter sauce, but cream cheese provides that signature creamy body that’s hard to replace.
What size crockpot works best for this recipe?
A 4 to 6 quart crockpot is ideal because it provides enough space for the pierogies and kielbasa to cook evenly without overcrowding, ensuring the flavors meld perfectly.
Can I add additional vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding diced onions, bell peppers, or even some fresh spinach can boost the nutrition and add layers of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about cozying up to a warm, cheesy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and made with love. Its ease and comforting taste make it a perfect go-to when you want to relax without sacrificing incredible flavor. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite meal that feels like a hug in every bite!
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines cheesy pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and a creamy cheddar sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this slow-cooked casserole melds flavors beautifully while requiring minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (frozen)
- 1 pound of kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 4 cups of chicken broth (divided)
- 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a 4-6 quart crockpot, add 3 cups of chicken broth, the frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly within the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and set the crockpot to high heat for 3-4 hours, or alternatively to low heat for 6 hours, allowing the pierogies and kielbasa to cook through and the flavors to blend nicely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, soften the cream cheese by warming it with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth in a separate bowl. Whisk this mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Final Assembly: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring gently to combine with the other ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and continue cooking on low heat for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the casserole to become creamy.
- Serve: Once done, serve the casserole hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh flavor contrast and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the pierogies are not thawed before adding to the crockpot to maintain texture.
- You can adjust the amount of chicken broth for a thicker or saucier casserole.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- Adding vegetables like sautéed onions or bell peppers can enhance flavor and nutrition.
