Craving a comforting, easy-to-make meal? This Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole recipe combines tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and creamy cheese into a rich, hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker casserole requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. With just a few ingredients like cheddar pierogies, cream cheese, and kielbasa, you’ll have a satisfying, comforting meal ready to please the whole family—all with hardly any effort.
The first time I made this dish. It was a chilly evening. And I wanted something warm. And comforting. Without spending too much time. In the kitchen. My husband and our little one loved it so much. That it became an instant family favorite. The pierogies were perfectly tender. And the kielbasa added just the right amount of smokiness. We all gathered around the table. And the casserole brought us that cozy, homey feeling. We all crave. At the end of a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole
This pierogi casserole with Kielbasa is a true comfort food gem. It’s incredibly easy to prepare—just toss everything into your slow cooker. And let it do the work. The combination of creamy cheese, flavorful kielbasa, and tender pierogies. Creates a rich. And satisfying dish. Plus, it’s versatile. You can switch up the type of kielbasa. Or even add in some veggies. For extra nutrition. Whether you’re serving it to your family. Or bringing it to a potluck. This casserole is sure to impress.
What You Need To Make This Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole?
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s take a moment to appreciate pierogies. If you’re wondering what they are, think of them as little dumplings with big flavor. They’re usually filled with things like mashed potatoes, cheese, or mushrooms and can be boiled or pan-fried. They’ve got that perfect tender-chewy bite that soaks up all the flavors in this Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole. Trust me, they’re the secret to making this dish so irresistibly cozy.
A Quick Peek at Popular Pierogi Fillings
Pierogies come in all sorts of varieties, but here are the usual suspects:
- Mashed Potatoes: Comforting and creamy, often with a bit of onion.
- Cheese: Mild and melty, with cheddar or farmer’s cheese.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and rich, sometimes mixed with onions.
For this recipe, I’m going with cheddar pierogies, which pair beautifully with the smoky kielbasa and creamy cheese. And while we’re sticking to savory here, there are sweet versions out there with fillings like berries or prunes—a different experience for sure!
So, whether you’re already a pierogi fan or this is your first foray, they add such a warm, hearty vibe to the casserole. If you’ve got a favorite filling, I’d love to hear it. Now, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients Notes:
Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this cozy, satisfying dish:
Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies: These mini-sized pierogies are perfect for this casserole. They cook up tender. And absorb all the flavors of the broth. And cheese. If you can’t find mini pierogies. Regular-sized ones will work too. Just cut them in half. For easier serving.
Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base. That helps cook the pierogies evenly. And infuses them with flavor. You can use homemade broth. Or a good-quality store-bought version.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese melts into the broth. Creating a luscious, creamy sauce. That coats the pierogies. And kielbasa. Make sure it’s softened. So it blends smoothly.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This adds a sharp, tangy flavor. That complements the cream cheese. You can use mild or sharp cheddar. Depending on your preference.
Kielbasa: The star of the dish. Kielbasa adds a smoky, savory element. Slice it into bite-sized pieces. So it’s easy to eat. You can also experiment with other cooked meats like sausage or ham.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavors. Adjust to your taste. Keeping in mind that the kielbasa and broth already contain some salt.
How To Make This Crockpot Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole:
Step 1: Begin by setting up your slow cooker. Place the pierogies, chicken broth, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and sliced kielbasa. Into the crockpot.
Step 2: Give everything a gentle stir. To distribute the ingredients evenly.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Or set it to low. And cook for 6 hours. The pierogies should be tender. And the cheese will have melted. Into a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Once done, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve the casserole hot. Alongside a fresh green salad and crusty bread. For a complete meal.
Pro Tip: For an added layer of flavor. Consider browning the kielbasa slices in a skillet. Before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn’t necessary. But it can give your casserole a deeper, richer taste. With those delicious caramelized edges on the sausage. If you’re feeling adventurous. Toss in some sautéed onions or bell peppers. To add sweetness. And texture to the dish. And if you’re in a hurry. You can prepare the ingredients the night before. So all you have to do is pop them into the slow cooker. In the morning.
Storage Options
So, you made this cozy, creamy casserole, and now you’re left with some leftovers. Happens to the best of us! Here’s what I usually do to keep it tasting fresh (if it even lasts long enough to need storing, right?):
- In the Fridge: Just toss the leftovers into an airtight container, and you’re set for 3-4 days of creamy goodness. Reheat it in the microwave when the craving hits (and trust me, it will). If it thickens up a bit, just splash in a little broth or milk to loosen things up. Nothing worse than a dry casserole, you know?
- Freezing: This casserole freezes like a champ. I usually go with freezer bags, flattening them out for easy stacking—like some kind of Tetris master. When you’re ready to revisit, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat it up in the microwave or oven. If you go the oven route, cover it with foil so it doesn’t dry out. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re cozied up with a bowl of this on a chilly evening.
Variations and Substitutions
This casserole’s already a dream, but if you like to experiment, here are a few ways to change it up (or just use what you’ve got on hand). I love that you can get creative with this dish and still end up with something totally delicious.
- Switch Up the Pierogies: Let’s be honest, sometimes you work with what’s in the freezer. Mushroom, potato, spinach—any pierogi will work here. If you’re gluten-free, keep an eye out for the GF varieties; they’re out there, and some are surprisingly tasty!
- Try New Cheeses: While cheddar’s a classic here, why not mix it up? Swiss, gouda, or Gruyère would add their own twist. Cheese is kind of a “more is more” situation for me, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Play with the Protein: Not a kielbasa fan? Smoked sausage, ham, or even leftover roast chicken will fit right in. Just make sure it’s already cooked, or you might end up with a chewy surprise. (And no one’s here for surprise chewy meat.)
- Add Some Veggies: Got bell peppers or spinach that need using up? Toss them in! Not only does it add color, but it sneaks in a little nutrition too. My kids don’t even notice when I throw in veggies, which, as a parent, feels like a small victory.
The fun part? You might discover a combo you never thought you’d like. Cooking’s meant to be relaxed and enjoyable—don’t you think?
What to Serve with Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole
Honestly, this casserole is the whole deal, but if you want to go all out, here are a few sides that will complement it perfectly:
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side is a lifesaver with rich casseroles. Just toss sliced cucumbers with a little sour cream, fresh dill, and a splash of vinegar. It’s light, tangy, and balances out all that cheesy goodness perfectly.
- Braised Red Cabbage: This brings a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. Braise red cabbage with a hint of vinegar and a sprinkle of brown sugar—it’s a cozy, slightly tangy side that pairs so well with the smoky kielbasa.
- German-Style Pretzel Rolls: These soft, chewy rolls are perfect for dunking into the casserole. They add a bit of that classic German flavor that complements the pierogies and kielbasa, plus they’re just plain fun to eat!
What do you think? Got any sides you’d add? I’d love to hear about your own twists on this.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. By substituting the kielbasa. With a plant-based sausage. Additionally, ensure your broth is vegetable-based. This swap will maintain the hearty flavors. And textures of the dish. While making it suitable. For vegetarian diets.
How can I store leftovers from this casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For up to 3-4 days. To reheat. Simply microwave until warm. Or place in a 350°F oven. Until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. And store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook. Place it in your slow cooker. And adjust the cooking time slightly. To accommodate the cold start. This makes it perfect for busy days. When you want to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- For this casserole you'll want to use three boxes of cheddar pierogies, with mini-sized ones being ideal for easy, bite-sized portions.
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 8- ounce block of cream cheese
- 1 c of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb. of sliced kielbasa or another preferred cooked meat
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients. Into your crockpot. Ensuring they are evenly distributed. Set your crockpot to cook on high. For 3 to 4 hours. Or if you prefer a slower, more infused flavor. Cook on low for 6 hours. As the casserole cooks. The flavors will meld jointly. Creating a rich. And a pleasing dish.
- Once it's done. Pair this hearty casserole. With a fresh, crisp green salad. And some warm, crusty bread. To complete the meal. The contrast of textures. And flavors. Makes this satisfying. And well-rounded dish. Ideal for any occasion.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
Made this, and it was delicious! The flavors were perfect. Anyone else add extra cheese?
Hey Maggie! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Extra cheese is always a win, right?! Thanks for giving it a try and for the awesome idea—I might just have to add more cheese next time, too! 😊 Hope you find more recipes you love here!