IntroductIion

Oh, friends, get ready for the ultimate comfort food hack that will make your busy weeknights SO much easier! This Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa is an absolute dream. Imagine tender, cheesy pierogi, smoky kielbasa sausage, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich, creamy sauce, all bubbling away to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s one of those amazing slow cooker recipes that combines all the cozy flavors you crave into one effortless dish. It perfectly balances hearty, satisfying comfort with unbelievable ease, making it an ideal family dinner.

Serving Versatility

This is the ultimate one pot meal! This pierogi casserole is so hearty and complete on its own, it truly doesn’t need much else. Just ladle generous scoops into warm bowls, and you’re all set for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Full Recipe Section

Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high) Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes Servings: 6-8 Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1.5 lbs smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and cheese pierogi (do not thaw)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions & Kielbasa (Optional but Recommended!): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for another 3-5 minutes, just until lightly browned. This step builds so much flavor! (If skipping, just add raw onions and kielbasa directly to the slow cooker).
2. Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, Rotel, chicken broth, dried parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Layer Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. Add half of the frozen pierogi to the bottom in an even layer. Top with half of the cooked kielbasa and onions. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: remaining pierogi, remaining kielbasa and onions, remaining sauce, and finally, the last cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the pierogi are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Effort: Truly a “set it and forget it” kind of meal. The slow cooker does all the hard work!
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy, meaty, creamy, and carb-y. This pierogi casserole hits all the cozy notes.
• Family Favorite: This is one of those easy family meals that kids and adults alike will ask for again and again.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
• Amazing Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)

This recipe is an Americanized take on the classic Polish pierogi and kielbasa pairing, simplified into a convenient “casserole” style, perfect for dinner recipes crockpot. The genius of the slow cooker here is that it allows the frozen pierogi to gently thaw and cook in the creamy sauce, absorbing all the flavors without getting mushy, while the kielbasa infuses the entire dish with its smoky goodness.

Serving Suggestions

1. Sour Cream & Chives: This is the absolute classic pairing that can’t be beaten.
2. Hot Sauce: For those who like a little kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is perfect.
3. Pickled Veggies: A side of tangy pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut can cut through the richness beautifully.
4. Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips for Success

• Sautéing is Key (but Optional): If you have 10 extra minutes, browning the onions and kielbasa in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker drastically improves the flavor of the final dish.
• Don’t Thaw Pierogi: Keep the pierogi frozen! They will cook perfectly in the slow cooker without clumping or getting mushy.
• Spray Your Crock Pot: Don’t forget to spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray, especially with all that cheese.
• Layer Evenly: Try to layer the ingredients evenly so everything cooks through and distributes the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day!
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick.

Closing Paragraph

I truly hope this Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa brings so much joy and ease to your dinner table! It’s the ultimate cozy fast dinners hack that proves you can have incredible flavor without all the fuss. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite crockpot recipes. If you make it, please leave a comment and a rating below! I love hearing from you.

🎀 Final Thoughts

This casserole is pure magic for those busy weeknights. Coming home to the smell of this simmering away in the slow cooker is truly one of the happiest feelings. It’s a big, warm hug in a bowl, and it feeds a crowd effortlessly!