Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Dinner

“A hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa, melted cheese, and golden onions served in a rustic dish.”
“Cheesy, smoky, and oh-so comforting—this crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa is a family favorite!”
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Imagine lifting the lid of your slow cooker to reveal layers of cheesy pierogis nestled against smoky slices of kielbasa, all bubbling together in a creamy sauce. The aroma alone promises comfort, while the flavors deliver indulgence in every bite. This is the magic of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa—a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal.

Perfect for busy families, this casserole requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do the work. It’s equally suited for gatherings, where its generous portions and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a reliable favorite. Unlike complicated recipes, this one-pot wonder is approachable, satisfying, and adaptable.

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes Crockpot Pierogi Casserole unique, why slow cooker casseroles are trending, the flavor and nutritional benefits, key ingredients and substitutions, and a step-by-step process to achieve perfect results.

What Is Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa?

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a layered dish where frozen pierogis are combined with slices of kielbasa sausage and a creamy, cheesy sauce, then slow-cooked until tender and bubbly. The pierogis—filled with potato, cheese, or sauerkraut—absorb the smoky flavors of the sausage while the sauce ties everything together.

Unlike traditional pierogi dishes, which involve boiling or pan-frying dumplings and serving them individually, this casserole transforms pierogis into a collective comfort food experience. It’s less labor-intensive and more convenient, especially for feeding a crowd.

This modern twist on Polish comfort food celebrates the heritage of pierogis while embracing the ease of slow cooking.

The Popularity of Slow Cooker Casseroles

Slow cooker casseroles have surged in popularity thanks to their convenience. With minimal prep, ingredients can be layered and left to cook, freeing up time for busy families.

Pierogi casseroles, in particular, are trending because they combine the nostalgia of Eastern European dumplings with the practicality of modern cooking. They’re hearty, filling, and adaptable, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Social media has amplified their appeal. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram showcase gooey, cheesy casseroles emerging from crockpots, inspiring home cooks to try their own versions. The visual allure of melted cheese, golden pierogis, and smoky sausage makes these dishes highly shareable and crave-worthy.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole embodies this trend, offering a dish that’s both traditional and contemporary, indulgent yet practical.

Flavor & Texture Profile

This casserole delivers a flavor and texture profile that’s indulgent and comforting:

  • Cheesy, Creamy Sauce: Rich and velvety, it coats every pierogi.
  • Smoky Kielbasa Flavor: Adds depth and savory notes.
  • Tender Pierogis: Soft dumplings with hearty fillings.
  • Golden Topping: Optional melted cheese or herbs for garnish.

The combination of creamy, smoky, and starchy elements creates a dish that feels both rustic and indulgent. Each bite offers a balance of textures—soft pierogis, chewy sausage, and gooey cheese—making it satisfying and memorable.

Nutritional Benefits & Comfort Factor

While indulgent, Crockpot Pierogi Casserole offers nutritional value:

  • Protein: Kielbasa provides protein for satiety.
  • Carbohydrates: Pierogis deliver energy through potato or cheese fillings.
  • Calcium: Cheese and cream contribute bone-strengthening nutrients.

Its comfort factor lies in its hearty layers and familiar flavors. It’s a dish that evokes warmth and togetherness, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Tip: Add vegetables like spinach, peppers, or broccoli to balance richness and boost nutrition.

Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

  • Pierogis: Cheese, potato, or sauerkraut-filled are classic.
  • Kielbasa: Pork for traditional flavor, beef for richness, or turkey for lighter options.
  • Sauce: Cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar form the base.
  • Flavor Boosters: Onions, garlic, paprika, or parsley enhance depth.

Smart Substitutions:

  • Vegetarian sausage for meat-free versions.
  • Gluten-free pierogis for dietary needs.
  • Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for tang and protein.

Optional add-ins like mushrooms or spinach can elevate flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

  1. Layer Pierogis and Kielbasa: Place frozen pierogis in the bottom of the crockpot. Add sliced kielbasa on top.
  2. Prepare Sauce: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and broth until smooth. Pour over pierogis and sausage.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until pierogis are tender and sauce is bubbly.
  4. Finish: Sprinkle with extra cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
  5. Serve: Ladle into bowls or plates, ensuring each portion has pierogis, sausage, and sauce.

Expert Tip: Avoid stirring too often—this keeps pierogis intact and prevents them from breaking apart.

“A hearty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa, melted cheese, and golden onions served in a rustic dish.”

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Dinner

This Mouthwatering Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Tender pierogies, smoky kielbasa, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese come together in your slow cooker for a hearty, flavorful dish. It’s simple to prepare, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course family dinner casserole, Main Course
Cuisine American / Comfort Food, Polish-inspired
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife + cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs frozen pierogis (potato & cheese or your choice)
  • 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into rounds
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prep Ingredients: Slice kielbasa, dice onion, and mince garlic.
  • Layer Pierogis & Kielbasa: Place frozen pierogis in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add kielbasa slices on top.
  • Make Sauce: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, broth, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Add Sauce: Pour mixture evenly over pierogis and kielbasa.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until pierogis are tender and sauce is bubbly.
  • Finish: Sprinkle with extra cheese or fresh parsley before serving.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls or plates, ensuring each portion has pierogis, sausage, and sauce.

Notes

  • Variations: Add jalapeños for spice, swap kielbasa for vegetarian sausage, or make extra-cheesy with mozzarella.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for 2–3 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in oven at 350°F (175°C) to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving.
  • Healthier Options: Use lean turkey kielbasa, reduced-fat cheese, or whole-grain pierogis. Add spinach or broccoli for balance.
  • Pairings: Serve with salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Pair with beer, cider, or sparkling water.
Keyword cheesy slow cooker meal, crockpot comfort food, kielbasa recipe, Pierogi casserole