This Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any night. With layers of cheesy pierogies and tasty kielbasa, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
What I love most is how simple it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Plus, it fills your kitchen with yummy aromas—so good, you’ll be counting down the minutes until it’s ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Cheese Pierogies: These are the star of the dish! You can find them in the freezer section. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could make your own, but frozen is so convenient. If you prefer a different filling, try potato or mushroom pierogies.
Kielbasa Sausage: I love using kielbasa because of its great flavor. You can swap this for turkey sausage for a lighter option or switch to a vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Both still provide a nice taste!
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you want to save time, onion powder can be used instead, but I recommend using fresh for better flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is excellent for melting and flavor. If you’re in the mood for something different, go for Gouda or a blend of Italian cheeses. They’ll all add a unique twist!
Heavy Cream or Milk: I prefer heavy cream for its richness, but whole milk works just fine. You can also use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get the Onions and Sausage Just Right?
Getting the onions and sausage cooked perfectly sets the flavor for your casserole. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat before adding the kielbasa.
- Cook the kielbasa until it’s lightly browned, about 5 minutes. This adds flavor!
- Add sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions soften, around 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat before adding to the crockpot. This step is key to pulling out the best flavors!
Take your time with this step—well-cooked onions and kielbasa will make your casserole delicious!
Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen cheese pierogies
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, for sautéing
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 3-4 hours of cook time in the crockpot. Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Kielbasa and Onions:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Once hot, toss in the sliced kielbasa. Cook for about 5 minutes or until it’s lightly browned. Then add the sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft. This will bring out a nice flavor! Once done, remove from heat.
2. Preparing the Crockpot:
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot. This helps to prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup later on!
3. Layering the Ingredients:
Start by layering half of the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot. Next, spread half of the kielbasa and onion mixture over the pierogies. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat this process with the remaining pierogies, kielbasa mixture, and cheese. It’s okay to layer them up for a well-rounded flavor!
4. Mixing the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream (or milk), black pepper, and paprika until smooth. This creamy mixture will keep everything nice and tasty!
5. Final Steps:
Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. This helps to bind everything together while cooking.
6. Cooking the Casserole:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the pierogies are tender and the dish is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Serving the Casserole:
Once cooking is complete, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy a warm, comforting plate of your easy crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa!
Happy eating!
Short FAQ for Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Can I Use Fresh Pierogies Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pierogies, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the kielbasa with a vegetarian sausage or omit it entirely. You might also want to add some sautéed mushrooms or other veggies for added flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat until warmed through. You may want to add a little splash of milk or cream to freshen it up.
