This Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is a warm hug in a bowl! It mixes delicious pierogis, tasty kielbasa, and ooey-gooey cheese for a comforting meal.
You just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic. Not to mention, your house will smell amazing while it cooks! I can’t resist having seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Potato and Cheese Pierogis: These are the star ingredients! They bring the classic taste of pierogis to your casserole. If you can’t find frozen ones, you can use homemade if you have them on hand. Alternatively, you could use frozen cheese ravioli.
Kielbasa: This smoky sausage adds great flavor. If you prefer a different protein, turkey kielbasa or even diced ham works well. For a vegetarian option, try using veggie sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you want to keep it lighter or dairy-free, a cream of vegetable soup or a homemade white sauce could be a good substitute.
Sour Cream: For tanginess, use regular or you can swap with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Buttermilk is another option that works great too.
How Do I Layer Ingredients Properly for the Best Flavor?
Layering is key to an evenly cooked casserole. Start with a bottom layer of frozen pierogis; this helps them cook through while absorbing the flavors from the layers above. Then, alternate with kielbasa and onions to build depth in flavor.
- Make sure to spread your ingredients evenly. This way, every bite gets a little bit of everything!
- Use a spoon to gently stir and mix the layers after cooking. This helps to combine those delicious flavors together.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish!
How to Make Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and cheese pierogis
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery for variation)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks on low for 3 to 4 hours. In no time at all, you’ll have a great meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent everything from sticking and make for easy serving later on.
2. Layer the Pierogis:
Place half of the frozen potato and cheese pierogis in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot. This will be the base of your casserole.
3. Add the Kielbasa and Onions:
On top of the pierogis, layer half of the sliced kielbasa and half of the thinly sliced onions. This adds flavor and a nice texture to the dish.
4. Cheese it Up:
Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the kielbasa and onions, providing a cheesy goodness that melts perfectly during cooking.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Now it’s time to layer again! Add the remaining frozen pierogis, followed by the remaining kielbasa, onions, and the rest of the cheese. You’ve built a delicious multi-layered casserole!
6. Mix Together the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy sauce will bring everything together.
7. Pour the Sauce:
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over all the layers in the crockpot. It’s okay if it looks a little messy; it will all blend together while cooking.
8. Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pierogis are tender and the casserole is bubbly. You can check it around the 3-hour mark to see how it’s doing!
9. Stir Gently:
Once done, carefully stir the casserole to mix all the layers together. This will help distribute the creamy goodness throughout.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Your Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of color. Enjoy this comforting meal with family or friends!
This hearty dish brings the comforting flavors you love from pierogies right to your table with minimal effort—perfect for busy days!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Pierogis Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If you have fresh pierogis, feel free to use them. Just note that they may cook a little faster than frozen ones. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for tenderness around the 2.5-hour mark.
What If I Don’t Have Kielbasa?
No problem! You can substitute kielbasa with turkey sausage, diced ham, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Each will bring its unique flavor to the casserole.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time if it goes in cold. Otherwise, just mix everything and place it in the crockpot as usual.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little dry, you can add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess!
