Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

When you’re craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort meal with minimal effort, few dishes hit the spot quite like Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and packed with Polish-inspired flavors that make every bite irresistible. This casserole combines soft pierogies, smoky kielbasa sausage, creamy sauces, and plenty of melted cheese—all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for potlucks or family gatherings.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this cozy dish: its origins, step-by-step preparation, ingredient swaps, serving suggestions, and tips for storing leftovers. By the end, you’ll feel ready to make it part of your dinner rotation.

What Makes Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Special?

This recipe is beloved because it brings together comfort food staples in one easy dish. Pierogies, which are Eastern European dumplings filled with potatoes and cheese, are the star ingredient. Pairing them with kielbasa, a smoked Polish sausage, creates a hearty, flavor-packed base. The slow cooker then does the hard work, blending the rich flavors of cheese, cream, and sausage into something comforting and satisfying.

What sets this casserole apart is the way it balances simplicity and indulgence. You get that homemade, old-world comfort food taste without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also versatile, allowing for plenty of customizations to fit your taste preferences.

If you enjoy other comforting, hearty dishes like Cajun Potato Soup or Potato and Bean Soup, this casserole will feel right at home on your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how accessible the ingredients are. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically need:

• Frozen pierogies (potato and cheese are the classic choice)
• Kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
• Cream cheese for creaminess
• Cheddar cheese (shredded, for melty goodness)
• Sour cream for tang
• Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (optional, for added richness)
• Onion and garlic powder or fresh diced onion for depth of flavor
• Milk or heavy cream to thin out the sauce slightly
• Salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

These ingredients create the base for a luscious, cheesy casserole that’s comforting yet customizable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is simple, but layering the ingredients correctly ensures everything cooks evenly and develops the best flavor. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Grease your crockpot with a little butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Pierogies and Kielbasa

Place half of the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot. Add half of the sliced kielbasa on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining pierogies and sausage.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk (or heavy cream), and condensed soup (if using). Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. This mixture creates the creamy base for the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook

Pour the sauce evenly over the pierogi and kielbasa layers. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until heated through and bubbling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Stir gently, then top with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

It’s that easy—your crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen.

Variations to Try

The base recipe is fantastic, but it also leaves room for creativity. Here are some variations to keep it interesting:

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or swap in spicy kielbasa.
• Veggie Boost: Layer in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella for extra meltiness or pepper jack for a little spice.
• Soup-Free Option: Skip the canned soup and add extra cream cheese and milk for a fresher taste.

If you love experimenting with casseroles, you might also enjoy this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole for a meatless twist.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with the right sides creates a well-rounded meal.

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli add color and crunch.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery Garlic Bread Ritz Bits pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole.
• Light Dessert: Finish with something refreshing like White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls for a sweet ending without overwhelming heaviness.

Tips for Success

• Don’t thaw the pierogies: Using them frozen ensures they cook slowly without getting mushy.
• Cut the kielbasa evenly: Uniform slices mean even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Check early: Depending on your slow cooker, cooking times can vary. Peek at the 3-hour mark on low to ensure it’s not overcooking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Storing and Reheating

This casserole makes fantastic leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pierogies may soften slightly after thawing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s indulgent but not fussy, hearty but still family-friendly, and versatile enough to be served for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or shared at gatherings. It also fits perfectly into a lineup of easy slow cooker meals, much like Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot or Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie.

If you’re building your list of reliable dinner ideas, this casserole deserves a top spot.

Final Thoughts

Cooking doesn’t always need to be complicated to be satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s flavorful, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals.

Whether you serve it alongside fresh vegetables, pair it with a crisp salad, or enjoy it on its own, this dish is a reminder that the best comfort food is both delicious and effortless. For anyone who loves the ease of slow cooker recipes and the flavors of Eastern European-inspired comfort food, this casserole is a must-try.

Looking for more easy dinner inspiration? Try dishes like Sticky Beef Noodles for a quick stovetop option, or explore 24 Simple Dinner Ideas to keep your weekly meal planning stress-free.