Looking for an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinner idea? This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings. Made with Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies, juicy kielbasa, and gooey cheddar cheese, this slow cooker casserole brings together classic comfort food ingredients in a hassle-free recipe. Plus, it’s packed with high-value keywords to make this recipe a must-try for anyone searching for hearty crockpot meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: Minimal prep work—simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the magic.
- Family-Friendly: A meal that adults and kids alike will devour.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like pierogies and kielbasa makes this a wallet-friendly dinner.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
To ensure the best results, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and why they work so well in this recipe:
- 3 Packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies: These frozen dumplings are filled with cheesy goodness, making them the star of the dish. Mrs. T’s pierogies are readily available in most grocery stores and cook beautifully in the slow cooker.
- 4 Cups of Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful base that keeps the casserole moist and helps the pierogies cook to perfection.
- 1 (8-ounce) Block of Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and tang to the dish, giving it a rich, indulgent texture.
- 1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor and creates that irresistible gooey layer.
- 1 Pound of Kielbasa, Sliced: Smoky and savory, kielbasa pairs perfectly with the pierogies and cheese.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Balances the flavors and enhances the dish.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by lightly greasing a 4-6 quart slow cooker. This prevents the cheesy mixture from sticking to the sides, ensuring easy cleanup later.
2. Assemble the Ingredients
Add 3 cups of chicken broth to the crockpot. This liquid is essential for cooking the frozen pierogies evenly without drying them out.
Next, arrange the frozen pierogies in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot. You can overlap them slightly if needed, but try to keep them as flat as possible to ensure even cooking.
Scatter the sliced kielbasa on top of the pierogies. The smoky, savory flavor of the kielbasa infuses the entire dish as it cooks.
3. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the kielbasa. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey and rich topping. Then, distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly across the mixture. This step ensures the cream cheese melts uniformly, resulting in a creamy, velvety texture.
4. Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful not to over-salt the dish, as the kielbasa and cheddar cheese already contribute a lot of flavor.
5. Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to help the cheeses blend and coat the pierogies evenly. If the casserole looks too thick during cooking, gradually add the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Check for Doneness
The casserole is ready when the pierogies are tender, the kielbasa is heated through, and the cheese is fully melted and creamy. Give the mixture a good stir before serving to ensure all the flavors are well-combined.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the casserole hot, straight from the crockpot. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
- Brown the Kielbasa: For added flavor, brown the kielbasa slices in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. The caramelization enhances the smoky, savory taste.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to swap out cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère to customize the flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
(Values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.)
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Crockpot Enthusiasts
The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa combines the simplicity of a slow cooker meal with the hearty, comforting flavors of classic Eastern European cuisine. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. By incorporating high-value keywords like “easy crockpot recipes,” “family-friendly dinners,” and “comfort food casseroles,” this recipe is sure to attract readers searching for hearty, slow cooker meal ideas.
FAQs
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This casserole reheats beautifully. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat in the crockpot or microwave before serving.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal.
Can I Substitute the Kielbasa?
Absolutely! Swap kielbasa with smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or even diced ham for a slightly different flavor.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
While the pierogies might lose some texture when frozen and reheated, the dish can still be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The combination of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, kielbasa, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ready to indulge in this creamy, cheesy masterpiece? Save this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this crockpot classic today!