Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa: Comfort in a Crockpot

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a pierogi casserole—cheesy, hearty, and made in the crockpot so it practically cooks itself. This Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a foolproof recipe that combines frozen cheddar pierogies, savory kielbasa, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a relaxed weekend meal, or even a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

If you love comfort food that’s simple, filling, and packed with flavor, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s cheesy, indulgent, and slow-cooked to perfection so every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are the main reasons to make this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole:

• Hands-off cooking: Throw it in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
• Family-friendly: Cheesy, meaty, and comforting—everyone will go back for seconds.
• Perfect for busy schedules: Prep in minutes and let it cook while you handle other tasks.
• Flexible meal options: Add veggies, spice, or extra cheese for personalization.
• Meal prep friendly: Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings. Ingredients are grouped for clarity, so you can prep efficiently.

For the Casserole:

• 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (frozen)
• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized rounds
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions for freshness and color

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 4–6 quart crockpot
• Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan for melting cream cheese
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Serving plates or bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s the complete guide to making Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa from start to finish.

Step 1: Prep the Base Ingredients

Add the frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, 3 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the crockpot. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This builds the base flavor of the casserole.

Step 2: Cook in the Crockpot

Set the crockpot to high for 3–4 hours or low for 6 hours. The pierogies and kielbasa slowly absorb the broth and cheese, creating a rich, hearty base. Cooking on low produces deeper, more developed flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce

About 30 minutes before the casserole finishes, soften 1 block of cream cheese with 1 cup chicken broth in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Warm gently—microwave in short bursts or heat over low stovetop heat—then whisk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps for a silky sauce.

Step 4: Combine Sauce with Casserole

Pour the smooth cream cheese mixture into the crockpot. Stir gently until well combined. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for 30 more minutes so the flavors meld and the cheese melts.

Step 5: Serve

When the casserole is bubbly and the top cheese is melted, it’s ready to serve. Spoon onto plates while hot. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips & Variations

Want to make this casserole even better or tailor it to your taste?

• Add vegetables: Broccoli, peas, or bell peppers can add color and nutrition.
• Spicy version: Include sliced jalapeños or smoked paprika in the base for a subtle kick.
• Extra cheesy: Mix additional shredded cheese into the cream sauce for a gooey top.
• Protein swap: Chicken sausage or smoked turkey sausage can replace kielbasa for variety.
• Meal prep: Make the base the night before, store in the fridge, and add the cream sauce before cooking.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This casserole is rich, creamy, and slightly smoky from the kielbasa. The cheddar pierogies provide a satisfying chew and cheesy bite.

• Texture: Soft, pillowy pierogies, tender sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce.
• Flavor: Savory, slightly smoky, deeply cheesy, and comforting.
• Best sides: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	3375 kcal (total recipe)
Protein	120 g
Carbohydrates	240 g
Fat	200 g
Fiber	12 g
Sodium	Varies depending on broth and sausage

Dietary notes: Contains dairy, gluten, and meat. Can be adapted for a lighter version with low-fat cream cheese or reduced cheese and broth.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep in advance: Slice the kielbasa and measure the cheese ahead of time.
• Refrigerate: You can prep the base in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the cream cheese sauce when ready to cook.
• Reheating: Leftovers reheat beautifully in the crockpot or microwave. Stir occasionally for even heat distribution.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh pierogies will cook faster, so check doneness after 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high.

2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Assemble the casserole without the cream cheese sauce, freeze in a tightly sealed container, then add sauce and cook when ready.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack will add unique flavor twists.

5. How thick should the cheese sauce be?
It should be creamy and pourable. Adjust with more broth if too thick or simmer longer if too thin.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	15–20 mins
Crockpot Cooking (high)	3–4 hrs
Crockpot Cooking (low)	6 hrs
Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce	10 mins
Final Cooking	30 mins
Total	3–4 hrs (high) / 6–6.5 hrs (low)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot from the crockpot for rustic comfort.
• Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley for color and freshness.
• Pair with a simple side salad, steamed veggies, or a crusty loaf of bread to balance richness.

Recipe Variations

1. Loaded Pierogi Casserole: Add caramelized onions and crispy bacon to the mix.
2. Spicy Sausage Version: Use smoked or spicy kielbasa for extra heat.
3. Veggie-Friendly: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a veggie-forward twist.
4. Extra Creamy: Mix half-and-half with the cream cheese for a silkier sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pierogies

Frozen cheddar pierogies are the star of the dish. Their soft, doughy exterior and cheesy filling absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Store frozen until ready to use.

Kielbasa

Adds a smoky, savory depth to the casserole. Slice evenly for consistent cooking and flavor distribution. Choose your favorite variety—smoked kielbasa is ideal.

Cream Cheese

The base of the creamy sauce, it melts into a smooth, silky texture. Use full-fat cream cheese for best results.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Stir gently after adding cream sauce to avoid breaking pierogies.
• Low and slow cooking produces deeper flavors, but high heat works for faster meals.
• Toast shredded cheese slightly before adding for an extra layer of flavor.
• Let the casserole sit 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the base (pierogies + kielbasa + broth + cheese) separately from cream sauce for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in crockpot or microwave; add extra broth if sauce thickens too much.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	843 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	60 g
Fat	50 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	Varies

Dietary Notes: Contains gluten, dairy, and meat. Can be made vegetarian or lighter with substitutions.

Expanded Conclusion

The Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, savory, and hands-off. It’s a slow-cooked, one-pot wonder that makes weeknights easier and weekends cozier. With tender pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s indulgence you can feel good about serving.

Try it tonight, enjoy every rich, cheesy bite, and share with family and friends—they’ll be asking for it again and again!

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