Easy and Delicious Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Ah, the weather is changing again, and the leaves are bursting with those vibrant autumn hues. It’s that time of year when I find myself craving cozy, comforting meals that not only fill the belly but also warm the soul. The kind of dishes that, when you take that first bite, you think, “Wow, this feels like a hug in a bowl.” One such dish has become a staple in my kitchen: Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.
I still remember the first time I attempted pierogi casserole. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go as planned. I was convinced that I could throw everything together in my crockpot and magically transform it into gourmet-level comfort food. Honestly, I thought I was a kitchen wizard, but the result was more of a kitchen disaster. Lesson learned: follow the instructions, but feel free to make it your own! That failure pushed me toward this version of the pierogi casserole that’s far simpler, way more forgiving, and perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you just want to watch Netflix without slaving over a stove for hours.
This recipe reflects that cozy feeling of home, reminding me of family gatherings where the table was heaped with laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. When my mom used to make pierogies from scratch — let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of flour and dough everywhere! But we always emerged with those delectable, stuffed delights that I now crave on chilly evenings.
The best part? This classic crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa is the definition of cheap meal plans for 2 or more, packed with flavor, and easy to throw together. Plus, it brings a little taste of Eastern European heritage to your kitchen without breaking the bank!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy Weeknight Dinner: Seriously, just toss everything in the crockpot and go about your day. It’s that simple!
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Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from the kielbasa and creamy goodness from the cheeses, it checks the high protein meals box without skimping on flavor or comfort.
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Perfect for Leftovers: I always make extra because, let’s be real, leftovers are life. This casserole reheats beautifully.
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Picky-Eater Approved: Kids and adults alike can’t resist this hearty dish. No more battling over dinner; it’s a win-win.
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Meal Prep Winner: Create a healthy meal plan and whip this casserole up in advance. It’s a great option for meal prep microwave lunches!
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Feels Like a Hug: On a blustery night, nothing beats curling up with a big bowl of cheesy goodness.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The beauty of this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa lies in its unique flavors. Each forkful offers a delightful combination of creamy and cheesy with a little smokiness from the kielbasa, all enveloped in tender, fluffy pierogies. I love the way the cream cheese melds everything together, creating a rich sauce that coats each bite. The only thing missing is a good movie, and trust me, this dish pairs perfectly with your favorite rom-com.
Now, let’s dive right into the details, shall we?
Ingredients
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3 packages Mrs. T’s cheddar pierogies: These little pockets of goodness save time and still bring that authentic flavor. Feel free to choose any brand you love, but I’ve always had great luck with Mrs. T’s!
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1 lb kielbasa, sliced: Go for a good quality sausage here. It brings a lovely smokiness and high protein content—honestly, what’s not to love about sausage in a casserole?
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3 cups chicken broth: This is the secret sauce that ensures the dish comes out moist and flavorful. You could use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake, but don’t skip this step!
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A must for that gooey, decadent finish. Choose a sharp cheddar for a bit of extra flavor!
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Salt and pepper, to taste: Never underestimate the power of seasoning. Add a little sprinkle, taste it, and adjust as you go.
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1 block (8 oz) cream cheese: This is where the magic happens. It brings everything together and makes every bite deliciously creamy.
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1 cup chicken broth: Just like before, keep this in your back pocket for that luscious sauce.
What’s a kitchen without some trial and error? One crucial “don’t do this” moment for me was once combining really low-quality sausage with this casserole. The flavor didn’t pop and ultimately left everything tasting bland. Don’t skimp on quality here!
How to Make It Step-by-Step
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Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients
First, let’s lay everything out. Gather your pierogies, kielbasa, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. You want to feel like a cooking guru, and organization is key. -
Step 2: Add the Pierogies
Sprinkle the pierogies in the bottom of your crockpot. I love to think of this step as laying the foundation. It’s like building a cozy food home! -
Step 3: Introduce the Kielbasa
Layer the sliced kielbasa right on top of those pierogies. Honestly, I could eat this combo raw at this point and probably not regret it. -
Step 4: The Creamy Goodness
Now, take that block of cream cheese and cut it into small chunks. Scatter these treasures throughout the pot. As it cooks, they’ll melt and create a dreamy, creamy sauce. -
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Add your chicken broth over everything. Make sure it covers the ingredients adequately but don’t drown them. Smile at the bubbling sound — trusts me, it’s soothing. -
Step 6: Season
Now is the time for salt and pepper. A good pinch or two should be just right. Remember, it’s all about tasting as you go! -
Step 7: Set It and Forget It
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for about 3–4 hours. If you’re like me, and work from home sometimes, take a few whiffs of that delicious aroma while you’re typing away on your laptop. -
Step 8: The Cheesy Topping
About 30 minutes before serving, lift the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt into bubbly perfection. -
Step 9: Serve
Once you’re ready to dig in, scoop a generous portion into a bowl. You’ll be met with that cheesy, creamy goodness I can’t get enough of.
If your kitchen looks like a tornado just hit, well, that’s okay! It happens to the best of us. I once spilled chicken broth all over my kitchen counter during a particularly chaotic cooking session. Let’s just say I had a mini-dramatic moment with some dish soap afterward.
Tips for Best Results
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For an added depth of flavor, consider throwing in some sautéed onions or garlic. Just keep it simple — no need to add a full kitchen sink!
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If you’re in the mood, toss in some sautéed mushrooms, too. They add a lovely texture and earthiness to the dish.
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Make sure your cream cheese is soft before you toss it in. It helps it meld more easily with the other ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to make this dish your own:
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Swap out the kielbasa for a turkey sausage or chicken sausage if you’re looking for something a tad lighter.
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For a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether! You could amp up the veggies by adding bell peppers or spinach for a twist.
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If you want a little sweetness, consider adding some sautéed bell peppers for a hint of contrast.
Directions
- Layer pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add sliced kielbasa on top.
- Sprinkle small chunks of cream cheese throughout the dish.
- Pour in chicken broth, ensuring it’s mostly covered.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
What better to sip on this creamy goodness than a good ol’ glass of iced tea or a light beer? It perfectly complements the savory flavors. As for sides, think about a simple green salad to cut through the richness, or maybe some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. Ah, perfection!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a quick high protein microwave meal. I’ve found that adding a splash of chicken broth during reheating helps keep it creamy and prevents it from drying out. You’re welcome!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Want to prep in advance? You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning — it’s like cheating in the best way possible! If you want to freeze, let it cool completely before transfer to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat in the crockpot or microwave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not enough liquid: Make sure you have enough broth, or your pierogies might come out dry.
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Overstuffing the crockpot: If you jam everything into a small crockpot, it might slow down the cooking process, resulting in uneven heating.
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Not seasoning well: Always taste as you go. You’d be surprised how much flavor can develop just with a pinch of salt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I use different flavor pierogies?
Absolutely! If you find a spinach-and-feta option or a sweet potato variety, go wild. -
Is this dish gluten-free?
That depends! You’ll need to make sure your pierogies are gluten-free if that’s a priority for you. -
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, or you may need to cook it in batches.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
- Airtight containers for storage
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa has become more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting tradition that reflects the love and chaos of home-cooked meals. I invite you all to try making this dish and embrace the unique textures and delightful flavors that come with each bite. Channel your inner cooking guru, even if things get a little messy, because let’s be real — the best memories often come from the most chaotic moments in the kitchen.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 packages Mrs. T’s cheddar pierogies Use any brand you prefer.
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced Choose good quality for best flavor.
- 3 cups chicken broth Low-sodium variant can be used.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar suggested for extra flavor.
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz) Ensure it is soft for easier mixing.
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning to personal preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients.
- Layer the pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add sliced kielbasa on top of the pierogies.
- Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and scatter them throughout the dish.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
