This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is an easy and hearty dish that combines savory kielbasa, creamy cheese, and tender pierogies in a delicious slow-cooked casserole. With just a few ingredients, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal that feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 packages (12 count) Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (36 pieces)

• 4 cups chicken broth (32 oz box)

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese mix (for topping)

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Brown the Kielbasa: Brown the kielbasa on medium heat in a skillet for about 5 minutes or until the desired level of browning is achieved.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In a 4-6 quart crockpot, pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You can mix it all together, or layer the ingredients as directed.

3. Cook the Casserole: Set the crockpot to cook on high for 3 hours. Be sure not to exceed 3 hours to avoid a mushy texture.

4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: At the 2.5-hour mark, warm the cream cheese with a bit of the leftover chicken broth (about half a cup) in the microwave until smooth. Whisk it to make a creamy sauce.

5. Final Assembly: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and gently stir to combine. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions, if desired.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 470 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 25g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 900mg

• Potassium: 220mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 500 IU

• Vitamin C: 15mg

• Calcium: 200mg

• Iron: 3mg

A Flavorful Combination of Kielbasa and Pierogies

The combination of kielbasa and pierogies is a match made in comfort food heaven. Kielbasa, with its smoky and savory flavor, adds a satisfying meaty element to the casserole. The kielbasa slices are browned to perfection before being added to the Crockpot, which helps to intensify the flavor and gives them a delicious crispy edge that adds texture to the dish.

The pierogies, which are the star of the show, become tender and slightly crispy as they cook in the Crockpot. They soak up all the savory goodness from the kielbasa and the creamy cheese mixture, making each bite a burst of flavor. The pierogies also help to bulk up the casserole, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

A Creamy and Cheesy Base

The creamy base of this casserole is what takes it from good to great. A block of cream cheese is melted and whisked with some of the chicken broth to create a smooth, rich sauce that coats the pierogies and kielbasa. The cream cheese adds a luscious, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.

In addition to the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese is added to the casserole for extra cheesy goodness. The cheddar cheese melts throughout the dish, making it extra gooey and delicious. For the finishing touch, a mix of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top during the final cooking phase, adding a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust that’s irresistible.

Easy to Prepare with Minimal Effort

One of the best things about this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty, delicious meal cooking away while you focus on other things. Here’s how easy it is:

1. Brown the Kielbasa: Brown the kielbasa in a skillet for a few minutes to add some flavor and texture. This step helps to bring out the savory smokiness of the sausage, which will flavor the casserole as it cooks.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In the Crockpot, combine the frozen pierogies, kielbasa, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. You can mix everything together or layer the ingredients as directed, depending on your preference.

3. Cook on High: Set the Crockpot to cook on high for 3 hours. This allows the pierogies and kielbasa to cook thoroughly and soak up all the flavors from the broth and cheeses.

4. Add Cream Cheese Mixture: At the 2.5-hour mark, prepare the cream cheese mixture by warming the cream cheese with some leftover chicken broth in the microwave. Once smooth, stir the mixture into the Crockpot, along with some additional cheese.

5. Final Cooking: Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, cover the Crockpot, and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes to melt the cheese and create a deliciously gooey topping.

6. Serve and Garnish: Once it’s done, serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh green onions if desired.

Perfect for Family Dinners and Gatherings

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing a comforting family dinner. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can make a hearty, filling dish that will leave everyone satisfied. The recipe makes plenty to serve 6-8 people, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends.

Since it’s made in the Crockpot, it’s easy to keep warm for long periods, allowing guests to serve themselves whenever they’re ready. This makes it a great dish for casual gatherings, where people can help themselves and enjoy a warm, hearty meal throughout the day.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole delicious, but it also provides a good balance of nutrients. Each serving contains 470 calories, 25g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The kielbasa and cream cheese provide a rich source of protein and fat, while the pierogies add carbohydrates for energy.

The dish is also a good source of calcium from the cheese, and it provides a small amount of fiber from the pierogies and kielbasa. The green onions, if used as a garnish, add a bit of freshness and vitamin C to the dish, balancing out the richness of the casserole.

Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. If you want to make the dish a little lighter, you can substitute the cream cheese for a reduced-fat version or even use a Greek yogurt-based alternative. You can also swap the kielbasa for another type of sausage or even try adding some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

If you’re looking to make it even more hearty, consider adding some potatoes to the casserole. They would soak up the flavors from the kielbasa and broth, making the dish even more filling. The casserole can easily be adapted to fit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a great option for everyone at the table.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Easy-to-Make Meal

The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. With tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, creamy cheese, and a rich, slow-cooked sauce, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a stress-free family meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need a comforting dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.