As the sun sets and a chill creeps into the evening air, I often find myself craving a comforting dish that wraps me in warmth. That’s when my Creamy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa comes to the rescue! Combining the nostalgia of tender cheddar pierogies, deliciously smoky kielbasa, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish stands out as the ultimate comfort food. What I love most is how easy it is—just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let the magic unfold while you go about your evening. Plus, its versatility means you can experiment with different kielbasa and veggies, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Isn’t it about time for a warm homemade meal that you can count on? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Is This Casserole a Must-Try? Comforting, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the perfect dish to warm your soul. Easy to Make, with just a few steps, you can let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy your evening. Versatile Options abound! Switch up the kielbasa or add veggies like peas for extra nutrition. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor shines through, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied. Plus, make-ahead friendly, this casserole is ideal for those hectic weeknights. Pair it with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete meal your family will love! Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Ingredients • Dive into the deliciousness with this easy-to-follow ingredient list! For the Casserole Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies – A hearty base for the dish, offering a delightful, cheesy flavor. Chicken Broth – Provides a rich, savory depth; opt for low-sodium if you prefer a lighter taste. Cream Cheese – For that creamy consistency, but feel free to use ricotta for a lighter alternative. Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds that melty goodness; mixing with mozzarella can elevate the flavor profile. Kielbasa – The star element brings a smoky savoriness; consider cheddar-stuffed or other sausages for variety. Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance every bite; adjust based on your palate. Optional Additions Mixed Vegetables – Add peas or carrots for a nutrition boost and a pop of color. Extra Cheese – Sprinkle additional cheese at the end for an even creamier finish! Embrace the warmth of this hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa that’s sure to satisfy every craving. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Step 1: Combine Ingredients In a 4-6 quart crockpot, pour in three cups of chicken broth. Add the frozen Mrs. T’s cheddar pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir the mixture until all components are evenly distributed, making sure the pierogies are submerged in the broth for even cooking. Step 2: Cook Casserole Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. As the dish cooks, aromas of savory kielbasa and melted cheese will fill your kitchen. Ensure that the pierogies are heated through and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully during this time. Step 3: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture About 30 minutes before serving, take the remaining cup of chicken broth and pour it into a small saucepan over low heat. Add in the cream cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. This process ensures a velvety texture that will enhance the overall richness of the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. Step 4: Final Assembly Once your cream cheese mixture is ready, stir it into the crockpot with the other ingredients. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top for an even cheesier finish. Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Step 5: Serve When finished, scoop out generous portions of your delicious Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, serving it hot to warm the hearts of your family. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions to add a fresh crunch, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of this comforting dish. What to Serve with Creamy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa To create a truly delightful meal, consider these complementary dishes that enhance the cozy essence of your casserole. Simple Side Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette add a crisp contrast, brightening each bite of the rich casserole. Steamed Broccoli: This perfectly tender vegetable brings vibrant color and a nutritional boost to your plate, balancing creamy flavors. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery sticks provide a satisfying crunch, perfect for scooping up the cheesy casserole goodness. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized sweetness enhances the savory notes of the kielbasa, making each mouthful even more delectable. Applesauce: A touch of sweetness wonderfully offsets the richness of the casserole, creating a comforting, harmonious flavor experience. Homemade Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw balances the dish’s creaminess, adding refreshing texture that contrasts beautifully with the casserole. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pairing a chilled beverage can cleanse the palate and elevate your meal, offering a delightful refreshment alongside the warmth of the casserole. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note; homemade cookies are a nostalgic treat that perfectly wraps up your cozy dinner at home. Make Ahead Options These Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance by combining all ingredients in the crockpot (just be sure to refrigerate it). The pierogies and kielbasa can be prepped ahead, allowing you to store them in the fridge, avoiding any last-minute stress. When you’re ready to cook, simply set your crockpot to your desired cooking time, either on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. For the best quality, remember to whisk the cream cheese mixture immediately before serving to ensure it remains smooth and creamy. Enjoy the comforting flavors without the hassle! Storage Tips for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it with the date for easy tracking. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture while warming up your delicious Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the casserole the night before, storing it in the fridge until ready to cook; allows flavors to meld beautifully while simplifying your day! Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe, as there are so many delightful ways to customize it to your taste! Sausage Swap: Try using smoked turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter, leaner alternative that still packs a flavorful punch. The switch in sausage not only lightens the dish but also introduces a different texture and taste. Vegetable Boost: Add in mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or even diced bell peppers for an additional burst of nutrition and color. This enhances the overall presentation and adds a fresh crunch that complements the creaminess of the casserole. Cheese Variety: Experiment with various cheeses—like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack—for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can elevate the dish, bringing richness and a delightful creaminess that you’ll love. Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pierogies and ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free. This option allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the heartwarming flavors too! Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. The spice perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and adds a fun twist to the traditional recipe. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, either during cooking or as a garnish. This will add freshness and a pop of color, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Creamy Substitution: Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese or a cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version. You can still enjoy that creamy texture and rich flavor without the dairy! Breakfast Twist: Transform this casserole into a breakfast delight by adding scrambled eggs or diced ham for a brunch-worthy dish. The flavor profile will change delightfully, making it a hearty start to your day. If you’re looking for more cozy recipes to complement your mealtime, you might also enjoy making Black Bean Tacos for a different flavor explosion or indulging in a delicious dessert like a Vegan Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust to end on a sweet note. The possibilities are endless! Expert Tips for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Cheese Control: Avoid cheese separation by warming the cream cheese gradually and whisking it into the broth thoroughly before adding, ensuring a smooth consistency throughout the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. Extra Creaminess: If you desire an even creamier finish, consider mixing additional shredded cheese into the casserole during the last cooking period for a delightful boost of flavor. Kielbasa Browning: For richer flavor, take a moment to brown the kielbasa in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot; it will enhance the overall taste and help reduce excess moisture in the casserole. Vegetable Additions: Don’t shy away from adding mixed vegetables such as frozen peas or carrots; this not only increases nutrition but also adds vibrant color to your dish. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep this casserole ahead of time by assembling the ingredients the night before and storing in the refrigerator. Simply set the crockpot in the morning for a hassle-free dinner. Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe FAQs What type of kielbasa should I use? You can use any kind of kielbasa you prefer! I often use smoked kielbasa for that rich flavor, but cheddar-stuffed or turkey kielbasa works beautifully too. For a milder taste, consider using chicken sausage instead. The more variations you try, the more you’ll discover your favorite combination! How should I store leftovers from the casserole? Leftover Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it. If you’re preparing it in advance, it can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge, which actually helps the flavors to meld nicely! Can I freeze the casserole? How do I do it? Absolutely! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date, and it’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. What if my cheese mixture separates? Don’t worry; it happens! If that happens, warming the cream cheese gradually with a bit of chicken broth while whisking thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot can help keep your cheese sauce smooth. This way, you avoid those awkward cheese clumps and get that velvety consistency we all love! Can I substitute ingredients for allergies or dietary preferences? Of course! If you’re looking for dairy-free options, use a dairy-free cream cheese and broth, or if you’re watching your cheese intake, low-fat cream cheese is a great substitute. For those with gluten allergies, ensure your pierogies are gluten-free, or consider making your own! There are plenty of friendly variations to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the dish delicious. Cozy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Delight Enjoy the warmth of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, a comforting and easy dish perfect for any family meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsFinal Assembly Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: PolishCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole3 cups Chicken Broth Opt for low-sodium if preferred1 package Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies Frozen, for the base of the dish1 cup Cream Cheese For creaminess; can substitute with ricotta2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Mixing with mozzarella can enhance flavor1 pound Kielbasa Consider cheddar-stuffed or other types for variety1 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon PepperOptional Additions1 cup Mixed Vegetables Add peas or carrots for nutrition and color1 cup Extra Cheese Sprinkle on top before serving for creaminess Equipment Crockpot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCombine chicken broth, frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and shredded cheddar in a crockpot.Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours.Prepare cream cheese mixture by whisking cream cheese into warmed chicken broth in a saucepan.Stir cream cheese mix into the crockpot and sprinkle extra cheese on top.Serve hot, optionally garnishing with sliced green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 18gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesThis casserole is make-ahead friendly, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
