The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the perfect union of hearty Eastern European flavors and American comfort food convenience. Tender potato and cheese-filled pierogis melt together with smoky kielbasa, rich mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar in this soul-satisfying slow-cooked dinner.
Best part? You can set it in your crockpot and forget it until dinnertime. It’s warm, indulgent, and irresistibly creamy—perfect for a cozy night in or an easy family meal that tastes like it took hours to make (because it did… but your crockpot did all the work!).
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogis (potato and cheese preferred)
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1 (14 oz) package kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 small onion, diced
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1 tablespoon butter
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Directions:
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
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Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot.
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Layer half of the frozen pierogis, half of the sliced kielbasa, half of the sautéed onions, and half of the soup mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
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Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until heated through and bubbly.
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Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (low) | Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Comfort Food Classic You Didn’t Know You Needed
Few dishes capture the essence of cozy, satisfying comfort food quite like a hearty casserole. And when it’s made in a crockpot, packed with creamy layers, cheesy goodness, tender pierogis, and smoky kielbasa? That’s the definition of soul-warming. The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is more than just a meal; it’s an experience—a warm embrace after a long day, a reminder of home-cooked traditions, and a family-favorite that brings people together around the table.
Rooted in Polish and Eastern European culinary traditions but made accessible with modern kitchen convenience, this dish combines the heartiness of pierogis with the savory, meaty richness of kielbasa sausage and layers it all in a creamy, slow-cooked casserole form that’s hands-off and hassle-free.
What Are Pierogis?
Pierogis are stuffed dumplings traditionally filled with potato, cheese, meat, or fruit. They’re a staple in Polish cuisine, often boiled and then pan-fried in butter until golden brown. The pierogis in this casserole typically use the classic potato and cheese variety, which provide a rich, hearty base that soaks up the flavors of the creamy sauce and savory kielbasa.
In this recipe, instead of boiling or frying them separately, frozen pierogis are layered directly into the slow cooker, allowing them to cook gently in the sauce and absorb all those incredible flavors without becoming mushy or falling apart.
Why Kielbasa Works So Well
Kielbasa, the traditional Polish sausage, brings a smoky, garlicky, deeply savory flavor to the dish that pairs perfectly with the mildness of the pierogis. When slow-cooked, it becomes tender but retains enough bite to provide contrast in both texture and flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to work with—pre-cooked kielbasa needs minimal prep and can be sliced and added straight to the dish.
The Role of the Creamy Sauce
A good casserole isn’t complete without a rich, flavorful sauce to tie everything together. The creamy mixture in this dish often includes sour cream and a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, though some variations use cream cheese or cream of chicken. This not only adds a silky texture and depth of flavor but also keeps the dish moist as it slow cooks. The cheese adds another layer of indulgence, melting into the sauce and forming those irresistible pockets of gooeyness that make each bite extra satisfying.
A Hands-Off Dinner Solution
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its convenience. It’s a true “dump and go” crockpot meal. With a few minutes of prep in the morning or early afternoon, you can come home to a fully cooked, piping-hot dinner with almost no effort required. That makes it an ideal choice for busy parents, working professionals, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with dishes after a long day.
Crockpot meals also keep your kitchen cooler—perfect for summer months when you don’t want to run the oven—and make cleanup a breeze with fewer pans and tools involved.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Kids and adults alike love this casserole. It’s mild in flavor but rich in taste, cheesy without being overwhelming, and full of comforting textures. The pierogis provide a soft, pillow-like bite, the kielbasa adds chewiness and flavor, and the sauce binds everything together in creamy perfection.
It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, game-day gatherings, or family get-togethers. You can easily double the recipe in a larger slow cooker to feed a crowd, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just place the insert back in the crockpot base and turn it on. You can also freeze leftovers in individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners on busy nights.
To freeze the full casserole before cooking, assemble it in a disposable aluminum tray or freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and transfer to the slow cooker, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Creative Variations to Try
While the base recipe is undeniably delicious, it’s also a flexible canvas for creativity. Here are some ways to make it your own:
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Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.
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Veggie boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
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Switch the sausage: Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage, chorizo, or plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
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Different cheeses: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda in place of cheddar for a twist.
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Make it vegetarian: Use vegetarian pierogis and swap out the kielbasa for sautéed mushrooms and onions for a hearty meatless version.
How to Serve It
This casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can always elevate the experience with a few complementary sides. A simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts all work beautifully to balance the richness of the main dish.
For drinks, a crisp apple cider, a cold pilsner, or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc are excellent pairings that cut through the creaminess and highlight the smoky sausage.
Want to go the extra mile? Finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives and a dash of paprika for color and flavor.
Cultural Origins and Fusion Appeal
While rooted in Polish and Eastern European cuisine, this dish is a great example of cultural fusion in American kitchens. By using store-bought pierogis and American-style ingredients like canned soup and shredded cheese, it merges Old World tradition with modern-day convenience. It’s comfort food with a heritage twist—a nod to immigrant recipes reimagined for today’s busy cooks.
The All-Season Comfort Casserole
Whether it’s a rainy fall evening, a snowy winter night, or even a lazy summer Sunday, this casserole fits the bill. It’s hearty without being too heavy, indulgent yet simple, and satisfies that craving for a “real meal” without a mountain of dishes or an hour in front of the stove.
It’s also a great dish for transitional weather—something warm enough to comfort you but easy enough to prepare when your schedule is anything but.
Conclusion: Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is more than just a convenient dinner—it’s a flavorful fusion of cultural tradition and modern comfort cooking. It brings together everything you love about casseroles (creamy, cheesy, easy to make) with the rich, hearty goodness of pierogis and sausage.
It’s flexible enough to fit your family’s tastes, forgiving enough for beginner cooks, and satisfying enough to become a staple in your meal planning. Plus, with its freezer-friendliness and make-ahead options, it’s one of those rare recipes that saves you time both today and in the future.
So whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering or simply need a reliable dinner that’ll win over everyone at the table, give this creamy slow cooker pierogi and kielbasa bake a try. It’s comfort food at its finest—and once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.