There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of melted cheese and tender pierogies mingling with smoky kielbasa drifting from the slow cooker. This casserole is the ultimate cozy meal—effortless to assemble, yet rewarded with warm, homey flavors that satisfy on chilly nights or relaxed weekends.
This recipe elevates classic frozen pierogies into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort. Just layer, pour, and let your crockpot do the magic—then finish it off with bubbly cheese and fresh chives. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave easy comfort food.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) frozen pierogies (cheese & potato)
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12 oz (340 g) smoked kielbasa, sliced into 1/2″ rounds
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, chicken broth, paprika, salt and pepper until smooth.
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Place frozen pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer.
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Scatter the chopped onion, garlic, and kielbasa slices over the pierogies.
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Pour the sour‑cream mixture over everything, ensuring ingredients are coated.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 3½–4 hours (or HIGH for 1¾–2 hours), until pierogies are tender and kielbasa is warmed through.
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About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
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Re‑cover and cook on HIGH until cheese is melted, about 10–15 minutes.
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Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 h 15 m
Kcal: approx. 520 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Comforting Classic: Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is one of those soul-warming dishes that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and cherished comfort food traditions. By combining tender pierogies, smoky kielbasa, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, this recipe creates a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or those colder months when you want something warm, hearty, and fuss-free.
This dish has become especially popular in regions with strong Eastern European roots, where pierogies—stuffed dumplings traditionally filled with potatoes and cheese—are a beloved staple. The pairing of pierogies with kielbasa (a type of Polish sausage) is classic, and when layered together in a creamy, cheesy bake, the results are undeniably delicious. What sets this version apart is its simplicity: no boiling, no sautéing—just layer and let the slow cooker do the magic.
Why This Dish Works
The genius of this crockpot casserole lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Pierogies offer a soft, doughy bite with a creamy potato-cheese filling. Kielbasa brings in a savory, slightly smoky flavor and satisfying chew. The sauce—made from sour cream and broth—adds a luscious creaminess that keeps everything moist and rich, while the melted cheddar and mozzarella on top create the ultimate cheesy finish. This is a dish where every bite is a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and comforting.
Another reason this recipe works so well is its versatility. It’s a “dump and go” meal that requires no prior cooking, and yet feels like something you might find in a family cookbook. It’s also highly adaptable: add caramelized onions, mushrooms, or even spinach to bulk it up with veggies. Prefer a spicy kick? Use a spicy sausage or stir in a bit of chili powder or hot sauce to the cream mixture. There’s plenty of room to customize based on your pantry and preferences.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull off this meal. It’s one of those foolproof recipes that even beginners can execute with ease. Just a few simple layers, a sauce whisked together in seconds, and a short list of basic ingredients make this casserole a go-to for novice cooks. And for seasoned home chefs, it’s a great base to experiment with new additions or flavor profiles.
Additionally, cleanup is a breeze. Since everything cooks in one crockpot, you’re not juggling multiple pots or pans. Just a single insert to clean, which is a blessing for busy families or anyone who wants to minimize kitchen mess.
A Family-Friendly Favorite
This casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for households with picky eaters or kids who love cheesy, comforting meals. The flavors are familiar and mild, with nothing too spicy or unfamiliar. The pierogies provide a doughy softness that’s easy to love, and the kielbasa adds a savory depth without being overwhelming.
It’s also great for serving a group. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or prepping a hearty meal for the family, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. And because it holds up well, you can make it in advance and reheat portions as needed throughout the week.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe stores incredibly well. Once cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, retaining its creamy texture and cheesy topping. For longer storage, you can even freeze it—though the texture of the pierogies might change slightly, the flavor will remain delicious. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
If you’re planning to serve it at a potluck or party, consider prepping it the night before and refrigerating the entire crockpot insert. The next day, pop it back in the base and let it cook per the recipe instructions. This makes entertaining almost effortless.
The Origins of Pierogies and Kielbasa
Both pierogies and kielbasa hail from Eastern Europe and are beloved in Polish, Ukrainian, and other Slavic cuisines. Pierogies have been a comfort food staple for centuries, originally made with seasonal ingredients and dough rolled out by hand. They were considered a humble food but became a celebratory dish during holidays and gatherings. Kielbasa, meanwhile, refers to any sausage in Polish, but in the U.S. it typically means a smoked pork sausage with garlic and spices.
In this recipe, these two traditional foods are given an American twist through the convenience of the slow cooker and the addition of rich, melty cheese. The result is a mash-up that maintains old-world heart while embracing modern-day simplicity.
Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas
While the casserole is rich and filling on its own, you can pair it with a few light sides to round out the meal. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans are also excellent choices to balance the creamy texture of the main dish.
If you’re serving guests or want to add a little flair, garnish the dish with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions on top. A sprinkle of paprika or a dash of hot sauce can also enhance both the flavor and presentation.
For drinks, a crisp lager, light pilsner, or even a chilled cider pairs well with the salty, cheesy, and smoky elements of the casserole. If you’re serving wine, try a dry white like Pinot Grigio or a slightly acidic red such as Pinot Noir.
Nutritional Considerations
This is an indulgent dish, there’s no question about it. With sour cream, cheese, and sausage, it’s designed to be hearty and satisfying. However, you can lighten it up with a few swaps—use light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, reduce the cheese or use a low-fat blend, and opt for turkey kielbasa instead of traditional pork.
If you’re feeding someone who’s vegetarian, simply omit the kielbasa or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. There’s a lot of flexibility to make the dish suit various dietary needs.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
The Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is more than just a quick meal—it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, fills the home with mouthwatering aromas, and invites everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re introducing pierogies to your family for the first time or looking for a new spin on an old classic, this dish delivers every time.
Its ease of preparation, rich flavor profile, and adaptability make it a standout in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether served for a casual dinner or made ahead for the week, it’s bound to become a regular on your table. So, dust off your crockpot and treat yourself to this creamy, cheesy, smoky delight—you won’t be disappointed.