There’s something inherently satisfying about a hearty casserole, and when you bring together the soft, pillowy texture of pierogies with the smoky richness of kielbasa, the result is pure comfort food. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is an easy-to-make, indulgent dish that fills your home with the savory scent of melted cheese and smoky sausage as it slowly cooks in the crockpot. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, gatherings, or simply a cozy family dinner.

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This dish centers around frozen pierogies—soft, doughy dumplings traditionally filled with potatoes and cheese—paired with flavorful kielbasa sausage, creating a filling and rich casserole that comes together effortlessly in the crockpot. With the addition of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite, balanced by the savory taste of kielbasa and the slight tang from chicken broth.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

Easy Preparation: This is a true dump-and-go recipe, requiring minimal prep work. Simply add the ingredients to your crockpot, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
Hearty and Filling: Pierogies combined with kielbasa create a casserole that’s both satisfying and filling. It’s the kind of meal that will leave you feeling comforted and full.
Versatile and Customizable: While this recipe is fantastic as written, you can easily customize it by adding other ingredients like vegetables, different cheeses, or spices to suit your tastes.
Great for Busy Days: This dish is perfect for days when you don’t have time to fuss over dinner but still want something homemade and hearty. Just throw everything in the crockpot, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a family or serving guests, this pierogi casserole is a hit. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor—ideal for any gathering or weeknight dinner.

The Magic of Pierogies

Pierogies, originally hailing from Eastern Europe, are dumplings made from unleavened dough filled with a variety of ingredients, but the most popular version is the classic cheddar and potato filling. Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies, used in this recipe, are a convenient frozen option that retains the traditional flavor and texture. When cooked in a casserole, they become tender and soft, absorbing the savory flavors of the kielbasa and cheese.

Pierogies offer a unique combination of textures: a slightly chewy outer layer made from dough, paired with a creamy, cheesy potato filling. This combination pairs perfectly with smoky kielbasa and creamy, melted cheese, making each bite of the casserole a delight.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa such a winner:

1. Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies

The star of the show! Pierogies are classic Eastern European dumplings filled with mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. They serve as the base of the casserole, offering both texture and flavor. Frozen pierogies are used in this recipe for convenience, making it quick and easy to prepare.

2. Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage, known for its smoky, savory flavor. It’s typically made from pork or beef, seasoned with garlic, marjoram, and other spices. When cooked with pierogies and cheese, the kielbasa imparts a rich, meaty flavor that complements the creaminess of the other ingredients.

3. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is used to create a flavorful liquid base for the casserole, ensuring the pierogies remain moist while cooking. It adds depth to the dish without overpowering the other flavors. As the casserole cooks, the pierogies soak up the broth, becoming even more tender and flavorful.

4. Cream Cheese

The addition of cream cheese gives the casserole a creamy, luscious texture. When combined with chicken broth and cheddar cheese, the cream cheese melts into the dish, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pierogies and kielbasa.

5. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled throughout the casserole and on top, adding that classic cheesy richness. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully in the crockpot, creating a gooey, comforting texture that ties the dish together. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, depending on your taste preferences.

6. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish and bringing out the flavors of the pierogies, kielbasa, and cheese. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, but keep in mind that both the kielbasa and the cheeses bring plenty of saltiness, so a light hand is recommended.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Begin by setting up your 4-6 quart crockpot. Add three cups of chicken broth to the base of the crockpot. Next, layer the frozen Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies evenly in the crockpot, followed by the sliced kielbasa. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the crockpot.

By adding the chicken broth first, you create a base layer of moisture that prevents the pierogies from sticking and ensures that they cook evenly. The kielbasa, already sliced, will release its smoky flavors as it cooks, infusing the entire dish with savory goodness.

Step 2: Set the Crockpot to Cook

Once all the ingredients are in the crockpot, set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together. During this time, the pierogies will become tender, and the kielbasa will release its juices, creating a savory, flavorful base for the casserole.

As the casserole cooks, the cheddar cheese will melt into the chicken broth, forming a rich, cheesy sauce that coats the pierogies and kielbasa. If you prefer your pierogies extra tender, opt for the low setting, which will give them plenty of time to soak up the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the 8-ounce block of cream cheese with the remaining one cup of chicken broth. Heat the mixture until the cream cheese begins to melt. If using a microwave, warm in 30-second increments, stirring in between to ensure even melting.

Once warmed, whisk the cream cheese and broth together until smooth. This creamy mixture will be poured into the crockpot to create a luxurious, cheesy sauce that ties all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Final Assembly

Pour the smooth cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, stirring well to integrate it with the pierogies, kielbasa, and melted cheddar cheese. The cream cheese will thicken the sauce, making it creamy and velvety, while also adding a tangy richness to the dish.

After stirring, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the crockpot and allow it to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the cheddar cheese will melt, forming a bubbly, golden layer on top of the casserole.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done cooking, serve it hot. For an added touch of color and freshness, consider garnishing the dish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley. The bright green garnish provides a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole, and the mild onion flavor complements the kielbasa perfectly.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. While the base recipe is delicious as is, you can easily tailor it to suit your personal preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand.

1. Add Vegetables

For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding vegetables to the casserole. Frozen peas, broccoli florets, or spinach can be stirred in during the last hour of cooking. These vegetables will add a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the rich flavors of the pierogies and cheese.

2. Experiment with Different Sausages

While kielbasa is the traditional choice for this dish, you can experiment with other types of sausages for a different flavor profile. Try using Italian sausage, andouille sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage option for a twist on the classic recipe.

3. Spice it Up

If you prefer a bit of heat in your casseroles, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot. This will give the dish a subtle kick that complements the smoky kielbasa and creamy cheese.