Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa

You have to try this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavor. Trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort food made easy.

Tender pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and a rich cheesy sauce all slow-cooked to perfection. Just toss it all in the crockpot—no stress, no mess! I love how everything melts together into one cozy, delicious bite.

Perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or feeding a hungry crowd. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s a family favorite that always gets devoured!

Let’s toss it together! Grab your pierogies, kielbasa, and cheese—I’ll walk you through the simple steps. You’re gonna love every creamy, cheesy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pure Comfort in Every Bite: Between the creamy sauce, soft pierogies, and savory sausage, this is the definition of comfort food.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: No fancy ingredients—just real, satisfying, pantry-friendly staples.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The crockpot handles everything, so you can set it and forget it. Perfect when your schedule’s packed.
• Versatile & Customizable: You can switch up the sausage, add veggies, or even use different pierogi flavors.
• Kid and Crowd Approved: Even picky eaters love it. And it’s filling enough to serve for game day or a family gathering.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes or less.
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on LOW (or about 2 hours on HIGH if you’re short on time).
• Total Time: ~4 hours (hands-off once it’s in the crockpot).

Pro Tip: Don’t thaw the pierogies. Add them straight from frozen so they hold their shape during slow cooking and don’t go mushy.

Servings
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a generous main dish and pairs great with a light side salad or steamed veggies.

Leftovers: Store well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven—add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Difficulty Level
Very easy. You’re mostly just layering and stirring. It’s great for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who wants a comforting meal without a lot of effort.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this casserole:

• 6-quart (or larger) Crockpot: Roomy enough to hold all the layers without overflowing.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: For slicing the kielbasa.
• Measuring cups & spoons: To portion out broth and cheese.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: For combining ingredients and scooping when done.
• (Optional) Saucepan: To gently melt cream cheese before mixing (not required, but helps it blend smoother).

Ingredients for the Casserole

These are the basic ingredients. Measurements are listed precisely in the recipe card at the end of the article.

• Frozen Cheddar Pierogies (3 packages, 12–16 oz each): You can use any brand. Don’t thaw—just toss them in frozen.
• Kielbasa (1 lb): Cut into ½-inch thick rounds. Smoked kielbasa adds that classic rich, savory flavor. You can also use turkey kielbasa for a lighter option.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups, divided): Adds moisture and keeps the dish from drying out while cooking. Some goes in at the start, and the rest helps thin the sauce later if needed.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz block): Softened to help melt into the broth and create that creamy, silky base.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup + extra for topping): Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can also use a blend.
• Salt and Pepper: Season lightly—remember, the broth and sausage are already salty.
• Green Onions (Optional): Sliced thin for garnish. Adds a touch of color and fresh flavor contrast to the richness.

Variations for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

• Swap the Sausage: Try andouille for a spicy kick, bratwurst for a more German-style twist, or go meatless with plant-based sausage.
• Change the Cheese: Want a different flavor profile? Mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness, pepper jack for a little heat, or gouda for a smoky edge.
• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions. Just add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t over-soften.
• Use a Different Pierogi Flavor: Cheddar is classic, but potato & onion, bacon, or even jalapeño pierogies work just as well.
• Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes, a few dashes of hot sauce, or spicy kielbasa for extra heat.
• Top It Off: Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers, French fried onions, or extra cheese over the top 30 minutes before serving for texture and flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Kielbasa

Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds. If you like it crispy, you can quickly brown the slices in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot—this step adds depth but is totally optional.

2. Layer the Ingredients

In your greased crockpot, layer in this order:

• Half of the frozen pierogies (straight from the bag)
• Half the kielbasa slices
• Cubes or dollops of cream cheese
• A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar
• Repeat with the remaining pierogies and kielbasa

3. Add the Liquid

Pour about 3 cups of chicken broth evenly over everything. It won’t fully cover the ingredients, and that’s okay—it’ll steam and melt together as it cooks.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. You’re looking for the pierogies to be tender, the cheese to be melted, and everything to be hot and bubbling.

Tip: Halfway through, gently stir once or twice to help the cream cheese melt evenly into the broth.

5. Finish with Extra Cheese

In the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle another handful of cheddar on top. Let it melt with the lid on, or take off the lid for a few minutes if you want the top to thicken slightly.

How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

This dish is rich, so a simple side helps balance it out:

• With a Crisp Green Salad: Something light like romaine, cucumber, and vinaigrette.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: The freshness cuts through the creamy richness.
• Applesauce or Pickles: Old-school Polish style—sweet and tart sides work surprisingly well with pierogies and sausage.
• With Sour Cream or Mustard on the Side: A small scoop of sour cream adds tang, while grainy mustard gives a sharp contrast to the creaminess.

Serving Idea: Sprinkle with green onions or fresh parsley right before serving for color and a little lift.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Frozen Pierogies Straight from the Bag: No need to thaw. If you do, they can get too soft and break apart during cooking.
• Slice Kielbasa Evenly: Thicker cuts may take longer to heat through; thinner slices distribute better and absorb flavor nicely.
• Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: It’ll melt faster and blend into the sauce better than cold blocks.
• Stir Gently Midway: One or two light stirs halfway through cooking helps spread the creaminess throughout.
• Cheese on Top = Golden Finish: That final sprinkle of cheddar helps form a cheesy layer that ties it all together.

Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 8 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~485 kcal
Protein	~18g
Carbohydrates	~32g
Total Fat	~30g
Saturated Fat	~13g
Fiber	~2g
Sugar	~3g
Sodium	~970mg
Cholesterol	~70mg
Calcium	~220mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary depending on brand of pierogies and kielbasa used.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole in the crockpot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just let it sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes before starting the slow cooker.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freezing isn’t recommended. The cream cheese sauce may separate, and pierogies can become mushy when thawed and reheated.

What kind of pierogies should I use?
Cheddar and potato are classic, but you can experiment with other savory fillings like bacon, onion, or jalapeño.

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely. Turkey kielbasa, bratwurst, or even vegetarian sausage can work.

It’s too thick—what do I do?
Just stir in the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth (reserved from earlier) a little at a time until the consistency is how you like it.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa is one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes: simple, hearty, affordable, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a group, this is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds.