Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
A comforting and easy-to-make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa that combines tender pierogis, smoky kielbasa sausage, sautéed onions and bell peppers, creamy cheese, and sour cream slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole delivers hearty, rich flavors with minimal effort.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Polish-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Primary Ingredients
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato and cheese-filled pierogis
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese, dolloped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients & Variations
- 1–2 sliced jalapeños or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy version)
- Additional vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms
- Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme, chopped
- Cheese alternatives: mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda
- Meat substitute: smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms (for vegetarian version)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and chop the bell peppers and onions. If using frozen pierogis, thaw slightly or rinse with warm water to remove excess frost.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the crockpot, layer half of the pierogis first. Add half of the sliced kielbasa, onions, and bell peppers on top. Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheese evenly. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Add Creaminess and Seasoning: Spread dollops of sour cream or cream cheese across the layers. Season everything with garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you prefer.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and pierogis to soften without becoming mushy.
- Finish and Serve: After cooking, gently stir the casserole to blend melted cheese and sausage flavors. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions, additional sour cream, or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pierogis to avoid sogginess; use the low setting for best results.
- Slice ingredients uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use high-quality smoked kielbasa to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- If possible, stir the casserole halfway through cooking for more even heat distribution.
- Alternate layers of pierogis and kielbasa to prevent sticking and balance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: pierogi casserole, crockpot recipe, kielbasa casserole, slow cooker pierogis, comfort food, easy family dinner, hearty casserole