Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Introduction

This Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Combining cheesy pierogies, savory kielbasa, and a creamy cheese sauce, it offers rich flavors with minimal effort.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta, featuring six to eight pieces of round ravioli with a smooth, light yellow surface, lightly coated in a thick white sauce. Scattered on top are several slices of browned sausage with a crispy texture and dark reddish-brown color. Small orange carrot chunks are visible mixed in the sauce. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish while ground black pepper adds tiny dark specks on the sauce and pasta. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a silver fork with a white handle rests next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies
  • 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a 4-6 quart crockpot, combine the frozen cheddar pierogies, sliced kielbasa, 3 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Step 2: Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours, allowing the pierogies and kielbasa to absorb the flavors and create a hearty base.
  3. Step 3: About 30 minutes before cooking finishes, soften the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan with 1 cup of chicken broth. Warm gently until soft, then whisk until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese has melted.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot, optionally garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the casserole before cooking.
  • Substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace kielbasa with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.
  • Adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end brightens the dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese sauce smooth.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with several layers of round, yellow, soft ravioli pasta covered in a creamy white sauce. On top, there are thick slices of browned sausage with a slightly crispy texture. Small pieces of chopped green parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper are scattered over the dish, adding green and black specks. The sauce looks rich and thick, covering the ravioli and partially surrounding the sausage slices. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver fork and a gray cloth napkin to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, covered with foil until bubbling and heated through. Add the cheese sauce in the last 15 minutes of baking.

Can I freeze the leftover casserole?

Freezing is possible, but the texture of the pierogies and cheese sauce may change slightly. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese sauce, then thaw and add the sauce before reheating and serving.

Print
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Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe


  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies simmered with sliced kielbasa in a savory chicken broth, and topped with a luscious cream cheese and cheddar sauce, this slow-cooked casserole melds rich flavors and creamy textures, making it a satisfying crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

  • 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies
  • 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the cheese sauce:

  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine main ingredients: In a 4-6 quart crockpot, add frozen Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies, sliced kielbasa, 3 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly, then season with salt and pepper to taste to create the casserole base.
  2. Cook the casserole: Set the crockpot on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the pierogies and kielbasa to absorb the flavorful broth and cheese, producing a rich and hearty casserole. Cooking on low is recommended for deeper flavor development.
  3. Prepare cheese sauce: About 30 minutes before the casserole finishes, soften the cream cheese by warming the 8 oz block with 1 cup of chicken broth in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat until smooth and lump-free, whisking thoroughly.
  4. Add cheese sauce and top casserole: Pour the smooth cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to melt the cheese and meld flavors.
  5. Serve: When bubbling and cheesy, the casserole is ready to serve. Spoon onto plates while hot and optionally garnish with sliced green onions for color and fresh flavor. Enjoy this comforting meal!

Notes

  • Cooking on low heat for the full 6 hours enhances the depth of flavor.
  • Frozen pierogies can be used directly; no need to thaw before cooking.
  • Garnish with fresh green onions or chives for added color and freshness.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, but use a larger crockpot.
  • Use reduced-sodium chicken broth if you want to control salt intake.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pierogi casserole, kielbasa casserole, crockpot recipes, slow cooker dinner, cheesy pierogies, comfort food, easy crockpot meal, kielbasa recipes

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