Crock Pot Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole (Printable)
Tender pierogi layered with smoky sausage in a rich creamy sauce
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
→ Dairy
02 - 1 cup sour cream
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Pasta
06 - 2 lbs frozen potato and cheese pierogi
→ Vegetables
07 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
# How-To Steps:
01 - Coat the inside of the Crock Pot with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
02 - Arrange half the frozen pierogi in the bottom of the Crock Pot, followed by half the sliced kielbasa and half the sliced onions.
03 - Repeat with remaining pierogi, kielbasa, and onions to create a second complete layer.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, melted butter, cream cheese, garlic, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the Crock Pot, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
06 - Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours, until pierogi are tender and casserole is bubbly throughout.
07 - Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top before serving, if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The slow cooker transforms frozen pierogi into something that tastes homemade and tender
- Everything cooks in one pot, leaving you with almost zero cleanup
- It feeds six people generously, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd
02 -
- Don't lift the lid during cooking. Every peek releases heat and adds about 15 minutes to the cooking time.
- The edges will brown more than the center. This creates the best bites with slightly crispy pierogi edges.
03 -
- Spray your slow cooker insert more generously than you think necessary. This dish is worth the extra preparation to avoid cleanup struggles.
- Set a timer for 3.5 hours to check on it. Every slow cooker runs slightly differently, and overcooked pierogi can become mushy.