Winter makes me want warm, cozy meals. My family loves Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. It’s tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and creamy sauce all mixed together.
My grandmother used to make it on cold Sundays. The smell of it was amazing. The soft pierogies and smoky kielbasa were a perfect mix. Now, I make it in the crockpot for easy meals.
Why This Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Dish Will Become Your Family Favorite
Looking for a cozy, comforting meal? This crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa is perfect. It’s full of flavor and great for families.
Time-Saving Benefits of Crockpot Cooking
Crockpot cooking is super convenient. Just add the ingredients and let it cook. You get a delicious meal without spending hours cooking.
Perfect Comfort Food for Any Season
This pierogi casserole is great all year round. It’s perfect for cold winter days or any time you want something cozy.
The mix of tender pierogies, savory kielbasa, and creamy sauce makes it a hit. Your family will love it and look forward to dinner.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pierogi Casserole
To make the best pierogi casserole, start with the right ingredients. This dish combines tender pierogi and savory kielbasa. Let’s look at what you need to make this comfort food favorite.
First, you need pierogies. Choose a good brand, like potato and cheese or sauerkraut. You’ll need 20-24 pierogi to fill your crockpot.
Next, pick some tasty kielbasa. This Polish sausage adds flavor. Choose smoked or garlic-infused kielbasa. Cut it into 1-inch pieces for even distribution.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Potential Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Pierogies | 20-24 pieces | Ravioli, gnocchi, or potato dumplings |
| Kielbasa | 1 lb, sliced 1-inch thick | Italian sausage, chorizo, or andouille sausage |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | Shallots or scallions |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Garlic powder or granules |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can | Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup | Greek yogurt or plain yogurt |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | Other seasoning blends or fresh herbs |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious pierogi casserole. It will become a family favorite. Next, we’ll show you how to make it step by step.
Selecting the Best Kielbasa and Pierogies for Your Casserole
Choosing the right ingredients is key for a great pierogi casserole with kielbasa. Let’s explore how to pick the best kielbasa and pierogies for this dish.
Types of Kielbasa to Consider
Kielbasa is the main ingredient in this casserole. You can find many types of kielbasa at the store. Each has its own taste.
- Classic Kielbasa: This sausage has a garlicky flavor that’s great for the dish.
- Smoked Kielbasa: It has a strong, smoky taste that goes well with pierogies.
- Spicy Kielbasa: If you like a little heat, this spicy version adds a nice kick.
Fresh vs. Frozen Pierogies
You can use either fresh or frozen pierogies for this casserole. Here’s what to think about:
- Fresh pierogies taste and feel better, but they need more prep.
- Frozen pierogies are easy to use and still taste good when baked.
Recommended Brands and Options
| Ingredient | Recommended Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kielbasa | Eckrich, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean | Choose high-quality kielbasa for the best taste. |
| Pierogies | Mrs. T’s, Trader Joe’s, Rudy’s | Both fresh and frozen pierogies from these brands work well. |
With the right kielbasa and pierogies, you’ll make a delicious pierogi casserole. Your family will love it.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Making a tasty crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa is simple. Just follow these easy steps. You’ll make a dish that everyone will love.
- First, brown the kielbasa in a skillet. Do this over medium-high heat. It makes the flavors better and the texture nice.
- Then, put the cooked kielbasa at the bottom of your crockpot. Make it even.
- After that, add a layer of pierogies on top of the kielbasa. Spread them out well.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and any seasonings you like. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, or parsley.
- Now, pour the creamy mix over the pierogies. Make sure it covers them all.
- Last, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese on top.
After you’ve layered everything, set your crockpot to low. Let the crockpot pierogi casserole cook for 4-6 hours. This way, the pierogies get tender and the cheese melts and bubbles. The slow cooking makes the flavors mix perfectly, making a great crockpot recipes slow cooker dish.
Tips for Layering Your Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Layering your ingredients in the crockpot is key for the best taste and texture. A few simple steps can help. This way, your dish cooks evenly and tastes great.
Creating the Perfect Base Layer
Begin with sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. They add flavor and keep pierogies from sticking. Then, place the pierogies on top, making sure they don’t overlap.
Proper Distribution Techniques
After placing the pierogies, add the kielbasa. Slice it into coins and spread them out. This way, every bite has a mix of pierogies and kielbasa.
If you’re adding more, like veggies or cheese, layer them right. Put veggies on the kielbasa, then sprinkle cheese over all. This helps everything cook and taste well together.
By layering your crockpot pierogi casserole right, you’ll make a dish everyone will love.
Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
Getting the cooking times and temperature settings right is key for a perfect crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa. It’s important to cook the pierogies and kielbasa just right. They should be tender but not dry or overcooked.
I suggest using the low setting on your crockpot. Cook it for 6-8 hours. This lets the flavors mix well and the ingredients get tender.
If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on the high setting for 3-4 hours. Just watch it and stir now and then. This stops the bottom from burning.
Remember, cooking times can change based on your slow cooker’s size and age. Smaller or older crockpots might need more time. Newer, bigger ones might cook faster.
| Slow Cooker Size | Low Setting | High Setting |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 quarts | 7-9 hours | 4-5 hours |
| 5-6 quarts | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 7-8 quarts | 5-7 hours | 2-3 hours |
These times are just a guide. Always check your crockpot pierogi casserole while it cooks. Adjust the time and temperature as needed. Enjoy your tasty slow-cooked meal!
Print
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe
Ingredients
- 20–24 pierogies (potato and cheese or sauerkraut varieties)
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sliced kielbasa for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the bottom of your crockpot.
- Layer the pierogies evenly over the kielbasa.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, minced garlic, and diced onion. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the pierogies, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the pierogies are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-6 hours (low setting) | Total Time: ~6 hours
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Customizing Your Pierogi Casserole with Additional Ingredients
The beauty of a pierogi casserole is its flexibility. You can mix it up with pierogies and kielbasa or add your own twist. Let’s look at some great add-ins to make your dish special.
Vegetable Add-ins
Adding veggies can make your casserole healthier and tastier. Here are some good choices:
- Sautéed onions and bell peppers
- Roasted brussels sprouts or broccoli florets
- Diced zucchini or summer squash
- Sautéed mushrooms
Cheese and Sauce Options
Make your casserole creamier with cheese or sauce. Try these:
- Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese
- A creamy mushroom or garlic Alfredo sauce
- A tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt-based sauce
Seasoning Suggestions
Change up the taste of your pierogi casserole with spices and herbs. Here are some good mixes:
| Seasoning | Suggested Flavors |
|---|---|
| Garlic powder | Savory, umami |
| Onion powder | Aromatic, depth of flavor |
| Paprika | Smoky, sweet |
| Dried oregano or basil | Earthy, herbaceous |
With these ideas, you can make your pierogi casserole your own. Get creative and enjoy making it your own!
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
After enjoying your crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa, you’ll want to keep it fresh. Storing and reheating it right is important. This way, you can enjoy it again and again.
To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
There are a few ways to reheat your pierogi casserole:
- Microwave: Put a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Put the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat a serving in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often until hot.
Choose your reheating method wisely. Stir well and check the temperature. This way, your leftovers will taste just as good as the first time!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings
There are many ways to serve your crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa. It can be the main dish or paired with other tasty sides. This dish is hearty and comforting.
For a simple look, serve the casserole alone. Add some chopped green onions or sour cream on top. The mix of pierogies, kielbasa, and sauce is delicious.
Complementary Side Dishes
- Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans add color and crunch.
- A tangy green salad can balance the casserole’s richness.
- Buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes are warm and starchy.
- Warm, crusty bread, like garlic bread, soaks up the sauce well.
This crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa will please everyone. Enjoy this tasty dish and taste the best of Eastern European comfort food!
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
This crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa is good for a healthy diet. It has the right mix of nutrients. You can make it fit your dietary needs easily.
A single serving has about 450 calories. Most of these calories are from carbs in pierogies and protein in kielbasa. It also has important nutrients like:
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 1,200mg
If you’re watching calories or carbs, you can tweak the recipe. Use lower-calorie pierogies or less kielbasa. Adding more veggies helps too. Try Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of regular sour cream to cut down on fat.
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 | 22% |
| Total Fat | 20g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 1,200mg | 52% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
I love cooking at home and often get asked about Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. Here are answers to some common questions to help you cook it well.
Many ask if they can use frozen pierogies instead of fresh. Yes, you can! Just toss frozen pierogies in without thawing. They’ll get tender and tasty in the crockpot.
People also wonder about the kielbasa type. Choose a good smoked or garlic-flavored kielbasa for the best taste. Don’t use pre-cooked or thin kielbasa. Pick one that can hold its own with the other flavors.
