Introduction

When I want a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to bring the whole family running to the table, I pull out this recipe for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. This isn’t your average weeknight dinner—it’s rich, creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor. We’re talking layers of cheesy pierogies, smoky kielbasa, sautéed onions, and a luscious, tangy sour cream sauce that all meld together in the slow cooker while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ve got a warm, bubbling casserole that smells like pure comfort food heaven.

What I love most about Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is how it marries convenience with nostalgia. Growing up, pierogies were always a special treat in my household. Now, as a chef and a dad, I love turning that childhood classic into a no-fuss slow cooker meal that tastes like something Grandma used to make—but without all the time at the stove. The kielbasa adds that bold, smoky depth while the cheesy sauce and tender pierogies wrap it all up in cozy flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a potluck, planning a Sunday dinner, or just need something filling to toss together during a busy week, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is always a hit. Let’s break it down step by step so you can bring this slow-cooked comfort straight to your kitchen.

Perfect For:

Weeknight dinners that need to feed a crowd
Potlucks and family gatherings
Cold weather comfort meals
Meal prepping hearty leftovers
Budget-friendly dinner ideas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Easy Slow Cooker Magic: Set it and forget it—your crockpot does all the work.
Rich and Creamy: The cheesy sour cream sauce makes every bite indulgent.
Filling and Satisfying: Pierogies and kielbasa are both hearty and delicious.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist this comforting casserole.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead or feeding a crowd.

Preparation & Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
Total Time: ~4 hours
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~450 per serving (varies by ingredients)

Ingredients:

2 (16 oz) packages frozen potato and cheese pierogies
14 oz kielbasa, sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights:

Pierogies: Pre-filled with potato and cheese for a hearty base.
Kielbasa: Smoked sausage that adds rich, savory depth.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra indulgence.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the casserole.
Onions: Lightly sautéed for a sweet, caramelized flavor boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Sauté Onions and Kielbasa: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add kielbasa and cook until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, pepper, and half the shredded cheese.
Assemble in Crockpot: Layer half the pierogies in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half the kielbasa and onion mixture. Spoon over half the sauce. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for about 2 hours, until everything is hot and bubbly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a Crisp Green Salad to Balance the Richness
- This casserole is creamy and indulgent, so a fresh, lightly dressed green salad makes a perfect pairing. Go for mixed greens, arugula, or romaine tossed with a zippy vinaigrette or lemon juice — it cuts through the richness and keeps the meal feeling balanced and satisfying.
Serve with Roasted Vegetables or Steamed Green Beans
- Add some color and nutrients to the plate with a side of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. Or keep it simple with steamed green beans dressed in olive oil and garlic. The bright, crisp textures work beautifully next to the soft, cheesy pierogies.
A Side of Applesauce Brings a Sweet Contrast
- This is a classic Polish pairing — the sweetness of applesauce contrasts wonderfully with the savory kielbasa and creamy sauce. It adds a cozy, nostalgic touch that’s especially great in fall and winter.
Add Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls to Soak Up the Sauce
- No drop of that rich, cheesy sauce should go to waste. Serve with warm dinner rolls, crusty baguette slices, or even rye toast to scoop and savor every bite. Bread also helps stretch the meal further for a hungry crowd.
Top with a Dollop of Sour Cream or Spicy Mustard for Extra Zing
- Just before serving, add a spoonful of sour cream or a swirl of spicy brown mustard on top. It brings tang and zip, balancing the creamy, savory layers and adding another level of flavor. Great for those who love a bold finishing touch.

Additional Tips:

Don’t thaw pierogies: Add them frozen to prevent them from falling apart.
Use turkey kielbasa: A leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Switch up the soup: Try cream of celery or cheddar soup.
Use a liner: Crockpot liners make cleanup a breeze.

Recipe Variations:

Bacon Lover’s Version
- Take the smoky, savory flavors up a notch by mixing in crispy, crumbled bacon. You can stir it directly into the layers or sprinkle it on top just before serving for a salty crunch. It plays beautifully with the creamy base and adds extra indulgence.
Veggie-Loaded
- Add a pop of color and nutrition with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or baby spinach. Just give the veggies a quick cook before layering so they stay tender—not watery—and blend seamlessly into the casserole’s creamy, cheesy goodness.
Cream Cheese Upgrade
- For an ultra-creamy texture, stir in about 4 oz of softened cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It melts into the sauce and gives the entire dish a richer, more decadent mouthfeel. This one’s for the comfort food lovers.
Italian Twist
- Swap the kielbasa for sliced Italian sausage (mild or spicy) and use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese. Add a spoonful of marinara or sun-dried tomato pesto if you want even more of that rustic Italian flavor.
Pierogi Lasagna
- Instead of tossing everything together, try layering your ingredients more like a lasagna: a row of pierogies, a layer of sausage, a sprinkle of cheese, then repeat. This version bakes up beautifully and gives you tidy, sliceable portions that hold their shape on the plate.

Storage & Reheating:

Refrigerator

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This casserole actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to mingle. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Pro Tip: Divide into individual portions before refrigerating to make reheating faster and more convenient.

Freezer

This dish freezes well for longer storage:

Freeze fully cooked portions in freezer-safe containers or tightly wrapped foil trays.
Be sure to label with the date, and store for up to 2 months.
Tip: If you’re using sour cream or cream cheese in the recipe, expect the texture to become slightly looser or grainy after freezing — just give it a good stir when reheating, and add a splash of milk or broth if needed to bring back creaminess.

Reheat

Microwave (Quick & Easy):
Place a single portion in a microwave-safe dish, loosely cover, and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through. Add a touch of cream or milk if it looks a little dry.
Oven (Best Texture):
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to re-crisp the top.

Equipment Needed:

Large skillet
Crockpot (5–6 quart)
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly. Fresh pierogies heat faster and can become too soft if overcooked.

What’s the best way to keep pierogies from getting mushy in the slow cooker?
Add them frozen and avoid over-stirring. Layering also helps maintain their shape.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can fully assemble the casserole and store it covered in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the crockpot when ready to cook.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken, cheddar cheese soup, or make a homemade roux-based sauce if you prefer fewer processed ingredients.

What can I use instead of kielbasa?
Smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even cooked chicken work well. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding.

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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

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Mark Anthony

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. Loaded with cheesy pierogies, smoky kielbasa, sautéed onions, and a creamy sour cream sauce, it’s a hearty slow cooker meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy cold-weather dinners—just layer, cook, and enjoy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 4

Servings 8

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 16 oz packages frozen potato and cheese pierogies
14 oz kielbasa sliced into rounds
1 medium onion thinly sliced
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Onions and Kielbasa: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add kielbasa and cook until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, pepper, and half the shredded cheese.
Assemble in Crockpot: Layer half the pierogies in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half the kielbasa and onion mixture. Spoon over half the sauce. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for about 2 hours, until everything is hot and bubbly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use frozen pierogies—no need to thaw! They hold up well during slow cooking and absorb the flavorful sauce.
Slice kielbasa into rounds or half-moons for even distribution and quicker cooking.
Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot to deepen their flavor and prevent bitterness.
Add cream cheese, sour cream, or condensed soup to create a creamy, rich base—whisk until smooth before pouring over.
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring gently halfway through to coat everything evenly.

Serving Suggestions
Serve hot and topped with chopped green onions, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika.
Pair with sauerkraut, braised cabbage, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Offer sour cream or stone-ground mustard on the side for dipping.
Great with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Perfect comfort food for chilly nights, potlucks, or easy weekend dinners.

Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Combine all ingredients in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Just set and cook the next day.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Tasty Variations to Try
Spicy Twist: Use hot kielbasa or stir in red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra gooey, melty finish.
Veggie-Loaded: Toss in spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Bacon Boost: Add crumbled cooked bacon for smoky crunch throughout.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth and kielbasa to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.

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Conclusion

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about digging into a big bowl of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa. From the tender pierogies to the creamy, cheesy sauce and smoky kielbasa, every bite is like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just fill your stomach—it fills the kitchen with savory aromas and your home with smiles.

I love how easy it is to make a Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, and I especially love that it can cook away in the background while I take care of other things. It’s become one of those go-to comfort meals in our house—something we all crave when we need a little extra coziness.

So if you’re looking for a foolproof, family-approved dinner that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, this casserole is it. Give it a try this week—and once you do, be sure to include me in your post! I want to see how yours turns out. Here’s to warm meals and full bellies!