There is nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal that practically cooks itself. That’s exactly what you get with this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa—a dish that combines cheesy pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and a creamy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and makes you excited to dig in at the end of a long day.

This recipe is perfect for busy families, especially on nights when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep work and a slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting, you get a satisfying dinner without the hassle. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking for an easy, comforting meal for your family, this dish never disappoints.

What makes this recipe truly special is its combination of textures and flavors. The pierogies provide a soft, pillowy bite, the kielbasa adds a smoky and slightly crispy contrast, and the cheese mixture creates a luscious, velvety sauce that ties everything together. The best part? It’s highly adaptable, meaning you can tweak the ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a hands-off meal that didn’t skimp on flavor. I wanted something that felt like a warm hug in food form—something I could throw together in the morning and have ready by dinnertime with minimal effort. Once I tried it, I knew it was a keeper. Now, it’s a go-to comfort meal in my household, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa has all the makings of a family favorite. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

1. Ridiculously Easy to Make

There’s no need for complicated steps or fancy cooking techniques. Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, let them cook, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

2. Incredibly Flavorful

The combination of cheesy pierogies, savory kielbasa, and creamy sauce creates an irresistible blend of flavors. The kielbasa adds a slight smokiness, while the cream cheese and cheddar create a rich, indulgent sauce.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week without compromising on taste or texture.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Want to add some veggies? Throw in spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions. Prefer a different cheese? Swap in mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a fun twist.

5. A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, feeding a hungry family, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is always a hit. It’s warm, cheesy, filling, and just plain comforting.

Health Benefits of This Dish

While this dish is undoubtedly indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits that make it a great choice for a balanced meal.

1. Good Source of Protein

The kielbasa and cheese provide a good amount of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. If you want to boost the protein content further, you can use chicken sausage or add grilled chicken.

2. Provides Essential Nutrients

Pierogies, especially those made with potatoes and cheese, contain important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

3. Can Be Made Healthier

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can:

Use turkey kielbasa instead of the traditional variety.
Opt for low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar.
Add extra vegetables to increase the fiber and vitamin content.

4. Supports Digestive Health

Adding vegetables such as spinach, onions, or bell peppers provides fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Even though this dish is a comfort food classic, making small tweaks can turn it into a more balanced meal while keeping all the deliciousness intact.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (minimum)

Servings

Serves: 6-8 people

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 950mg

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package of frozen pierogies (cheddar or cheddar-bacon flavor)
1 pound kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized rounds
3 cups chicken broth
1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the kielbasa)

Optional Additions

1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
1 small onion, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a slight tang)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Kielbasa

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it gets a light golden-brown sear.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Pour 3 cups of chicken broth into your 4-6 quart slow cooker.
Add frozen pierogies in an even layer.
Scatter the browned kielbasa on top.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.
Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining cheese for later.

Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to:
- Low heat for 6 hours OR
- High heat for 3-4 hours
Halfway through the cooking time, gently stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and to prevent the pierogies from sticking to each other.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, add cream cheese and 1 cup of chicken broth to a small saucepan over low heat.
Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
If you’re adding Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, or extra seasonings, mix them in now.

Stir in the Sauce

Pour the cream cheese sauce over the pierogi and kielbasa mixture in the slow cooker.
Gently stir to combine, making sure everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Add the Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on low, allowing the cheese to melt completely and create a gooey, cheesy topping.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is fully melted, turn off the slow cooker.
For a garnish, sprinkle with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or an extra dash of smoked paprika.
Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, cheesy, smoky flavors!

Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness

If you prefer a crispy cheese topping, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

How to Customize This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add extra ingredients, switch up the flavors, or make it suit dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to tailor it to your liking. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using a spicy kielbasa. If you love extra cheese, swap some of the cheddar for gouda or Monterey Jack to create an even richer, meltier sauce. Want to add more texture? Stir in caramelized onions or roasted mushrooms before serving. You can also adjust the thickness of the sauce—if you prefer a creamier dish, mix in a little extra cream cheese, but if you like it thinner, simply add an extra splash of chicken broth. With so many possibilities, this dish can be reinvented every time you make it.

What to Serve Alongside This Dish

While this casserole is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, while roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts bring color and nutrition to the table. If you’re craving extra carbs, warm buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread are excellent choices for scooping up the creamy sauce. A light, brothy soup such as chicken vegetable soup or a simple clear broth also pairs nicely, balancing out the heaviness of the dish. No matter what you choose, a well-matched side will make this meal feel even more complete.

How to Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead of a Crockpot

If you’re short on time or prefer a baked version of this dish, you can easily make it in the oven instead of a slow cooker. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe dish, layer the pierogies and kielbasa as you would in the slow cooker. In a separate saucepan, heat the cream cheese and 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Pour the mixture over the pierogies and kielbasa, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This method gives the dish a slightly crispier texture while keeping all the creamy, cheesy goodness intact.

How to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time

Planning ahead? This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just place the insert back into the slow cooker and turn it on—no extra prep needed. If you want to prepare it even further in advance, you can fully cook the casserole, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. For freezing, portion the casserole into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave, oven, or stovetop. With this method, a delicious, homemade meal is always just minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh pierogies will cook slightly faster, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on low or 1.5 hours on high.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the kielbasa or use a plant-based sausage alternative. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian dish.

3. What can I use instead of kielbasa?

You can substitute kielbasa with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even smoked beef sausage.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply turn on the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Let the casserole cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food—easy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you make it for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it today, and let me know how it turns out!