There are not many meals as comforting and fulfilling as a rich casserole, especially when it mixes traditional flavors with the simplicity of cooking slowly. The Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a great example of this type of meal. This recipe combines the delicious flavor of pierogis, which are Eastern European dumplings filled with cheese and potato, with smoky kielbasa. Everything is cooked together in a slow cooker for an easy meal. The outcome is a tasty and creamy dish that will surely make you feel good inside and satisfy your hunger.
I found this recipe when I was having a very busy week and needed an easy and comforting meal for my family. With my busy schedule, I needed a meal that could be made fast and then left to cook by itself. The thought of a pierogi casserole caught my attention, and adding kielbasa made it even more delicious. As it cooked slowly, the smell spread through my house, making me feel cozy and excited. When it was done, the dish was even better than I expected – creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It soon became a popular choice for family dinners or relaxed get-togethers.
List of items needed to prepare a dish.
3 packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (regular or mini; we like the mini ones for their small size)
4 cups of chicken broth
One block of cream cheese that weighs 8 ounces.
1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
1 pound of kielbasa, cut into slices. Add salt and pepper as desired.
Instructions
Get the slow cooker ready.
Choose a slow cooker that can fit all the ingredients comfortably. A 6-quart slow cooker is good for this recipe, but a 4-quart one will also work if you want a smaller casserole.
Spread a little non-stick spray or butter inside the slow cooker before adding the ingredients. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier.
2. Put together the casserole.
Include the Pierogies: Open the packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies. If you are using small pierogies, you can just put them in the slow cooker. If you like regular-sized pierogies, cut them into small pieces before cooking to make sure they cook evenly and are easy to serve.
Cut the kielbasa into slices that are ¼ inch thick. This will help the sausage spread evenly in the casserole and give the dish a smoky taste. Put the cut sausage in the crockpot.
Add cream cheese: Take the 8-ounce block of cream cheese out of its packaging and cut it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and mix evenly in the casserole. Put the pieces of cream cheese into the slow cooker.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top of the other ingredients. This will melt in the dish, giving it a tasty cheese flavor that goes well with the pierogies and kielbasa.
Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the ingredients in the slow cooker. The broth will keep the food moist while cooking and blend all the flavors.
Season your dish with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep in mind that the kielbasa already has spices, so begin with a little salt and add more if necessary.
3. Making the Casserole
Turn on the Slow Cooker: Put the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on to start cooking. If you have time to let it cook slowly, choose the low setting on the slow cooker and let it cook for around 6 hours. If you are in a rush, you can choose the high setting and cook for 3-4 hours.
Check if the casserole is ready about 30 minutes before it should be done cooking. The pierogies need to be soft, and the cream cheese should be completely melted and mixed well into the dish. Mix the casserole carefully to make sure it cooks evenly.
4. Ideas for how to serve.
Make side dishes: While the main dish is cooking, get some fresh side dishes ready to go with your meal. A fresh green salad and a crunchy loaf of bread are excellent options. The salad gives a fresh taste next to the creamy casserole, and the bread is perfect for absorbing any extra sauce.
Serve: After the casserole finishes cooking, mix it one last time and try it. Change the flavoring if needed. Pour the casserole into bowls or plates and serve while hot.
Different options and replacements
You can add vegetables to the casserole for more nutrients and taste. You can also add frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers to the pierogies and kielbasa.
Other types of cooked meats, such as ham, chicken sausage, or diced chicken breast, can be used as alternatives to kielbasa if you prefer or want to try something new. Make sure the meat is already cooked because the slow cooking process won’t fully cook raw meat.
Cheese Types: Try different kinds of cheese to create new flavors. You can try using gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a little blue cheese for a special touch.
Low-Salt Alternative: To make a dish with less salt, use low-salt chicken broth and use less salt.
To make this dish vegetarian, leave out the kielbasa and instead use sautéed mushrooms and onions for a tasty and filling option.
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The Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a tasty mix of flavors and textures, blending the comforting pierogis with the savory kielbasa in a simple dish. Using a slow cooker makes sure all the ingredients blend well, resulting in a smooth and delicious meal without much work. This dish is great for nights when you’re busy, informal get-togethers, or any time you want to offer a satisfying and tasty meal.
Its flexibility allows you to make different changes to match your likes or dietary requirements, making it a favorite recipe for anyone who likes a comforting meal. This dish combines creamy cheese with smoky kielbasa, making it a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the simplicity and taste of this comforting casserole, and share it with loved ones for a meal that is both fulfilling and unforgettable.