Cozy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe for Fall

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty crockpot pierogi casserage that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Layers of traditional Polish ingredients meld together effortlessly inside your slow cooker.

Savory sausage nestles between soft potato dumplings, creating a satisfying one-pot meal.

Rich flavors develop slowly, infusing each bite with deep, homestyle goodness.

Minimal prep work means you can relax while dinner practically cooks itself.

Crispy edges and tender centers make this dish irresistibly delicious.

This recipe will become your new go-to meal for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners that everyone will request again and again.

Pierogi Casserole and Sausage for Hearty Comfort

• This casserole transforms standard ingredients into a hearty, delicious meal with minimal prep time, perfect for exhausted home cooks seeking comfort food.
• No advanced culinary skills required – simply layer ingredients, mix sauce, and let the crockpot do all the hard work, making it foolproof for cooking novices.
• Combines kid-friendly pierogies with savory sausage and melted cheese, creating a universally appealing dish that satisfies different taste preferences at the dinner table.
• Works brilliantly for casual family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, offering a convenient one-pot meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Magic

Main Ingredients:

• Frozen Pierogies: Tender potato-filled dumplings that form the hearty foundation of the casserole. Choose traditional potato and cheese variety for best flavor.
• Polish Sausage: Smoky and flavorful meat that adds rich protein to the dish. Kielbasa works perfectly for authentic taste.
• Onion: Provides sweet aromatic base and depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a smooth, rich base for the sauce. Use low-sodium version for better control of salt.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess and helps bind the sauce. Full-fat version recommended for best texture.
• Milk: Helps thin and smooth out the sauce consistency.

• Garlic: Brings sharp, aromatic flavor to enhance overall taste. Fresh minced garlic preferred over jarred.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tangy complexity to the sauce. Smooth variety works best.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Paprika: Offers warm, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful color. Use sweet Hungarian paprika for traditional flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding sharp, creamy finish. Sharp variety recommended for more intense flavor.

Making Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot Canvas

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a generous spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Create a delicious base layer with half of your frozen pierogies, spreading them evenly across the bottom.

Scatter half the sliced sausage and chopped onions over the pierogies.

Repeat the layering with remaining pierogies, sausage, and onions.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Gently pour the creamy sauce over the pierogi and sausage layers, ensuring even coverage.

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Cook until the casserole is heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Creamier Pierogi Casserole

• Prevent Soggy Pierogies: Avoid overcooking by checking the casserole at the minimum recommended time to maintain the perfect texture of the frozen pierogies.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté onions before adding them to the crockpot to bring out their natural sweetness and add a richer taste to the dish.
• Customize Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, Gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat sour cream for a healthier version without compromising on taste.
• Handle Leftovers Smartly: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the dish's creamy consistency.

How to Store and Reheat Pierogi Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn. Frozen casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through.
• Scoop individual servings into microwave-safe dishes, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

Great Pairings with Pierogi Casserole and Sausage

• Select a light, refreshing Polish beer like Żywiec or Tyskie to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and complement the sausage's robust flavor.
• Create a zesty side salad with dill pickles, red onions, and a light vinegar dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness and add a bright, acidic contrast.
• Prepare a medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets seasoned with thyme and garlic to provide a hearty, earthy accompaniment that echoes the dish's Eastern European roots.
• Whip up a quick dipping sauce by mixing sour cream, fresh horseradish, chives, and a pinch of salt to add a zingy, creamy element that elevates the casserole's rich flavors.

Pierogi Casserole Variations to Warm Up Weeknights

• Gluten-Free Pierogi Delight: Replace frozen pierogies with gluten-free potato dumplings and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a meatless protein option.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Incorporate jalapeños, swap Dijon mustard for salsa, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty regional variation with a kick.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Approach: Choose low-sodium sausage, replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade cashew cream sauce, and reduce added salt for heart-healthy modifications.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Common Questions

• Are pierogies always frozen when used in this recipe?

Yes, this recipe specifically uses frozen pierogies directly from the package without thawing, which makes preparation quick and convenient.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Polish kielbasa works best, but you can also use smoked sausage, bratwurst, or Italian sausage based on your preference and flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Perfect for meal prep! The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start the slow cooker, making it ideal for busy families and work weeks.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for bubbling edges, melted cheese, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The pierogies should be hot and the sausage fully heated through.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole brings Polish comfort directly to your kitchen, blending creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and classic pierogi flavors. Comforting layers of cheese and herbs create a simple, satisfying meal that connects you with traditional Eastern European cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) smoked sausage (kielbasa or Polish sausage), sliced
• 1 (16 ounces) package frozen pierogies (cheddar or potato-filled)

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Grease the interior of the slow cooker to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Create the first foundational layer by evenly distributing frozen pierogies across the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Scatter sliced sausage and chopped onions over the initial pierogi layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
4. Construct a second identical layer with remaining pierogies, sausage, and onions, mirroring the first arrangement.
5. Prepare a creamy sauce by thoroughly blending cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika in a mixing bowl.
6. Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, making certain every pierogi and sausage piece receives sauce coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty finish.
8. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the casserole to slowly simmer on LOW temperature for 4-5 hours, or alternatively on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
9. Verify the dish is thoroughly heated, with cheese melted and edges bubbling, before serving.

Notes

• Customize the sausage type to match your flavor preference, like spicy Italian or mild Polish kielbasa for a personalized touch.
• Swap frozen pierogies with homemade or fresh versions for an authentic, more textured experience.
• Consider using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a bright, fresh finish that elevates the overall presentation and adds a light, zesty flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 860
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 180mg