Introduction

Creamy, smoky, and irresistibly comforting, this Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a slow-cooked dish full of cozy flavor. With tender pierogies, browned kielbasa, and a velvety cheese sauce, it creates the kind of aroma that takes over your kitchen in the best possible way. This Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy nights. You’ll learn exactly how to layer each component, lock in flavor, and cook it to creamy perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The magic of this Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe comes from its layered textures and flavors. The pierogies stay tender while absorbing the rich sauce, the kielbasa adds a smoky, savory bite, and the cheese mixture melts into every curve of the pasta pockets. It’s a true comfort-food powerhouse that requires almost no hands-on cooking.

Everything comes together effortlessly right in your slow cooker, so you get a hearty, filling meal without hovering over a stove. The textures contrast perfectly: the soft, pillowy pierogies balance the crisp-edged slices of kielbasa, and the silky sauce ties it all together.

This dish shines as a weeknight solution, a potluck favorite, or a crowd-pleasing family dinner. It tastes indulgent, reheats beautifully, and offers that nostalgic “home-cooked” vibe. Plus, the recipe is incredibly forgiving — you can add veggies, adjust the sauce, or scale it up. The simplicity and comfort make it an instant favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe. Measurements are provided in both US and metric for accuracy.

2 lbs (900 g) frozen potato and cheese pierogies – No need to thaw; they cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
1 lb (450 g) smoked kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds – Adds smoky depth and hearty texture.
1 medium yellow onion, diced – Creates sweetness and balance.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances savory flavor.
2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth – Forms the base of the sauce.
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream – Makes the casserole rich and velvety.
2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for added creaminess.
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, cubed – Thickens the sauce and adds tang.
½ tsp paprika – Adds mild warmth.
¼ tsp black pepper – Enhances overall flavor.
½ tsp salt, or to taste.
2 tbsp unsalted butter – Helps the pierogies stay tender.
Optional: 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas or spinach – Adds color and nutrients.

Keyword variations used naturally: creamy kielbasa casserole, garlic pasta with bacon (referenced as flavor inspiration), slow cooker sausage and pierogies.

Pro Tips

Master this Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe with these essential tips:

1. Brown the kielbasa for deeper flavor.
You can skip this step, but a quick sear creates caramelized edges that intensify the smoky flavor. The browned bits contribute depth to the dish and enhance the sauce.

2. Layer ingredients for even cooking.
Pierogies cook best when arranged in layers rather than piled in one mound. Alternate pierogies, kielbasa, onions, and cheese mixture so every pocket cooks evenly and stays tender.

3. Add cream cheese near the end for perfect texture.
Cream cheese melts smoothly but can separate if heated too long. Stirring it in halfway through cooking keeps the sauce silky and prevents curdling.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a creamy, flavorful Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

Step 1: Prepare the kielbasa and vegetables

Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch rounds. If you prefer bolder flavor, sear them in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to ensure they soften evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create the cheese sauce base

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until incorporated. This step helps the sauce coat the pierogies rather than pooling at the bottom.

Step 3: Layer the ingredients

Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter. Add a layer of frozen pierogies, then scatter sliced kielbasa and diced onion over the top. Pour some of the sauce mixture over the layer. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous pour of sauce.

Step 4: Add cream cheese halfway through

Cook on LOW for 3 hours. Open the lid and gently stir in the cubed cream cheese, pressing it slightly so it melts into the sauce but doesn’t break the pierogies. This step gives the casserole its rich, silky finish.

Step 5: Finish with cheese and cook until creamy

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for another 45–60 minutes, until the pierogies are tender and the sauce is bubbling and thick. Stir carefully before serving to distribute the melted cheese.

Step 6: Optional vegetable addition

If adding peas or spinach, fold them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking so they warm through without overcooking.

Variations

This Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe is incredibly adaptable. Try one of these fun twists:

Loaded Bacon Version:
Add cooked, crumbled bacon and replace half the cheddar with Colby Jack for a smokier, richer flavor inspired by garlic pasta with bacon dishes.

Vegetable-Packed Version:
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrients and vibrant color. These vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy kielbasa casserole base.

Spicy Kick Version:
Stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or swap smoked kielbasa for spicy andouille sausage for a bolder, hotter profile.

Storage & Serving

This dish stores remarkably well, making it great for meal prep.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it chills but loosens once reheated. To freeze, divide into portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between bursts for even heating.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the casserole with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or buttered rolls. It also pairs beautifully with tangy sauerkraut or a simple cucumber-dill salad to cut through the richness.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pierogies?
Yes, but freeze them first so they hold their shape in the slow cooker.

2. Can I cook this on HIGH?
You can cook it on HIGH for 2 hours, but LOW yields better texture.

3. Will the pierogies fall apart?
As long as you avoid stirring too often and layer them properly, they stay intact.

4. Can I replace kielbasa with another protein?
Absolutely. Andouille, smoked sausage, ham, or cooked shredded chicken all work well.

5. How do I make the dish less rich?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheddar by ½ cup.

Conclusion

This Simple Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe is comfort food at its finest — creamy, smoky, and packed with hearty flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights easier and brings everyone back for seconds.