Hearty Crock Pot Pierogi Kielbasa

This slow cooker pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings comfort food bliss when it's cold outside. Soft cheese or potato filled pierogies mix with tasty kielbasa and gently browned onions, all tucked under melty cheddar that comes together effortlessly in your crock pot. I turn to this dish when we're short on time but hungry for those rich, satisfying tastes that fill the home with wonderful aromas.

The moment I first cooked this, my family kept walking by the slow cooker all day because it smelled so amazing. These days it's our go-to for lazy weekends, snowy afternoons and group gatherings.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Frozen pierogies: Go for potato or cheese filled ones for a soft, pillowy base that drinks up the sauce - try to find packages with clean, simple ingredients
• Kielbasa sausage: Adds smoky richness and hearty protein - check the butcher counter for premium pork options that pack more flavor
• Large onion: Cut into thin slices for natural sweetness and those irresistible golden edges
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Creates those stretchy, gooey pockets - grab sharp for grown-ups or mild if kids will be eating
• Sour cream: Brings creaminess and light tanginess - don't skimp with low-fat versions for best results
• Butter: Used for sautéing and flavor building - real butter works way better than substitutes
• Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes - make sure yours smells strong and fresh
• Salt and black pepper: Balances all flavors - always sample before adding the final toppings
• Fresh parsley: Adds bright color and freshness - chop it just before you serve for maximum impact

How to Make It

Prep and Sauté the Kielbasa and Onions:

Put a large skillet on medium heat and melt the butter. Toss in sliced kielbasa and cook until it gets nice golden edges, around five to seven minutes. Drop in the sliced onions and keep cooking until they soften and turn sweet and golden, about eight to ten minutes more. Shake in some garlic powder, salt and pepper at the last minute. Mix well then pull off the heat.

Assemble in the Crock Pot:

Give your slow cooker a quick spray with nonstick coating to prevent sticking. Arrange the frozen pierogies across the bottom in a single layer. Dump the cooked kielbasa and onion mix evenly on top. Sprinkle all the shredded cheddar across everything to form the next layer.

Add Creamy Layer and Cook:

Spoon the sour cream in little dollops over the cheese, then gently smooth it out with the back of your spoon. Put the lid on your crock pot. Cook on low for three hours or if you're in a rush, high for one to one and a half hours until everything's hot, the cheese has melted and it looks bubbly.

Finish and Serve:

Take off the lid and poke a pierogi to make sure they're soft. Want a crispy top? Move everything to an oven-safe dish and stick it under the broiler for just a minute or two until golden and bubbling. Scatter freshly chopped parsley all over right before you bring it to the table.

Those sweet, deeply browned onions get me excited every time we make this. My kids love helping stack all the ingredients - they call it making the dinner mountain and fight over who gets to sprinkle the cheese and parsley.

Flavor Boosters

Store any extras in sealed containers in the fridge for up to four days. Warm up individual portions in the microwave or oven, adding a little cream or stock if it seems dry. You can even freeze this dish - just cool it down first, then freeze portions for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad and some tangy pickles to cut through the richness. For group meals, keep it warm directly in the slow cooker or dump into a big dish for family-style eating. Some warm rye bread on the side always vanishes fast at our house.

Creative Twists

Can't grab kielbasa? Try regular smoked sausage or cooked brats instead. Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack if you want something milder, or go with mozzarella for those amazing cheese pulls. Try swapping onions with leeks for a gentler onion taste.

This meal brings together easy cooking and total comfort. Enjoy it your way and make it a regular in your family's meal rotation.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely, fresh pierogies are a great choice. Just keep an eye on them as they'll likely cook a bit quicker than frozen ones would.

→ What type of kielbasa is best?

Smoked kielbasa gives you the richest taste, but turkey or chicken versions work nicely if you want something lighter.

→ How can I get a crispy top?

Once your slow cooker part is done, put everything in an oven-safe dish and pop under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get that nice golden cheese crust.

→ Can sour cream be substituted?

Sure thing, Greek yogurt works great for a tangier, lighter option, or try a non-dairy alternative if you can't have milk products.

→ Are there recommended vegetables to add?

Cooked mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, or even some wilted spinach can add nice flavor and make the meal more nutritious.

→ What cheese works best besides cheddar?

You can't go wrong with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a mix of whatever melting cheeses you have in your fridge for different flavors.