
Slow Cooker Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole combines familiar tastes with easy prep. Cheese-stuffed pierogies, flavorful kielbasa, and a rich, melty cheese sauce create a filling comfort meal. It's great for hectic evenings since your slow cooker handles the cooking while you're busy elsewhere. You'll enjoy this Polish-American fusion dish that's put together with minimal effort.
INGREDIENTS- Frozen Cheddar Pierogies: 3 packs, they're the main component
- Kielbasa: 1 lb, cut into pieces, adds hearty meat flavor
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, split into portions, gives that cheesy goodness
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, split up, for cooking liquid and sauce base
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, makes the sauce super creamy
- Salt and Pepper: to your liking, for flavor adjustment
- Step 1:
- Put 3 cups chicken broth into a 4-6 quart slow cooker, then add the frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, and half the cheddar cheese. Mix them around evenly.
- Step 2:
- Let it cook for 3-4 hours on high setting or 6 hours on low setting.
- Step 3:
- When there's about 30 minutes left, mix the cream cheese with the remaining cup of chicken broth until it's nice and smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour this cream cheese mixture into your slow cooker and top everything with the rest of your shredded cheddar.
- Step 5:
- Put the lid back on and cook on low for another 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Dish it up while it's hot and throw some green onions on top if you want.
- Add some cut green onions or parsley on top for extra color and taste.
- You can keep any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
- Warm leftovers in your microwave or gently in a pan until they're heated all the way through.
- Want more kick? Try using hot kielbasa or splash in some hot sauce.
- If you like your sauce thicker, cut back on the broth or throw in a bit more cream cheese.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Tip: Try mixing in some cooked onions and peppers for more flavor and crunch.
Make this dish even tastier by adding spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs such as dill and parsley. You can also sprinkle some crunchy bacon pieces or sweet caramelized onions on top for extra yumminess.
Great for Family Dinners and GatheringsThis casserole really hits the spot at family meals, potlucks, or when friends come over to watch sports. It's so easy to make but has those classic pierogi and kielbasa flavors that pretty much everyone loves.
FAQsCan I switch up the pierogies?
Absolutely! Go ahead and use potato or onion pierogies if that's what you prefer.
How can I make this without meat?
It's easy to swap the kielbasa for veggie sausage and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I get this ready ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prep everything and keep it in your slow cooker insert in the fridge for up to 12 hours before you start cooking.
What's the trick to keep pierogies from sticking together?
Just give them a little stir now and then while they cook, or spray them with some cooking oil before they go in the pot.
