Comfort in a Bowl: With only 4 ingredients, this Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole is the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs meal for a cold February night. Tender frozen pierogies, smoky kielbasa, rich cream cheese, and flavorful broth slowly cook together into a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep and hands-off slow cooking, this cozy family dinner delivers big comfort with minimal effort.
Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole in the Slow Cooker
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Cooking duration 3-4hours (High) or 6hours(Low).
Ingredients
- Frozen Pierogies: 2 boxes (about 16 oz. each), cheese or potato.
- Notes: Frozen pierogies create a hearty base and soak up the broth flavor while cooking.
- Smoked Sausage (Kielbasa):1lb, cut in rounds
- Notes: Smoked sausage adds savory richness and pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (some recipes add 3-4 cups to make the soup look and taste more like a soup).
- Notes: Broth creates a flavorful base and can be increased if you prefer a soupier consistency.
- Cream Cheese: 1 block (8 oz), cut into cubes or softened before using
- Notes: Cream cheese melts into the broth and creates a rich, creamy sauce.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese 2 cups (divided).
- Notes: Adds cheesy flavor and a bubbly, golden topping.
- Seasoning: 1/2 tsp black pepper (salt is normally not necessary as the broth and sausage do the same).
- Notes: Black pepper enhances flavor; extra salt is usually unnecessary due to broth and sausage.
- Garnish of choice Sliced green onions or fresh parsley.
- Notes: Garnish adds freshness and a pop of color before serving.
Instructions
- Layer: Grease lightly your slow cooker. Put the frozen pierogies and cut kielbasa in the pot.
- Notes: Light greasing prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Add Base: Add the chicken broth on top and shake with pepper.
- Notes: Distribute pepper evenly for consistent flavor.
- Add Creaminess: Place small cubes of cream cheese over the top, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly across the dish.
- Notes: Cream cheese should be dotted so it melts evenly into the broth.
- Cook: Wrap up and High-Low 6 hours and 3-4 hours, respectively.
- Notes: Cooking time depends on your heat setting; low and slow gives best flavor.
- Hint: Approximately 30 minutes to time of completion, stir it very gently to ensure the cream cheese mixes in a smooth sauce.
- Notes: Gentle stirring helps create a creamy, well-blended sauce.
- The Finish: Sprinkle the rest 1 cup cheddar cheese on top. Continue covering the cheese to another 15-20 minutes till the cheese is bubbly and melted (as in your photo).
- Notes: Final melting creates a rich, golden cheese topping.
- Serving: Green onions are optional. It is wonderful when it is taken with sour cream on the side.
- Notes: Sour cream adds extra creaminess and balances the savory flavors.
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