Description
Hearty Pierogi Casserole blends Polish comfort with convenient crockpot magic, marrying tender dumplings and smoky kielbasa in one delicious dish. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) bag frozen pierogis
- 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Sauce Components:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear kielbasa in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until edges turn golden brown, creating caramelized flavor profiles.
- Incorporate diced onions into the skillet, sautéing until translucent and releasing sweet aromatic notes.
- Whisk together creamy sauce components, blending sour cream, condensed mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar until smoothly integrated.
- Prepare crockpot with a light spray of cooking oil to prevent ingredient adherence.
- Construct initial layer by arranging frozen pierogis across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
- Spread half the seared kielbasa and caramelized onions over the pierogis.
- Drizzle half the prepared creamy sauce across the layer, allowing it to seep between ingredients.
- Repeat layering process with remaining pierogis, kielbasa, onions, and sauce.
- Generously sprinkle additional cheddar cheese across the top layer for enhanced melting coverage.
- Set crockpot to low temperature and cook for 4-5 hours until pierogis become tender and cheese transforms into a bubbling golden crust.
- Once cooking completes, allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes to stabilize layers.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize Texture by carefully not overcooking pierogis to maintain their delicate pasta-like consistency and prevent becoming mushy during slow cooking.
- Cheese Selection matters; use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or experiment with smoked gouda for an enhanced taste profile that complements kielbasa’s richness.
- Low-Sodium Alternative can be achieved by choosing reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup and low-fat kielbasa, making the dish more heart-friendly without compromising taste.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation works by substituting regular pierogis with gluten-free versions and ensuring all other ingredients like soup and cheese are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg