Okay, friend—let’s talk comfort food. You know those meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day? The kind where the smell alone makes your shoulders drop an inch and your stomach start rumbling? That’s exactly what this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is all about.
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It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with cozy, nostalgic flavor—like something your grandma might’ve made, but with the ease of a slow cooker doing all the work. And the best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Pierogies get all soft and dreamy in the crockpot, mingling with sausage, gooey cheese, and the kind of savory sauce that makes you want to lick the spoon. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a hectic day, and the smell of cheesy pierogies and sausage greets you—yep, heaven. Or picture this as the star at your next potluck. People will ask for the recipe.
Budget-Friendly
Uses ingredients you probably already have. No fancy stuff—just good, honest food that tastes like a million bucks. And the best part? It doesn’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy
Throw it all in the crockpot, and let it work its magic. No complicated prep, no stress. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ve got this.
Customizable
Want to add some heat? Toss in red pepper flakes. Craving more veggies? Mushrooms or spinach would be perfect. This recipe is super flexible.
Crowd-Pleasing
Kids, adults, picky eaters—everyone loves it. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in the best possible way.
Ingredients in Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Here’s what makes this cozy casserole come to life. Just a few simple ingredients, but when they come together—pure magic.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Frozen Pierogies: These little dumplings are the heart of the dish. They turn soft and pillowy in the crockpot while soaking up all the flavors.
Smoked Sausage: Adds a savory, slightly smoky bite that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
Cream Cheese: Melts down into a velvety sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Shredded Cheddar: Because every good casserole needs that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Chicken Broth: Helps create the sauce and keeps everything moist as it cooks.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess for the perfect finish.
Seasonings: A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to tie everything together.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: No need to preheat a crockpot, but if yours has a sauté function and you’re browning sausage first, go ahead and use that now.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and seasonings until smooth. This will be the base of that dreamy sauce.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the frozen pierogies, half of the sausage slices, and half of the sauce in the crockpot. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top.
Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until everything is hot and the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Finishing Touches: Once done, give it a gentle stir if needed and let it sit for about 5 minutes with the lid off to settle and thicken slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls, top with extra sour cream or chopped parsley if desired, and dig in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low (or 2–3 hours on high)
Total Time: 5 hours (max)
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Fresh Salads: A crisp cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly.
Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the cheesy sauce left in the bowl. Bonus points for garlic bread.
Creamy Accompaniments: A spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions adds extra flavor and color.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach balance out the dish.
As a Standalone: It’s hearty enough to stand on its own. Just garnish with fresh parsley and call it a day.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop the sausage and mix the sauce the night before for a lightning-fast morning setup.
Spice It Up: Try smoked paprika or cayenne if you like a little kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage to lighten it up or make it vegetarian.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Double the Batch: Feeding a crowd? This recipe doubles easily—and leftovers are even better the next day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute smoked sausage with another meat?
A1: Absolutely! Kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even diced ham work great.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble everything the night before and refrigerate. Pop it into the crockpot the next day and cook as directed.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: You sure can. Let it cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just be sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the extra volume.
Q7: Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
A7: Yep! Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as fresh pierogies cook faster.
Q8: What can I use instead of sour cream?
A8: Greek yogurt makes a great substitute—it’s tangy and creamy just like sour cream.
Q9: Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
A9: Definitely! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use veggie broth.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A10: Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas would be delicious stirred in.
Conclusion
So there you have it—your new weeknight hero, potluck champion, and comfort food go-to. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is ridiculously easy, endlessly cozy, and downright crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want something soul-warming for yourself, this dish has your back.
Print
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1.5-2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 3-4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is a comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker meal featuring tender pierogies, smoky sausage, and creamy cheese sauce. This hearty casserole is perfect for busy days and delivers warm, satisfying flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogies (potato and cheese)
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add frozen pierogies, cooked sausage, and sautéed onions to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the crockpot and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until pierogies are tender and casserole is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of frozen pierogies according to your preference.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt as sausage and soup may be salty.
- For a crispier top, transfer casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil for a few minutes after cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg