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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. This hearty, delicious dish combines the savory flavors of kielbasa with the creamy goodness of pierogies, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. I first came across this recipe at a family gathering, where it quickly became a favorite. The ease of preparation and the mouthwatering results make it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. There’s something incredibly satisfying about setting up your crockpot, walking away, and returning to a ready-to-eat meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
3 boxes Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (Regular or mini; mini preferred for bite-sized pieces)
4 cups chicken broth
1 8 oz. block cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound kielbasa, sliced (or other cooked meat of your choice)
Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the Kielbasa: Begin by slicing the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that it will evenly distribute throughout the casserole and be easy to eat.
Cut the Cream Cheese: Cut the 8 oz. block of cream cheese into small cubes. This will help it melt more easily and evenly in the crockpot.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Add Pierogies: Place the 3 boxes of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies into the crockpot. If you are using the mini pierogies, there’s no need to cut them; if using regular-sized pierogies, you may want to cut them in half to ensure they are more manageable and bite-sized.
Add Kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa on top of the pierogies. Spread them out evenly to ensure every bite gets a bit of that delicious sausage flavor.
Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese: Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the pierogies and kielbasa. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Pour Chicken Broth: Pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot. The broth will help to cook the pierogies and create a creamy sauce as it combines with the cheeses.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt since the kielbasa and cheeses already contain a good amount of sodium.
Step 3: Cook the Casserole
Set the Crockpot: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works just as well.
Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the mixture a gentle stir once or twice during the cooking process. This helps ensure that the cheeses melt evenly and everything is well combined.
Step 4: Serve the Casserole
Check for Doneness: Once the cooking time is complete, check to ensure the pierogies are tender and the cheeses are fully melted into a creamy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Serve the casserole hot, directly from the crockpot. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread, which can help soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats: If kielbasa isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with other cooked meats such as smoked sausage, ham, or even cooked chicken.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the kielbasa and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan can give a different but equally delicious flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. This can be mixed in with the other ingredients before cooking.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Fresh or dried herbs can be added at the beginning of the cooking process.
Conclusion
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a wonderfully convenient and delicious dish that brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness of pierogies with the savory flavor of kielbasa. The ease of preparation, combined with the rich and hearty flavors, makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting dinner to come home to, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
The flexibility of this recipe also makes it appealing. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning. The simplicity of using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities.
In summary, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
