Slow Cooker Pierogi and Sausage Casserole

by

Slow Cooker Pierogi and Sausage Casserole

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 3–4 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • Frozen Pierogies: 1 box (approx. 16–24 oz), potato and onion or cheddar flavor.

  • Smoked Sausage: 12–14 oz (Kielbasa or Andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds.

  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup.

  • Cream Cheese: 4 oz (half a block), cubed and softened.

  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups, divided.

  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp.

  • Onion Powder: 1 tsp.

  • Black Pepper: ½ tsp.

  • Fresh Chives or Green Onions: For garnish.

Instructions

  1. Layer the Base: Lightly grease your slow cooker insert. Place the frozen pierogies and sliced sausage into the pot.

  2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.

  3. Combine: Pour the broth mixture over the pierogies. Dot the top with the cubed cream cheese and sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar.

  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours. Avoid cooking on High, as the pierogies can become overly mushy.

  5. Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, stir the mixture gently to incorporate the melted cream cheese into a smooth sauce. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar, cover until melted.

  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal

  • Protein: 18g

  • Total Fat: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 1,150mg

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcook: Frozen pierogies are already doughy. If left in the slow cooker for 6+ hours, they will lose their shape and turn into a “mash” (still delicious, but less visually appealing).

  • Brown the Sausage: If you have an extra 5 minutes, sear the sausage slices in a pan before adding them. This adds a smoky depth and better texture.

  • Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach or a cup of frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for some color and nutrients.

Benefits of This Dish

  • Efficiency: It uses “pantry staples” and frozen items, making it a great emergency meal for busy weeknights.

  • Satiety: The combination of fats from the cheese and complex carbs from the potato filling keeps you full for a long time.

  • Budget-Friendly: Pierogies and kielbasa are generally very affordable per serving.

Q&A

Q: Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen? A: Yes, but reduce the chicken broth by ¼ cup and check them after 2 hours. Fresh dough cooks much faster.

Q: Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese? A: It works fine, but freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly because it lacks the anti-clumping cellulose found in bagged cheese.

Q: Can I make this a “dump meal” for the freezer? A: Absolutely. Slice the sausage and put it in a gallon bag with the seasonings and cheese. Keep the pierogies in their original box. When ready, dump the bag and frozen pierogies in, add the broth, and cook!

Leave a Comment