If you’ve ever dreamed of combining comfort food with easy weeknight cooking, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Recipe will blow you away. Imagine layers of tender, cheesy pierogies mingling with smoky beef sausage, all cooked low and slow until flavors meld into pure magic. It’s warm, hearty, and effortless to prepare, making it the perfect dish to come home to after a busy day. Whether you’re a fan of classic pierogies or seeking a new twist on casserole meals, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for family dinners and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and satisfying texture from start to finish. They’re simple pantry staples, but combined, they turn into something truly special.
- Frozen cheddar pierogies: These provide the tender, cheesy base that soaks up the savory broth beautifully.
- Smoked beef sausage: Adds a rich, smoky depth that balances the creamy elements perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Pepper: Gives just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- Cream cheese: Brings luscious creaminess that melts into every nook and cranny.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses a subtle savory essence.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a gooey, melted topping that everyone loves.
- Sliced green onions: Freshens up the dish with a mild, crisp finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Sausage
Start by placing the sliced smoked beef sausage evenly into the bottom of your crockpot. This smoky, meaty layer forms the hearty foundation of the casserole, giving it robust flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese and Pierogies
Scatter the chopped cream cheese over the sausage. Then, add the frozen cheddar pierogies on top. The cream cheese will melt slowly, creating a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Step 3: Season and Pour Broth
Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over the pierogies to enhance the natural flavors. Pour the chicken broth gently on top to keep the dish moist while providing a savory base that the pierogies soak up beautifully during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Casserole
Cover your crockpot and cook everything on low for 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the pierogies to soften and absorb the smoky, creamy flavors, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
About 30 minutes before serving, stir the casserole gently and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and continue to cook until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and balance the rich casseroles, a sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions adds the perfect pop of color and a little bit of bite. It’s a simple touch that elevates the dish instantly.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to add freshness and lighten each mouthful. Steamed vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts also make excellent companions, rounding out the meal with healthy, vibrant textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the crockpot for that cozy, communal feel, or present it in a beautiful baking dish for a family-style dinner. For a festive twist, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the casserole taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding the cheddar cheese topping, then thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh cheese.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using an oven, cover with foil to keep the pierogies soft and add the cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of reheating to achieve that perfect melt again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute smoked beef sausage with kielbasa, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Do I need to thaw the pierogies before cooking?
Nope! This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Recipe works best when you add the pierogies frozen. They cook perfectly during the 3-hour slow cook time without getting mushy.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, but if you prefer, you can swap it with sour cream or a splash of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! It serves about 6 generously, but you can easily double the ingredients for larger gatherings as long as you have a crockpot big enough to hold it.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or sautéed spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking can come together to create something truly unforgettable. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for anyone craving that perfect comfort meal without hours spent in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s become such a beloved dish in my home. Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: European
Description
A comforting and hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole featuring layers of tender cheddar pierogies, smoky beef sausage, and creamy cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for a hassle-free meal that brings together rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 (16 oz) boxes frozen cheddar pierogies
- 1 pound smoked beef sausage, sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by slicing the smoked beef sausage into bite-sized pieces and chopping the cream cheese block into smaller chunks to help it melt evenly during cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the sliced beef sausage at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base. Next, add the chopped cream cheese, frozen cheddar pierogies, salt, pepper, and pour in the chicken broth on top.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the mixture for 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the pierogies to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Stir and Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the casserole mixture gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top to melt through the heat for a luscious finish.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking on low until the cheddar cheese has fully melted and is gooey and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the casserole onto plates and garnish generously with sliced green onions. Pair with a fresh salad to round out this satisfying European-inspired main course.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked beef sausage with plant-based sausage or additional mushrooms.
- You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your preference or dietary requirements.
- Make sure pierogies are frozen before adding; fresh pierogies may overcook.
- Adding sliced green onions at the end adds freshness and a slight crunch to the creamy casserole.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
