Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole with Smoked Sausage
This Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole is made with frozen potato and cheese pierogies, smoked sausage, and a rich creamy cheddar sauce. An easy comfort food dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole is it. Tender potato and cheese pierogies, smoky sausage, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce come together for a hearty meal the whole family will love.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it starts with frozen pierogies, so there is no extra prep or boiling required. After a few minutes of browning the sausage and onions, your slow cooker takes over. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Recipe Snapshot
PREP TIME: 15 minutes (No need to thaw the pierogies.)
COOK TIME: 4-5 hours
SERVINGS: 6 to 8
BEST FOR: Comfort food dinner with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
What Is Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole?
Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole is an easy crockpot dinner made with frozen potato and cheese pierogies, smoked sausage, onions, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
Instead of boiling the pierogies separately, everything cooks together in the slow cooker. As the pierogies slowly cook, they absorb the flavorful broth and cream while staying soft and tender. The result is a hearty casserole that’s loaded with cheesy, comforting flavor.
Can You Cook Frozen Pierogies in the Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Frozen pierogies are one of the best shortcuts for slow cooker meals.
No thawing is necessary.
The pierogies cook gently while absorbing the flavorful broth.
Cooking on low helps them stay tender without falling apart.
Since they’re fully assembled, there’s very little prep work.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole
Ingredients for Pierogi Casserole
Smoked sausage: Adds smoky, savory flavor and plenty of protein. Smoky Kielbasa also works well.
Small onion: Becomes sweet and flavorful after caramelizing with the sausage.
Butter: Helps brown the sausage and onions while adding richness.
Frozen potato and cheese pierogies: The star of the recipe. No thawing or boiling required.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor while the pierogies cook.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
Cream cheese: Thickens the sauce and gives it a creamy texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for cheesy goodness and creates the perfect topping.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and onion. Cook until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions are soft and caramelized.
- Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a 4-6 quart crockpot.
- Add the frozen pierogies and gently stir to combine.
- Pour in 1 cup of the chicken broth and the heavy cream.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours.
- About 1 hour before serving, whisk together the softened block of cream cheese and the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the slow cooker and give it a gentle stir.
- Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or sour cream if desired and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole
- Brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Add the cream cheese mixture during the last hour so the sauce stays smooth and creamy.
- Stir gently to keep the pierogies from breaking apart.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce.
- Avoid overcooking, which can make the pierogies too soft.
- Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole
This hearty casserole is filling on its own, but adding a vegetable or fresh side dish makes it a complete meal.
Great side dishes include:
Crusty bread
Green salad
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Steamed asparagus
Easy Recipe Variations
- Use kielbasa: Swap smoked sausage for kielbasa for a classic Polish-inspired flavor.
- Turkey sausage or turkey kielbasa: Turkey offers big flavor with lower fat and calories.
- Add bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top before serving.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or pepper jack cheese.
- Add vegetables: Stir in broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
- Try different pierogi flavors: Loaded baked potato, cheddar bacon, onion, or jalapeño varieties all work well.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.
To reheat a larger batch, warm it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop over low heat.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the step of browning the sausage and onions
- Cooking the casserole too long
- Stirring too often, which can break apart the pierogies
- Using cold cream cheese instead of softened cream cheese
- Adding all of the cheese at the beginning
- Using High heat for the full cooking time
More Easy Slow Cooker Meals for Busy Weeknights
- Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
- Crockpot BBQ Shredded Pork
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- ​Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
- Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
FAQs about cheesecloth
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or simply craving a comforting dish, this Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole is a delicious meal that’s sure to earn a spot among your favorite recipes. The tender pierogies soak up the rich, creamy sauce while the smoked sausage and sharp cheddar cheese add plenty of hearty flavor in every bite. The next time you need an easy slow cooker recipe that delivers big on comfort with very little effort, give this one a try. I have a feeling it will become a regular part of your dinner rotation!
Pin this recipe for later!
Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole with Smoked Sausage
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 36 ct frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 2 cups chicken broth divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese reserve 1/2 cup for topping
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and onion. Cook until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions are soft and caramelized.
- Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a 4-6 quart crockpot.
- Add the frozen pierogies and gently stir to combine.
- Pour in 1 cup of the chicken broth and the heavy cream.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours.
- About 1 hour before serving, whisk together the softened block of cream cheese and the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the slow cooker and give it a gentle stir.
- Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or sour cream if desired and serve warm.
