I found this recipe when I was having a very busy week and needed an easy and comforting meal for my family. With my busy schedule, I needed a meal that could be made fast and then left to cook by itself. The thought of a pierogi casserole caught my attention, and adding kielbasa made it even more delicious. As it cooked slowly, the smell spread through my house, making me feel cozy and excited. When it was done, the dish was even better than I expected – creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It soon became a popular choice for family dinners or relaxed get-togethers.
List of items needed to prepare a dish.
3 packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies (regular or mini; we like the mini ones for their small size)
4 cups of chicken broth
One block of cream cheese that weighs 8 ounces.
1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
1 pound of kielbasa, cut into slices.
Add salt and pepper as desired.
Instructions
Choose a slow cooker that can fit all the ingredients comfortably. A 6-quart slow cooker is good for this recipe, but a 4-quart one will also work if you want a smaller casserole.
Spread a little non-stick spray or butter inside the slow cooker before adding the ingredients. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier.
2. Put together the casserole.
Include the Pierogies: Open the packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies. If you are using small pierogies, you can just put them in the slow cooker. If you like regular-sized pierogies, cut them into small pieces before cooking to make sure they cook evenly and are easy to serve.
Cut the kielbasa into slices that are ¼ inch thick. This will help the sausage spread evenly in the casserole and give the dish a smoky taste. Put the cut sausage in the crockpot.
Add cream cheese: Take the 8-ounce block of cream cheese out of its packaging and cut it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and mix evenly in the casserole. Put the pieces of cream cheese into the slow cooker.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top of the other ingredients. This will melt in the dish, giving it a tasty cheese flavor that goes well with the pierogies and kielbasa.
Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the ingredients in the slow cooker. The broth will keep the food moist while cooking and blend all the flavors.
Season your dish with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep in mind that the kielbasa already has spices, so begin with a little salt and add more if necessary.
3. Making the Casserole
Turn on the Slow Cooker: Put the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on to start cooking. If you have time to let it cook slowly, choose the low setting on the slow cooker and let it cook for around 6 hours. If you are in a rush, you can choose the high setting and cook for 3-4 hours.
Check if the casserole is ready about 30 minutes before it should be done cooking. The pierogies need to be soft, and the cream cheese should be completely melted and mixed well into the dish. Mix the casserole carefully to make sure it cooks evenly.
4. Ideas for how to serve.
Make side dishes: While the main dish is cooking, get some fresh side dishes ready to go with your meal. A fresh green salad and a crunchy loaf of bread are excellent options. The salad gives a fresh taste next to the creamy casserole, and the bread is perfect for absorbing any extra sauce
Serve: After the casserole finishes cooking, mix it one last time and try it. Change the flavoring if needed. Pour the casserole into bowls or plates and serve while hot.
Different options and replacements
You can add vegetables to the casserole for more nutrients and taste. You can also add frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers to the pierogies and kielbasa.
Other types of cooked meats, such as ham, chicken sausage, or diced chicken breast, can be used as alternatives to kielbasa if you prefer or want to try something new. Make sure the meat is already cooked because the slow cooking process won’t fully cook raw meat.