If you love the comforting combination of cheesy pierogies and savory sausage, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe. It’s an easy, cozy meal that lovingly layers tender pierogies with browned smoked sausage and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, all slow-cooked to bubbling perfection. This dish is a true flavor hug, ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners when you want something hearty and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but play essential roles in building the depth, texture, and warming taste that make the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe so irresistible.
- Frozen pierogies: The star carbohydrate, offering tender pockets filled with your choice of potato, cheese, or meat for classic comfort.
- Smoked sausage: Adds smoky, savory richness and a satisfying meaty bite to every scoop.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy umami depth that binds all ingredients together flawlessly.
- Sour cream: Offers tang and smoothness, balancing the richness of sausage and cheese.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a must-have savory punch.
- Black pepper: Adds warmth and gentle spice to brighten the flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky notes and deepens the color for visual appeal.
- Butter: Used for sautéing, giving richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh pop of green and brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker and Sauté Ingredients
Start by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple. On the stovetop, melt butter over medium heat, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened and wonderfully fragrant, about three to four minutes. Adding the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet afterward allows it to brown lightly, releasing those smoky, savory oils that will seep into every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While your sausage cooks, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. This luscious mixture is where all flavors marry, creating the rich, creamy texture that makes this casserole so comforting.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Place half of the frozen pierogies evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, layer half of the cooked sausage and onion mixture on top, followed by dollops of half the creamy soup mixture. Repeat these layers once more—pierogies, sausage, then sauce—to build your casserole, ensuring each bite has the perfect balance of ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Let the magic happen for four to five hours, during which the pierogies will soften and soak up the flavors, the sausage will infuse its smokiness, and the cheesy sauce will thicken to a bubbly, golden delight. This patient cooking time is what transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a cheerful splash of vibrant green color but also offers a fresh contrast to the creamy richness of the casserole. If you want to kick it up a notch, a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream on top can be delightful additions.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is hearty and rich, pairing it with something light and crisp works beautifully. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon provides a fresh balance. For a touch of traditional flavor, sauerkraut or pickled vegetables bring an acidic bite that complements the smoky sausage perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this dish the star of your next family dinner by serving it directly from the slow cooker at the table, encouraging everyone to dive in family-style. Alternatively, scoop portions into individual oven-safe dishes, sprinkle with extra cheese, and pop under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden crust that’s downright irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe to airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to three days, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or quick reheated dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. To preserve the creamy, cheesy texture, covering the dish while reheating helps retain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen in the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will cook even faster, so you might want to check the casserole after about three hours to prevent overcooking. Their tender texture will complement the dish wonderfully.
What types of sausage work best in this casserole?
Smoked sausage like kielbasa is ideal for its smoky richness, but you can also use turkey sausage for a lighter option or even spicy sausage if you want to add some heat. Just be mindful of the seasoning balance.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe?
Yes! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can be sautéed alongside the onions and garlic for an added layer of flavor and nutrition. Feel free to get creative with your favorite vegetables.
Is it possible to make this casserole without dairy?
It’s a bit tricky since the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese are key to the creamy texture. However, you can try dairy-free cream soups and cheese alternatives if desired, though the flavor and consistency may vary.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra layers, or consider cooking in two batches. The cooking time may extend slightly with the larger volume, so keep an eye on doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to assemble, effortlessly impressive to serve, and endlessly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving some cozy comfort food, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite slow cooker classic.
Print
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal that layers frozen pierogies with savory smoked sausage, creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and smoky paprika, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy days and makes a deliciously cheesy dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pierogi Casserole Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen pierogies, any variety
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Then add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 2–3 minutes until lightly browned to develop flavor.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place half of the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top them with half of the sausage and onion mixture, then half of the creamy soup mixture. Repeat the layering with the remaining pierogies, sausage mixture, and soup mixture to build the casserole.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly, ensuring the pierogies are tender and all flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a fresh, colorful garnish if desired. Serve warm for a delicious and filling meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sausage option, use kielbasa or turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage.
- Enhance the casserole’s flavor and texture by adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sautéed onions and garlic.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before; assemble it and refrigerate, then cook it in the slow cooker the next day.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the casserole slightly earlier to avoid overcooking the pierogies.
