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Introduction
Hearty, creamy, and packed with comfort, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Featuring potato and cheese pierogies, smoky sausage, a savory cream sauce, and melty cheddar, it’s the kind of cozy one-pot meal that turns an ordinary night into something deliciously special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a potluck, this easy slow cooker recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Pierogies, traditional Eastern European dumplings filled with ingredients like potato, cheese, meat, or fruit, hold deep cultural roots in Polish, Ukrainian, and Slovak cuisines. Originally handmade for holidays and feasts, pierogies have become a beloved comfort food across North America thanks to immigrant communities who brought their culinary traditions with them. This casserole-style dish is a modern American twist, combining convenience foods like frozen pierogies and canned soup with slow cooking—a tribute to both heritage and today’s busy lifestyle.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Optional Additions
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn for added veggies
- A pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
- Diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the sausage
- Swap cheddar for gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack
- Top with crispy bacon or fried onions for extra crunch
- Use kielbasa or turkey sausage for a flavor twist
Tips for Success
- Don’t thaw the pierogies before layering—use them straight from the freezer
- Brown the sausage lightly to enhance flavor and reduce excess grease
- Mix the sauce until smooth before layering to avoid clumps
- Grease the crockpot to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
- Cook on low for the best texture—high heat may overcook the edges
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking to set before serving
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sliced sausage. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the sausage is lightly browned. - Prepare the sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. - Assemble in the crockpot:
Lightly grease the inside of a 4–6 quart crockpot.- Layer half of the frozen pierogies on the bottom.
- Add half of the sausage and onion mixture over the pierogies.
- Spoon half of the soup-sour cream mixture over that.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the pierogies are tender and the casserole is heated through. - Garnish and serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve warm.
Description
This creamy crockpot casserole melds the buttery bite of pierogies with smoky sausage, all smothered in a rich mushroom-sour cream sauce and finished with melty cheddar cheese. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to marry, creating a satisfying dish that’s savory, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting with every spoonful.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 510
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 18g
(Note: Values may vary based on sausage type, cheese used, and serving size.)
Conclusion
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is a perfect balance of Old World flavor and modern-day convenience. It’s rich, hearty, and endlessly customizable—ideal for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or whenever you need a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Recommendation
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It also goes great with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For drinks, a light lager or sparkling water with lemon complements it well. Double the recipe for parties—it reheats beautifully!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this dish is indulgent by nature, healthful tweaks can lighten it without sacrificing comfort. Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, or turkey sausage. Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to boost fiber and nutrients. Practicing portion control and pairing with fresh sides allows you to enjoy this rich casserole in a balanced, nourishing way.
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