There’s something about slow-cooked comfort food that just hits different.

Whether it’s the smell that greets you at the door after a long day or the fact that dinner practically made itself while you were busy being awesome—this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is pure, effortless comfort.

We’re talking layers of pillowy pierogies, smoky turkey kielbasa, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, all slow-cooked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s hearty, it’s family-friendly, and it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or freezer. Yes, this is a real dump-and-go dinner dream come true.

I stumbled onto this recipe on one of those nights when time was short and energy was even shorter. I had frozen pierogies, some leftover turkey kielbasa, and a bag of shredded cheese begging to be used. I tossed everything into the slow cooker with a quick homemade creamy sauce, crossed my fingers—and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become a cold-weather staple in our house and a favorite with friends (even the picky ones).

So if you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in casserole form—this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this casserole is about to become your new go-to:

Ridiculously easy – We’re talking less than 10 minutes of prep. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting!
Freezer-friendly ingredients – Frozen pierogies, kielbasa, shredded cheese. Check, check, check.
Family-approved – It’s cheesy, it’s creamy, and it’s got that smoky sausage bite kids and grownups love.
Halal-friendly – We’re using turkey kielbasa instead of pork so it’s perfect for everyone at the table.
Customizable – Swap in different cheeses, throw in some veggies, or add a little spice if you’re feeling fancy.

The texture is dreamy: the pierogies soak up all the creamy goodness, the cheese melts into every crevice, and the kielbasa adds that smoky, savory punch. It’s like a deconstructed perogie plate that practically cooks itself.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 2 to 4 hours (depending on your slow cooker setting)
Servings: 6 hearty portions
Calories per serving: ~480
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 22g

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this cheesy crockpot magic:

1 (16 oz) package frozen pierogies – Potato and cheese pierogies are our go-to, but feel free to mix it up!
12 oz turkey kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds – Smoky, flavorful, and halal.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp or mild, your call. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
½ cup sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess to the sauce.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – For that rich, savory base. Cream of chicken also works.
½ cup milk – Helps thin the sauce just enough to coat every bite.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Optional, but adds a little depth and color.
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes:

Frozen Pierogies: You don’t even need to thaw them—straight from the freezer is fine!
Turkey Kielbasa: Be sure to slice it thin enough so it warms through and gets tender.
Sour Cream & Cream of Mushroom: These create the creamy sauce base. If you’re not into canned soups, you can sub a quick homemade roux (I’ll show you how in the tips!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get this casserole going!

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Slice your turkey kielbasa into ½-inch rounds.
Grab your frozen pierogies straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

2. Layer It All in the Crockpot

Now we layer—no particular science here, just aim for even distribution!

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or lightly grease it.
Add half of the pierogies in a single layer.
Top with half the kielbasa slices.
Drizzle half the creamy sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with ½ cup of shredded cheese.

Repeat with the remaining pierogies, kielbasa, sauce, and cheese.

3. Let It Cook

Low & Slow: Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
Quick Fix: Or on HIGH for 2 hours.

You’re looking for bubbly sauce and melty, gooey cheese. The edges might get a little golden and crispy, and honestly—that’s the best part.

4. Serve It Up

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness!

How to Serve It

This casserole is a star all on its own, but here are a few winning combos:

With a side salad – Something fresh like arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Garlic green beans – Steam or sauté with a little olive oil and garlic.
Warm dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Cucumber yogurt salad – A cool, creamy side that complements the smoky kielbasa.

Additional Tips for Success

Use a Crockpot Liner or Grease Well – This cheesy dish will stick a bit, so spray generously or use a liner for easy cleanup.
Thin Sauce? Add Cheese – If your sauce seems too loose at the end, stir in extra cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes with the lid on.
Thicker Sauce? Add Milk – Too thick? A splash of milk while it’s hot will loosen things right up.
Mix up the Cheese – Try adding mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a twist.
Make it Veggie-Friendly – Omit the kielbasa and toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a hearty meatless version.

Recipe Variations

Switch things up with these simple tweaks:

Spicy Kick – Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy turkey sausage.
Different Pierogies – Try cheddar, onion, or even spinach & feta pierogies!
Veggie Add-Ins – Toss in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
No Cream of Mushroom? – Mix 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup milk, and a dash of broth or garlic powder to make a homemade white sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is indulgent and filling on its own, but here’s what we love pairing it with:

Steamed broccoli or green beans
A big salad with lemon dressing
Pickled veggies or sauerkraut for that tangy counterbalance
A tall glass of sparkling lemonade or your favorite iced tea

Kid-friendly version? Serve with buttered peas and apple slices.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

Let the casserole cool completely.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Freeze:

Allow to cool, then scoop into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes).

Bonus tip: You can also freeze uncooked portions in individual ramekins for easy lunches!

Special Equipment

You don’t need much to make this work, but a few tools help:

Crockpot (4-quart or larger) – A must for this set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
Nonstick spray or crockpot liner – Helps avoid baked-on cheese mess.
Whisk – To mix up your sauce easily.
Slotted spoon – Handy for serving all the cheesy goodness without making it too soupy.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just reduce the cook time slightly (by about 30 minutes), since they don’t need to thaw.

What can I use instead of kielbasa?

You can use any halal sausage, like beef or chicken sausage. Even cooked, shredded chicken works in a pinch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything the night before and store in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker and add 30–60 minutes of extra cooking time.

Do I need to boil the pierogies first?

Nope! Straight from the freezer is totally fine—they’ll cook perfectly in the sauce.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well and adds a little protein boost.

What’s the best cheese for this?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend all work beautifully.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

Sure can! Layer everything in a 9×13 baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.

Is this kid-friendly?

Oh yes! Creamy, cheesy, and full of familiar flavors. You might even win over a picky eater or two.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives. Use a creamy oat milk for the sauce base.

Wrapping It Up

This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is what comfort food dreams are made of—creamy, cheesy, and completely crave-worthy. Whether it’s a cold winter night or you just need something easy and delicious on the table, this recipe has your back.

I hope it becomes a favorite in your home like it has in mine! If you make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below—I’d love to see your delicious creations!