Description
A rich and comforting slow cooker casserole made with frozen potato and cheese pierogies, smoky kielbasa, onions, cheddar, and a creamy sauce that cooks into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot to prevent sticking.
- Spread half of the frozen pierogies across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Top with half of the sliced kielbasa and half of the diced onion.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pierogies, kielbasa, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crock pot.
- Scatter the cubed cream cheese and butter over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pierogies are tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Gently stir before serving so the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Smoked kielbasa gives the best deep savory flavor, but turkey kielbasa can be used for a lighter version.
- You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra texture and flavor.
- For a sharper cheese flavor, swap cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack.
- A small spoonful of Dijon mustard can be added to the sauce for a subtle tang.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
