Dinner Ideas With Pierogies don’t get much easier—or cozier—than this crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa. If you’ve ever felt a tiny pang of guilt grabbing frozen pierogies instead of making them from scratch, congrats… you’re officially off the hook. This recipe is proof that shortcuts can still deliver big comfort food energy with minimal effort.
I used to think pierogies had to be handmade to be “legit.” Dough rolled thin. Fillings carefully tucked inside. Flour everywhere. My neighbor treated pierogi day like a sacred ritual, and honestly? It looked exhausting. Meanwhile, I had a freezer stocked with store-bought pierogies just waiting for their moment.
That moment came when I tossed them into a slow cooker with smoky kielbasa, cheese, and broth. No rolling pins. No drama. Just a creamy, hearty casserole that tasted like it had way more effort behind it than it actually did. IMO, that’s the dream.
This is one of those dump-it-and-walk-away dinners that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want comfort food without babysitting a stove.
Why This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Is So Irresistible
Let’s be real. This dish checks all the right boxes.
First, it’s hands-off. Once everything hits the slow cooker, you’re done. No stirring every five minutes. No hovering. That alone earns it a permanent spot in my rotation of Fall Comfort Dinners.
Second, the flavors go hard—in the best way. Tender pierogies soak up savory broth, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that coats every bite. It’s indulgent without being fussy.
Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love it. Adults love it. Leftovers love you back the next day. This is one of those Shareable Recipes that disappears fast at potlucks and family dinners.
And finally? It’s flexible. You can swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge and still end up with something delicious. That’s my kind of recipe.
The Story Behind This Easy Perogies Casserole
This recipe was born out of pure laziness… and necessity. One hectic weekday. Zero energy. A freezer full of pierogies. Sound familiar?
I needed dinner that didn’t require mental math or extra dishes. The crockpot felt like the obvious move. Tossed in pierogies. Added sliced kielbasa. Poured in broth and cheese. Walked away.
A few hours later, the kitchen smelled like a cozy Eastern European café. Creamy. Savory. Comforting. One bite in, and I knew this was a keeper.
Now, it’s my go-to whenever someone asks for Perogie Meal Ideas that don’t involve boiling water or standing at the stove. It’s also one of those meals that somehow tastes even better the next day. FYI, that’s a huge win.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)
This recipe keeps things simple. Nothing fancy. Just solid ingredients doing their job.
For the Casserole Base
- Frozen cheddar pierogies – The star of the show. Frozen works perfectly and holds up well in the slow cooker.
- Kielbasa sausage – Smoky, savory, and hearty. It adds depth and keeps the dish filling.
- Chicken broth – Helps everything cook evenly and adds flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, creamy goodness throughout the casserole.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning goes a long way here.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cream cheese – This is what makes the sauce rich and luxurious.
- Chicken broth – Loosens the sauce so it blends smoothly.
- More cheddar cheese – Because extra cheese is never a bad idea.
These ingredients come together to create one of those Perogies Dishes that feels indulgent without being complicated.
How to Make Crockpot Perogies With Kielbasa (Step-by-Step)
This is as easy as slow cooker recipes get. If you can dump ingredients into a pot, you can make this.
Step 1: Load the Crockpot
Add frozen pierogies, sliced kielbasa, chicken broth, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper directly into your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir so it’s evenly distributed.
Pro tip: Browning the kielbasa in a skillet first adds extra flavor. Not required, but highly recommended.
Step 2: Let It Cook
Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Low and slow gives the best texture, IMO.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
About 30 minutes before it’s done, gently heat cream cheese with chicken broth until smooth. Whisk until lump-free.
Step 4: Finish Strong
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot. Stir gently. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. Cover and cook another 30 minutes until everything is creamy and melted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop it hot. Add green onions or chives if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it.
You’ve officially mastered Sausage Perogies Crock Pot cooking.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Want next-level results? These tips matter.
Soften your cream cheese first. Cold cream cheese = lumpy sauce. Nobody wants that.
Don’t overcook. Pierogies can turn mushy if left too long. Stick to the recommended times.
Brown the kielbasa. That extra step adds serious flavor and prevents rubbery sausage.
Save some cheese for the end. Sprinkling cheese on top during the final stretch gives you that gooey finish.
These small details turn a good casserole into an Easy Perogies Casserole you’ll crave again.
Variations to Try When You Want to Switch It Up
This recipe is super forgiving. Here are some easy swaps.
- Swap cheddar pierogies for potato and onion or bacon varieties.
- Use turkey kielbasa for a lighter option.
- Try Swiss or Gruyère for a more “grown-up” flavor.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra depth.
- Stir in a dollop of sour cream at the end for tang.
This flexibility is why it fits so well into a collection of Dinner Ideas With Pierogies you can rely on.
Best Ways to Serve This Dish
This casserole is rich, so simple sides work best.
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the creaminess nicely. Sauerkraut adds a tangy bite and keeps things traditional. Steamed broccoli or green beans are easy veggie wins.
Hosting? Serve it family-style and watch it disappear. This is one of those Shareable Recipes people always ask for.
Storage, Leftovers, and Reheating Tips
Good news: leftovers are fantastic.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better overnight.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Great for quick lunches.
Reheat: Microwave gently or warm in the oven at 350°F covered. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Leftovers like this are why I love crockpot meals.

FAQs About Crockpot Perogies With Kielbasa
Can I use fresh pierogies?
Yes. Reduce the cooking time slightly so they don’t get too soft.
Do I have to brown the sausage first?
No, but it adds flavor. Worth it if you have 5 extra minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Reheat gently before serving.
Is this kid-friendly?
Very. It’s creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yep—just make sure your crockpot is big enough.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
This dish nails everything we want from comfort food. It’s easy. It’s filling. It tastes like you worked harder than you did.
Whether you’re hunting for Perogie Meal Ideas, planning cozy Fall Comfort Dinners, or just need something dependable after a long day, this casserole delivers every time.
It’s no surprise recipes like this sit right alongside favorites inspired by Alyssa Rivers Recipes—simple, reliable, and packed with flavor.
If you’ve been sleeping on frozen pierogies, consider this your wake-up call. Toss them in a slow cooker, add kielbasa, and let the magic happen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at your freezer the same way again. Print
Irresistible Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa – Dinner Ideas with Pierogies Made Easy
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Description
This slow cooker pierogi casserole is the definition of low-effort comfort food. Frozen cheddar pierogies, smoky kielbasa, and a creamy cheese sauce come together in the crockpot for a hearty, hands-off dinner that tastes like you worked way harder than you actually did.
Ingredients
For the casserole base:
- 3 packages frozen cheddar pierogies
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the creamy cheese sauce:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Start by adding the frozen pierogies directly into a 4–6 quart slow cooker. Scatter the sliced kielbasa over the top, then pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and season lightly with salt and pepper. Gently stir just enough to spread everything out evenly without breaking the pierogies.
- Cover the crockpot and cook until hot and tender—either on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for about 6 hours. The slower setting gives the pierogies more time to soak up flavor, so choose low if your schedule allows.
- About half an hour before serving, prepare the cheese sauce. Place the cream cheese and remaining cup of chicken broth into a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Heat slowly until the cream cheese softens, then whisk until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle the final cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover again and continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the casserole turns rich and creamy.
- Once everything is bubbling and perfectly melted, it’s ready to serve. Spoon into bowls while hot and finish with sliced green onions if you like a little pop of color and freshness. Dig in and enjoy every cheesy bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 3550
- Fat: 200 g
- Carbohydrates: 290 g
- Protein: 140 g


