Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Pierogi Casserole
Description
Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Pierogi Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal made with smoky sausage, tender potato-and-cheese pierogies, a rich creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to blend into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners. This recipe requires minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)
- Total Time: About 5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 14 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth.
Step 3
Spread half of the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 4
Top with half of the sliced sausage.
Step 5
Spoon one-third of the sauce over the layers and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
Step 6
Repeat with remaining pierogies, sausage, and sauce.
Step 7
Cover and cook:
- Low: 4–5 hours
- High: 2–3 hours
The pierogies should be tender and heated through.
Step 8
During the final 15 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover until melted.
Step 9
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Frozen pierogies do not need to be thawed.
- Smoked kielbasa adds a rich, savory flavor.
- The sauce thickens naturally during cooking.
- Stir gently before serving if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest sauce.
- Don’t overcook, or the pierogies may become overly soft.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
Bacon Lover’s Version
Add 6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon.
Vegetable Version
Mix in:
- Broccoli florets
- Peas
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
Spicy Version
Use spicy smoked sausage and pepper jack cheese.
Three Cheese Version
Combine:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Garden salad
- Steamed asparagus
- Coleslaw
Servings
Serves: 6–8 people
Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 1,280 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Calcium: 25% Daily Value
- Iron: 12% Daily Value
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on the brands of ingredients used.
Benefits
- Easy one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.
- Great for busy weeknights and meal prep.
- Rich in protein from sausage and cheese.
- Comforting and filling, making it ideal for cold weather.
- Easily customizable with vegetables or different cheeses.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
- Slow cooker does most of the work.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Can I use fresh pierogies?
Yes. Fresh pierogies work well but may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness earlier.
2. Do I need to thaw frozen pierogies?
No. Add them directly from the freezer.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and cook when ready.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened.
6. Can I use another soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes. Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cheddar cheese soup are all excellent substitutes.
7. What sausage works best?
Smoked kielbasa, turkey smoked sausage, beef smoked sausage, or even andouille sausage for a spicy twist.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, spinach, peas, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers all pair well with this casserole.
9. Can I make it in the oven instead?
Yes. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, then uncover, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
10. How long will leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.