I’m always on the lookout for dinner recipes that practically cook themselves, and this Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa is my current obsession.
There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of savory kielbasa and creamy pierogies that have been mingling together for hours.
The combination of smoky sausage with pillowy dumplings, all wrapped in a velvety sauce, hits that perfect comfort food sweet spot. Want to know the best part? You just layer everything in, set it, and forget it.
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa
Three magical things happen when you combine pierogies, kielbasa, and a slow cooker.
First, you get maximum flavor with minimum effort—who doesn’t love that?
Second, those creamy pierogies soak up all the savory goodness from the kielbasa and onions.
Third, you’ll have the most comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that practically makes itself.
I’m obsessed with how the cheese melts into that creamy sauce, creating pockets of gooey deliciousness in every bite.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something hearty but can’t be bothered to stand over the stove.
Trust me, this will become your new comfort food go-to.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa?
This Polish-inspired comfort dish brings together all the flavors you need for a satisfying meal with almost zero hands-on cooking time.
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- 16 oz frozen pierogies
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
You can customize this recipe by using different flavors of pierogies (potato and cheese work wonderfully) or swapping in cream of chicken soup if mushroom isn’t your thing, and the cheese can be adjusted based on what’s in your refrigerator.
How to Make this Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by giving your slow cooker a light coating of non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking, which makes cleanup so much easier at the end of your cooking journey.
Step 2: Create the First Layer
Place half of the 16 oz frozen pierogies in an even layer at the bottom of your greased crockpot. No need to thaw them first—they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.
Step 3: Add First Round of Toppings
Distribute half of the sliced 1 lb kielbasa, half of your sliced onion, and half of the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the pierogies.
The layering technique really helps distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
Step 4: Repeat Layers
Add the remaining pierogies on top of your first layer, then follow with the rest of your kielbasa, onion, and cheese.
Building these layers creates pockets of flavor that will meld together during cooking.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
This sauce is what transforms the dish into its creamy, comforting glory.
Step 6: Pour Sauce Over Casserole
Pour your creamy sauce mixture evenly over the top of all your layered ingredients.
The liquid will seep down through the layers while cooking, bringing everything together in delicious harmony.
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and set it to low heat for 4-5 hours, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Using a programmable slow cooker allows you to set the exact cooking time and have it automatically switch to warm when finished.
The slow cooking process allows all those wonderful flavors to marry together without any effort on your part.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top with a dollop of additional sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy casserole beneath.
What to Serve with Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa
This hearty dinner deserves some thoughtful accompaniments to round out your meal.
A crisp cucumber and dill salad makes the perfect cooling contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
For something warm, roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans with a touch of garlic complement the savory flavors beautifully.
When it comes to beverages, a cold Polish beer or crisp apple cider cuts through the richness nicely.
And don’t forget extra sauce options—a side of spicy mustard gives those who want a little kick something to dip their kielbasa into.
For a complete comfort food experience, warm rye bread with butter on the side lets you soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa Substitutions and Variations
- Flavor enhancers: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of paprika or caraway seeds for Hungarian-inspired flavor, or add garlic powder for depth.
- Creamy sauce twist: Substitute cream of chicken or cream of potato soup for the mushroom variety.
- Topping ideas: Sprinkle with crispy fried onions, fresh dill, or a dollop of whole grain mustard before serving.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa
This hearty casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making day-two pierogies somehow even more delicious than when first served.
For reheating, the microwave works in a pinch, but for best texture:
- Warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth
- Stir gently to prevent pierogi breakage
- Add a small dollop of sour cream during reheating to refresh the creamy sauce
While you can freeze portions for up to 1 month, the texture of the pierogies may soften slightly upon thawing.
To prevent sogginess when serving leftovers, sprinkle with a bit of fresh cheese and broil for 2 minutes if you’re feeling ambitious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Slow Cooker Pierogi & Kielbasa Casserole brings together two Eastern European favorites in a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
The pillowy pierogies absorb the savory flavors of kielbasa and onions while swimming in that velvety sauce—creating comfort food magic with minimal effort.
It’s the ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you need dinner ready and waiting after a long day, or for weekend family gatherings when you’d rather spend time with loved ones than hovering over the stove.
There’s something deeply satisfying about the way these humble ingredients transform into something so rich and warming, making any ordinary day feel just a little more special.