If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Indulgent Crockpot Pierogi Sausage Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the comforting textures of tender pierogies, smoky sausage, and creamy cheese all simmered slowly to perfection, this casserole delivers hearty, soul-satisfying flavors with such ease. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy days yet special enough to share with family and friends, making dinner both effortless and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and a wonderful mix of textures. The simplicity of these ingredients ensures that the final dish is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced without any fuss.
- Frozen Pierogies: These are the heart of the casserole, bringing comforting dough pockets filled with potato and cheese straight into your crockpot.
- Smoked Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory kick that infuses the whole dish; consider turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter twist.
- Cheese (Cheddar preferred): Melts beautifully, binding everything with gooey, rich creaminess.
- Onion: Sautéed until translucent to build a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Butter: Used to sauté the onions and add richness; olive oil can substitute for a healthier option.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides the creamy sauce base, perfectly blending all flavors.
- Sour Cream: Gives a tangy softness that lightens the richness and adds smooth texture.
- Milk: Helps thin out the sauce for the ideal consistency; plant-based milks work great here too.
- Garlic Powder: Elevates the dish with a subtle garlicky warmth; fresh garlic works if your palate prefers boldness.
- Black Pepper: Season to taste for gentle heat and flavor depth.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky color and a faint earthiness that ties the sausage and pierogies together beautifully.
How to Make Indulgent Crockpot Pierogi Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot and Ingredients
Start by greasing your slow cooker lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, setting the stage for an easy cleanup and smooth cooking process. While the crockpot gets ready, melt butter in a saucepan to gently sauté diced onions until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness that will add complexity to your casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until you have a smooth, flavorful sauce. This creamy blend will marry with the pierogies and sausage, ensuring every bite is luscious and seasoned to perfection.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now for the fun part. Layer half of the frozen pierogies at the bottom of your crockpot. Then add a generous layer of sliced smoked sausage, followed by the sautéed onions and a sprinkle of cheese. Pour half of the sauce evenly over these layers. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing off with the remaining sauce and a final layer of cheese so that every forkful promises cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Perfect
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking allows the pierogies to become tender and soak up all the flavorful sauce, while the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Indulgent Crockpot Pierogi Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make this hearty casserole look as fantastic as it tastes, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. The green adds a pop of color and a touch of fresh herbaceous brightness that perfectly balances the dish’s creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich on its own, so pairing it with crisp, fresh side dishes like a simple green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast. Pickled veggies or a tangy cole slaw also complement the smoky sausage beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Indulgent Crockpot Pierogi Sausage Casserole Recipe family-style right from the pot for a casual, cozy meal, or plate it individually with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a drizzle of sour cream for a more refined dinner presentation. You can even top with a fried egg for brunch or add a dusting of smoked paprika for a stunning visual finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to keep the pierogies soft. For oven reheating, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbling and hot.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will cook even faster and offer a delicate texture, so you might reduce the cooking time slightly. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe adaptable to different types of sausage?
Definitely. Smoked sausage is traditional for that smoky flavor, but you can easily swap it for chicken, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a different twist that suits your taste.
Can I make the sauce from scratch instead of using condensed soup?
Yes, making a homemade cream sauce is a great option if you prefer fresh ingredients. A simple béchamel with mushrooms or cream of chicken base works beautifully and can enhance the freshness of the casserole.
How spicy is this casserole?
The recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can adjust the black pepper and smoked paprika to add a bit more heat or smokiness according to your preference.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Preparing the casserole layers the night before and refrigerating it overnight makes for an even easier day of cooking. Just add a bit more cooking time in the crockpot if you cook it straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about this Indulgent Crockpot Pierogi Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in comfort and satisfies your cravings effortlessly. I can’t recommend it enough for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a soulful meal without fuss. Once you try it, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Indulgent Crockpot Pierogi Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Indulgent Crockpot Pierogi Sausage Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender pierogies, smoky sausage, sautéed onions, and rich cheese all cooked slowly in a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for a cozy family meal, the slow cooker does all the work, melding flavors beautifully and delivering a warm, cheesy casserole with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Frozen Pierogies (opt for fresh to reduce cooking time)
- 1 lb Smoked Sausage (turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option)
- 2 cups Cheese (such as Cheddar or any favorite melting cheese)
- 1 medium Onion (diced; omit for milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (or olive oil for a healthier alternative)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (cream of chicken soup can be substituted)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt is a good substitute)
- ½ cup Milk (any plant-based milk can be used)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh garlic can be used for stronger flavor)
- To taste Black Pepper
- To taste Smoked Paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking during cooking.
- Sauté Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer half of the frozen pierogies, followed by half of the smoked sausage, sautéed onions, and cheese. Pour half of the prepared sauce evenly over these layers.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining pierogies, sausage, onions, and cheese, then finish by pouring the remaining sauce and topping with the remaining cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pierogies are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley and serve it hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Using fresh pierogies reduces cooking time compared to frozen.
- Turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter version.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier and healthier option.
- Feel free to customize the cheese to your preference, such as mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger, more aromatic taste.
- This dish can be garnished with parsley for color and freshness, or substituted with chives or green onions.
- Ensure the slow cooker is properly greased to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
