Crockpot Pierogi Kielbasa Recipe

The Homemade Crockpot Pierogi Kielbasa Recipe Everyone Adores

Weeknight dinners call for comfort food that delivers big flavors with minimal effort, and this crockpot pierogi kielbasa recipe hits every mark.

Polish-inspired cuisine never tasted so effortless and satisfying.

Hearty kielbasa pairs perfectly with soft potato-filled pierogies, creating a mouthwatering combination that warms you from the inside out.

Slow cooking melds the smoky sausage and delicate dumplings into a rich, savory meal that requires practically zero kitchen skills.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of traditional Eastern European ingredients simmered to tender perfection.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how simple it is to toss everything into the crockpot and walk away.

This one-pot wonder guarantees a delicious dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Easy Polish Comfort Meal Flavor Perks

  • Simplify Cooking: Crockpot method eliminates complex kitchen techniques, making this Polish dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Minimal Prep: Just layer ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work, reducing hands-on cooking time and kitchen stress.
  • Hearty Family Feast: Combines classic Polish ingredients like kielbasa and pierogies into a comforting one-pot meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners where everyone craves a delicious, no-fuss meal with rich flavors.

Ingredients for Polish Comfort Food

Protein Base:
  • Kielbasa: A traditional Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
  • Pierogies: Classic Polish dumplings that provide hearty texture and comfort.
Dairy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, velvety texture and helps create a luscious sauce.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth, Green Onions: Broth creates the cooking liquid and green onions offer a fresh, mild onion garnish for brightness.

Steps for Easy Polish Comfort Meal

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot Base

Grab your 4-6 quart crockpot and start building delicious layers of comfort.

Add these tasty ingredients:
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Frozen pierogies
  • Sliced kielbasa sausage
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 2: Initial Slow Cooking

Set your crockpot to high heat and let everything simmer and meld together.

If you prefer a slower approach, use the low setting.

High heat takes 3-4 hours, while low heat requires 6 hours of patient cooking.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, prepare a luscious sauce.

Warm cream cheese with remaining broth, stirring until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and gently stir.

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for extra richness.

Continue cooking on low heat for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the bubbling, cheesy pierogi casserole to serving dishes.

For a fresh finishing touch, scatter sliced green onions on top.

Enjoy this hearty Polish-inspired meal straight from the crockpot.

Pro Tips for Polish Comfort Meal

  • Arrange frozen pierogies in a single layer for even cooking and best texture absorption.
  • Choose high-quality smoked kielbasa for richer flavor and authentic Polish taste.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to ensure silky smooth sauce without lumps.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent overwhelming seasoning.
  • Sprinkle fresh green onions just before serving to add a bright, crisp contrast to the rich dish.

Polish Comfort Meal Fun Variations

  • Vegetarian Pierogi Casserole: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pierogies for gluten-free pierogies made with alternative flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pierogies with cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds. Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace cheddar with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds. Select lactose-free broth for added flexibility.

Ways to Serve Polish Comfort Dishes

  • Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table for a hearty Polish-inspired meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Sour Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of tangy sour cream on top to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add a cool contrast.
  • Fresh Green Crunch: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh chives for a bright, zesty touch that cuts through the dish's richness.
  • Side Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or quick pickle to complement the heavy, comforting main course.

Storing Polish Comfort Meal Advice

  • Store any remaining pierogi and kielbasa casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and taste even better the next day.
  • Carefully transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum freshness and taste.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra broth to prevent drying out and maintain the dish's creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Are pierogies traditional Polish food?

Yes, pierogies are classic Polish dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, meat, or sauerkraut, deeply rooted in Polish culinary heritage.

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional, you can substitute with other smoked sausages like andouille or smoked bratwurst for similar flavor profiles.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Traditional pierogies contain wheat flour. You’ll need to use gluten-free pierogies to make the entire dish gluten-free.

  • How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and comfort-focused. The kielbasa provides a subtle smoky flavor without significant heat, making it family-friendly and approachable.

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Crockpot Pierogi Kielbasa Recipe

Crockpot Pierogi Kielbasa Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Polish-inspired crockpot pierogi kielbasa brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Slow-cooked sausage and dumplings create a simple, satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly nights.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
  • 3 packages Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies

Cheeses:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crockpot by placing frozen pierogies and sliced kielbasa in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the pierogies and kielbasa, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Cover and set the crockpot to high temperature, cooking for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours until pierogies are tender and heated through.
  4. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, soften cream cheese in a separate bowl by whisking with remaining broth until creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
  5. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot, ensuring even coating of pierogies and kielbasa.
  6. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
  7. Continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt completely.
  8. Once finished, transfer to serving dish and garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
  9. Serve hot, directly from the crockpot to maintain warmth and maximize flavor.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut kielbasa for richer flavor and better texture during slow cooking.
  • Opt for full-fat cream cheese to ensure a creamy, luxurious sauce that binds ingredients perfectly.
  • Customize by using gluten-free pierogies for a celiac-friendly version of this hearty Polish dish.
  • Swap regular cheddar with smoked cheddar to elevate the overall depth and complexity of the meal’s taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1,150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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