I still remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of a Crockpot Pierogi Casserole, and honestly, it completely changed the way I think about comfort food. It was one of those busy weeknights where I wanted something warm and nourishing but didn’t have the energy to deal with a complicated recipe. I wanted something that felt like a hug in a bowl but was straightforward enough to relax into. This little slow cooker gem fit the bill perfectly.
What surprised me most was how this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole struck the perfect balance—rich flavors without being heavy or stressful to make. I was skeptical at first because pierogies usually call for frying or boiling, but throwing them into the slow cooker with sausage and a few simple add-ins? Pure magic. It became a staple for my crew, especially on those evenings when I needed “easy but feel-good” cooking.
This recipe feels sustainable, too. There’s no pressure to be perfect or follow complicated rules. Just simple ingredients and the patience of letting the Crockpot do its thing. It’s approachable, nourishing, and flexible enough to adapt whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd.
If you’re someone who cherishes cozy dinners without the stress or rigid meal plans, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole might soon become your go-to, just like it did for me. I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks so you can enjoy this slow cooker pierogi bake any night of the week.
For more inspiration on easy, homey casseroles that fit into balanced eating, you might love my cheesy breakfast casserole or these cozy pumpkin spice French toast casseroles. Let’s get into what you’ll need to gather before we dive into this slow cooker dumpling dish!
What You’ll Need:

Here’s the simple, fuss-free ingredient list for your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole. I keep it straightforward because good food doesn’t need to be complicated:
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen pierogies (cheese and potato or your favorite filling)
No stress if you can’t find frozen pierogies—sometimes I use fresh or even refrigerated ones from the grocery aisle. - 12 oz sausage (kielbasa or smoked sausage works best)
You can swap regular sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to lighten it up without losing flavor. - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
You’ll find this in the usual produce section, and it adds just enough sweetness and texture. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
I love adding extra cheese on top for that golden crust once it’s done. - 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a lovely easy pierogi recipe swap to keep it creamy but a little lighter. - 1/2 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
This slow cooker pierogi bake trick keeps the dish moist but not soggy. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic makes all the difference; I usually keep pre-minced in the fridge for busy days. - Salt and pepper to taste
I usually go easy on the salt since sausage adds plenty on its own. - Optional: a handful of chopped fresh dill or parsley
Adding fresh herbs brightens this crockpot comfort food without extra effort.
Budget-friendly notes: This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole keeps costs low by using pantry staples and frozen pierogies, which are often super reasonable. I love that it stretches to serve leftovers without needing fancy ingredients.
For prep shortcuts, you can buy pre-chopped onions or use garlic powder in a pinch. Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat gently so the pierogies don’t get too mushy.
Let’s Make It Together!
1. Start by slicing your sausage into bite-sized pieces. I like kielbasa because it holds up well in the slow cooker and adds smoky flavor. If you prefer, turkey sausage is a great swap for a lighter take on this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole.
2. Layer the bottom of your slow cooker with half the pierogies. This slow cooker dumpling dish comes together best when pierogies are in direct contact with other ingredients for even cooking.
3. Add half the diced onions and garlic over the pierogies. The slow cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully without any sautéing required—one less pan to wash!
4. Scatter half of the sausage pieces onto the layers. This layering helps each bite get a bit of everything.
5. Repeat layering with the remaining pierogies, onions, garlic, and sausage.
6. Pour the broth evenly over the top. This keeps the pierogies tender without making the casserole watery—slow cooker pierogi bake science!
7. Cover and cook on low for about 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will start smelling wonderfully cozy around the 2-hour mark—perfect time to set the table or whip up a simple salad.
8. About 15 minutes before serving, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with shredded cheddar cheese and stir gently into the casserole. Don’t worry if the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole looks a little loose before this—adding the cheese at the end thickens it up beautifully.
9. Let it finish cooking with the cheese mixture until melted and bubbly.
10. If you want a crispier top, you can transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil for 3-5 minutes. Totally optional, but I love this little finishing touch.
Throughout this process, I learned to keep it simple and trust the slow cooker. Previously, I’d fuss over pre-cooking every ingredient, but the slow cooker does the heavy lifting—and that’s the beauty of Crockpot comfort food.
If you like, check out some sausage and pierogi casserole cooking tips needed from this friendly Facebook group for extra ideas or troubleshooting.
How I Love to Serve This!

Nothing beats serving a warm Crockpot Pierogi Casserole on a relaxed evening when you want nourishing food without fuss.
I like to pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity balances the richness of the casserole nicely. For a cozy colder day, steamed green beans or roasted brussels sprouts work well too.
This pierogi casserole with sausage feels perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings with friends. One time, I brought it to a potluck, and the crowd went crazy for the combination of creamy pierogies and smoky sausage.
Leftovers? They reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day. Sometimes I add a spoonful of extra sour cream on top when reheating, which just hits the spot.
For seasonal variations, swapping out the cheese or adding sautéed mushrooms before layering gives the dish fresh twists. I’ve also followed this Crockpot Pierogies with Sausage in a Delicious Cream Dill Sauce recipe that adds a splash of cream and dill for an extra cozy vibe.
If you want more easy and nourishing ideas to pair with this, try my simple French toast casserole or pumpkin spice French toast casserole—themes that echo that same “warm and satisfying” feeling.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on low in the slow cooker or in the oven.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole?
No worries! This recipe is very flexible. Don’t have fresh garlic? Use garlic powder. No kielbasa? Regular smoked sausage or even ground sausage works fine. Missing fresh herbs? Dried herbs go a long way here.
How can I adjust the flavor of this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole to my taste?
Try adding a little spicy mustard or hot sauce for a kick or an extra sprinkle of cheese if you’re craving richness. I’ve even stirred in sautéed peppers or caramelized onions for deeper flavor.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Skip the sausage and use veggie sausage or mushrooms. Adding a bit more broth or cream ensures it stays moist and satisfying.
What’s the best type of pierogies for this slow cooker pierogi bake?
Cheese and potato pierogies are classic, but feel free to use others like spinach and cheese or mushroom if you prefer a twist. Just adjust seasonings accordingly.
Will the pierogies get mushy?
If cooked too long, maybe. I usually stick to 3-4 hours on low and add the cheese near the end. That way, the texture is just right.
Can I double this recipe to feed more people?
Definitely! A larger slow cooker is helpful if you’re cooking a crowd. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed.
For more inspiration, this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa A hearty and comforting post shows other hearty and comforting ideas you might enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole has become my secret weapon for feeling cozy without stress. It fits perfectly into real life: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and reliable comfort every time.
My Favorite Crockpot Pierogi Casserole Tips:
- Layering the ingredients carefully means even cooking all around.
- Add the cheese and sour cream near the end for a luscious finish.
- Using kielbasa adds smoky depth, but any sausage swap is welcome.
Here are a few variations I love and keep coming back to:
- Adding caramelized onions and mushrooms for earthy richness.
- Swapping cheddar for smoked gouda and fresh dill for a Scandinavian vibe.
- Making a vegetarian version with veggie sausage and extra herbs.
I hope you’ll make this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole your own by tweaking it to your taste and lifestyle. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe invites comfort without complication.
If you’re curious to try other easy casseroles that feel just as nourishing, take a peek at my cheesy breakfast casserole or my easy French toast casserole for more simple, wholesome meals.
Here’s to many cozy nights with your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole on the table—feel-good food, no stress, just warmth. You’ve got this, friend.
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
A comforting and easy-to-make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole combining tender pierogis, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and cheese pierogis
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly oil the bottom of the crockpot with olive oil.
- Layer half of the frozen pierogis evenly in the crockpot.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Spread half of the cooked sausage mixture over the pierogis in the crockpot.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic on top.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the layer.
- Add the remaining frozen pierogis on top of the cheese layer.
- Mix the sour cream and heavy cream together, then spread evenly over the top layer of pierogis.
- Top with the remaining sausage and cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until pierogis are tender and casserole is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
For an extra crispy top, transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side salad.

