How to Easily Cook a yummy Pierogies and Kielbasa in a Crockpot
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Pierogies and Kielbasa recipe is a hearty, comforting meal featuring smoky sausage, tender pierogies, onions, and creamy butter. It’s the perfect hands-off dinner for busy nights.
Ingredients
1 package frozen pierogies (potato, cheese, or your choice)
1 lb kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Optional: 1 bell pepper, sliced
Optional: 2 oz cream cheese, cubed
Instructions
1. Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
2. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Add butter to the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Layer onion and garlic first.
5. Add kielbasa slices on top.
6. Layer frozen pierogies over the sausage.
7. Add optional mushrooms, bell peppers, or cream cheese if desired.
8. Season with salt, pepper, or smoked paprika.
9. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
10. In the last 15-20 minutes, stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese.
11. Let cheese melt and sauce thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
Use frozen pierogies – they hold up better during slow cooking.
Do not stir often to avoid breaking the pierogies.
Switch to “warm” if cooking time is exceeded to prevent overcooking.
For more richness, add cream cheese or heavy cream near the end.
Try turkey kielbasa or vegetarian sausage for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Table of Contents
When my youngest left for college last fall, I found myself craving the kind of meals that brought everyone to the table – comforting, familiar, and full of heart. One chilly Sunday afternoon, I pulled out my grandmother Mabel’s old recipe notebook and stumbled across a scribbled note that simply read: “Pierogies + sausage = joy.” That memory hit me like the aroma of onions and butter hitting a hot skillet.
Pierogies and kielbasa have always been staples in our home. Rooted in Eastern European tradition, this duo of pillowy dumplings and smoky sausage reminds me of cold evenings wrapped in blankets, laughter echoing from the kitchen, and the hum of something delicious simmering low and slow. But I’ll admit – on hectic weeknights, I don’t always have time to hover over a stove.
That’s where the crockpot comes in. This slow cooker pierogies and kielbasa recipe is my go-to for turning a nostalgic, time-intensive dish into an easy, deeply satisfying dinner. It captures all the rich, savory flavor with hardly any effort, freeing me up to enjoy the evening while the magic happens on its own.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips you need to make this comforting favorite – no fuss, no stress, just pure flavor.
Why You Should Make Pierogies and Kielbasa in a Crockpot
Pierogies and kielbasa are already a match made in comfort food heaven. Much like this Amish hamburger steak bake, this crockpot recipe brings classic comfort food to your weeknight table with warmth and ease. Nonetheless, when you take the next step and cook them in a crockpot, you enhance both convenience and flavor in one fell swoop. Here are some compelling reasons to give this slow cooker approach a try:
Effortless Pierogies and Kielbasa Crockpot Cooking for a Stress-Free Meal
What makes cooking pierogies and kielbasa in a crockpot so appealing is just how simple it is from start to finish. Indeed, minimal preparation is required; you simply slice your sausages, gather your pierogies and other ingredients, layer them in the pot, set the timer, and go about your day. Meanwhile, the slow, even heat does all the heavy lifting for you. Because the crockpot takes care of the cooking process, you can dedicate your valuable time to other important tasks – or even catch a much-needed break.
Moreover, many people find that the cleanup process is easier as well. Since everything cooks in a single pot, you will not have several pans to scrub afterward. Whether you have a large family to feed or you live on your own, the “dump-and-go” style significantly reduces cooking fatigue and the resulting pile of dishes.
Slow Cooker Pierogies and Kielbasa: A Rich, Flavorful Comfort Food
While convenience is certainly appealing, flavor is paramount. Cooking pierogies and kielbasa in a crockpot unlocks a deeper taste profile you might not experience through faster methods. Because the dish cooks slowly over several hours, the seasonings, onions, garlic, and optional add-ins like mushrooms or peppers have ample opportunity to meld with the pierogies and sausages. Consequently, each bite bursts with richness and warmth.
Furthermore, kielbasa itself has a smoky undertone that can become even more aromatic when heated gradually. As they cook, the pierogies soak up the sausage’s smoky flavor, creating a balanced mix of rich textures and savory goodness. If you appreciate robust meals that make you want to savor every morsel, this slow-cooked version will not disappoint.
How This Crockpot Pierogies and Kielbasa Recipe Makes Weeknight Dinners Effortless
After a long day, it can be tempting to rely on fast food or store-bought frozen dinners. However, resorting to those options regularly can become both tiresome and unhealthy. Slow-cooked pierogies and kielbasa deliver a genuine home-cooked experience without exhausting you. When you come home after running errands, working, or shuttling kids between activities, the crockpot will have dinner nearly ready to serve.
Moreover, the slow cooker’s programmed settings often allow you to extend cooking times without overcooking. So, if you are delayed running errands, you do not need to panic about your meal burning or drying out. Even if you end up dining an hour or two later than planned, you can still expect a hearty, tasty dinner that feels like a treat.
Ingredients You Need for This Crockpot Pierogies and Kielbasa Recipe
Gathering ingredients for this cozy crockpot dish couldn’t be easier – but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Every item plays a role in building rich, layered flavor. From creamy pierogies to savory sausage, here’s everything you’ll want on hand before you begin:
Core Ingredients That Make the Dish
Pierogies – Choose your favorite: classic potato, sharp cheddar, potato-cheese blends, meat-filled, or even something green like spinach. Frozen pierogies hold up best in the slow cooker, staying tender without falling apart during long cook times.
Kielbasa (or Smoked Sausage) – Traditional Polish kielbasa brings a bold, garlicky depth. It’s typically pre-cooked, which means less prep for you. Can’t find kielbasa? Use a good smoked sausage like andouille or a beef-based variety instead.
Onions – Sliced onions cook down into a sweet base that balances the saltiness of the meat and the richness of the pierogies. Yellow or white onions both work beautifully.
Garlic – While kielbasa brings its own garlicky flavor, tossing in a few fresh minced cloves takes it up a notch.
Butter – Adds richness and helps prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of your slow cooker.
Sour Cream – Stir this in just before serving for a tangy, creamy finish that perfectly complements the smoky sausage and buttery pierogies.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese turns this dish into comfort food bliss. Add it near the end for best results.
Boost Flavor with Simple Additions
To enhance the base flavors, consider throwing in a few pantry staples. Black pepper or smoked paprika deepen the savory notes. If you enjoy a little kick, add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even chopped parsley can brighten up the final dish.
Optional Add-Ins for More Variety
Want to customize your meal or stretch it a bit further? These extras add both flavor and texture:
Bell Peppers – Thinly sliced and layered in for color and sweetness.
Mushrooms – Earthy and meaty, mushrooms soak up the kielbasa’s juices and make each bite more satisfying.
Cream Cheese – Drop in a few cubes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamier, thicker sauce that clings to the pierogies beautifully.
These additions give you the flexibility to go simple or go big – whatever fits your taste and schedule.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Pierogies and Kielbasa in a Crockpot
This slow cooker pierogies and kielbasa recipe is approachable for just about anyone. Even if you are new to crockpot meals, you will find that the process is simple and foolproof. Here is a comprehensive walkthrough:
Prepare the Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients so you can assemble everything quickly. Because pierogies are typically sold frozen, keep them in the freezer until just before you are ready to layer them into the pot. Take the kielbasa from its packaging and slice it into rounds – about half an inch thick. Additionally, peel and chop your onions and mince a few cloves of garlic. Having all of these components ready will streamline your layering process.
If you have chosen to include optional extras like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cream cheese, prepare those as well. Thinly slice any vegetables and cut cream cheese into small cubes for faster melting.
Layering in the Crockpot
Next, grab your crockpot or slow cooker and set it to either low or high, depending on how much time you have. Begin by adding a small pat of butter (or a few tablespoons) to the bottom of the crockpot. This helps prevent sticking and infuses the dish with a buttery flavor right from the start.
Then, add your chopped onions and minced garlic. Positioning them at the bottom ensures they will be surrounded by the juices, allowing them to caramelize slightly as they cook. Layer the sliced kielbasa over the onions, making sure it’s distributed evenly across the surface. Next, place the frozen pierogies on top in an even layer. Simply layer them in, making sure they are distributed well across the top.
If you have bell peppers or mushrooms, tuck them among the pierogies. For any seasoning you want to add, such as a sprinkle of smoked paprika, salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce, now is the perfect moment. Adding these spices at this stage allows them to permeate as the dish cooks slowly.
Slow Cooking Process
Once everything is in place, cover the crockpot and let it work its magic. If you choose to cook on low, plan on about 4 to 5 hours. However, if you need dinner ready sooner, you can opt for the high setting and cook for approximately 2 to 3 hours. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crockpot’s size, brand, and power, so it is wise to check your dish roughly halfway through to ensure it is not drying out or overcooking.
During the cooking process, the butter will melt, the onions will soften, and the kielbasa juices will integrate with everything else. Meanwhile, the pierogies will begin to warm from frozen, eventually absorbing all those luscious flavors. Because this is a “dump-and-go” meal, there is no need to stir constantly. Stirring too often can cause the pierogies to fall apart, so only give the mixture a light turn once or twice if necessary.
Finishing Touches
As the cooking time nears its end, you can add finishing touches that bring the dish from good to irresistible. About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream. This tangy addition will blend with the butter and the sausage drippings, yielding a velvety sauce that envelopes the pierogies. If you’re adding cheese, mix in shredded cheddar with the sour cream or scatter it over the top. Let everything warm through until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
At this juncture, taste a pierogi to ensure it is fully heated and tender. If it still has a bit of chill, simply replace the lid and cook for a few more minutes. Once you are satisfied with the texture, it is time to serve and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Pierogies and Kielbasa
Achieving the perfect plate of slow cooker pierogies and kielbasa is not complicated. Nevertheless, these tips can help you steer clear of common pitfalls and make your dish shine:
Why Frozen Pierogies Are Best for a Crockpot Pierogies and Kielbasa Recipe
Opting for frozen pierogies rather than fresh ones is highly recommended. While fresh pierogies can be wonderful in other recipes, they tend to become overly soft or even disintegrate under the crockpot’s prolonged heat. Frozen pierogies are more robust, which allows them to maintain their shape, texture, and flavor throughout the cooking time.
Avoid Overcooking: How to Get Perfect Pierogies and Kielbasa Every Time
Although crockpots are generally forgiving, it is still important to keep an eye on the clock. Pierogies have a delicate dough that can become mushy if left to cook for too long. If you plan to be out longer than the usual cooking time, use the low setting or switch your crockpot to “warm” after the designated hours to prevent overcooking.
Experiment with Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and your pierogies and kielbasa crockpot meal is the perfect canvas for creativity. Indeed, adding different types of kielbasa, such as turkey kielbasa or a spicy variant, can transform the dish in subtle ways. You could also toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or add a can of diced tomatoes to create a slightly tangier flavor profile.
If you are feeling adventurous, consider substituting half of your kielbasa with bacon lardons or chunks of ham. Alternatively, you could incorporate extra vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli florets, for a more nutrient-dense meal. Above all, do not be afraid to mix and match ingredients and seasonings until you find the combination that makes your taste buds sing.
Want to try a twist? Swap kielbasa with something bold like this homemade beef pepperoni for a flavor-packed change.
What to Serve with Pierogies and Kielbasa
Once your crockpot pierogies and kielbasa are warm, savory, and ready to plate, you might wonder what to serve alongside them. While this dish is filling enough on its own, the right side or sauce can add a refreshing balance and elevate the whole meal.
Tried-and-True Pairings
Sauerkraut – This fermented favorite adds brightness and tang that cuts through the richness of the sausage and pierogies. It’s a traditional match that brings bold contrast to each bite.
Pickled Vegetables – Think crunchy dill pickles or vibrant pickled beets. Their acidity refreshes your palate and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Fresh Garden Salad – A crisp salad with leafy greens, cucumber slices, and light vinaigrette offers the perfect counterpoint to the hearty main. If you’re aiming for something special, pairing with this short rib ravioli can make your table shine.
More Satisfying Add-Ons
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Though it may seem like potato overload, the soft, buttery mash pairs well with the firmer texture of pierogies and offers pure comfort for potato lovers.
Baked Beans – Need something a little smoky and sweet? These perfectly baked beans are an excellent match that complements the kielbasa’s bold flavor.
Roasted Vegetables – Oven-roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini lend a caramelized sweetness and some much-needed color to your plate.
Steamed Greens or Creamy Spinach – Go green with sautéed spinach, kale, or green beans. For something richer, serve this 3-ingredient creamed spinach alongside – it’s fast, fuss-free, and flavorful.
Sauces That Add the Final Touch
Dijon Mustard – Sharp and slightly spicy, Dijon cuts beautifully through the smoky sausage. Add a small dish on the side for dipping or drizzle lightly over your plate.
Seasoned Sour Cream – A quick sour cream dip with chopped herbs or a dash of onion powder gives a creamy, cooling contrast – especially if you added heat to the dish.
Garlic Butter Drizzle – Start by melting butter over low heat, then mix in chopped garlic and let it infuse gently until golden and fragrant. Pour over everything just before serving for a rich, savory finish that brings all the flavors together.
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore bold pairings like this Scungilli salad – its bright, briny notes make it a fun twist for fans of Eastern European cuisine.
Whether you stick with traditional sides like sauerkraut or opt for modern pairings like roasted vegetables, the goal is to complement the meal without overshadowing its comfort-food heart. Choose one or two accents to keep your plate balanced and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pierogies and Kielbasa
What goes with pierogies and kielbasa?
Pierogies and kielbasa pair beautifully with sautéed onions, sour cream, and tangy sauerkraut. For a complete meal, add steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh cucumber-dill salad. A simple apple cider reduction or grainy mustard sauce also complements the smoky-sweet profile of kielbasa.
What are pierogies traditionally served with?
A classic way to enjoy pierogies is by topping them with golden sautéed onions, a drizzle of butter, and a generous spoonful of sour cream. In Eastern European kitchens, you’ll often find them alongside braised cabbage, beets, or mushroom gravy. Their soft dough and hearty filling make them perfect for balancing rich and tangy sides.
What sausage is best with pierogies?
When pairing sausage with pierogies, smoked Polish kielbasa is often the go-to thanks to its bold, savory flavor. Its smoky flavor and firm texture match well with the soft, savory dumplings. However, smoked bratwurst, garlic sausage, or even chorizo can add interesting twists depending on your flavor preferences.
Do you boil pierogies before frying them?
Yes, it’s best to boil pierogies before frying. Boiling ensures the dough is fully cooked, while pan-frying gives the outside a golden, crispy finish. Just boil until they float—usually 3–4 minutes—then transfer them to a hot skillet with butter or oil to crisp up.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, slow-cooking pierogies and kielbasa brings together ease and deep, satisfying flavor in one cozy dish. With just a bit of prep, your crockpot takes over – transforming simple ingredients like onions, garlic, and butter into a flavorful meal that tastes like home.
Whether you stick to the basics or throw in a few favorite veggies and spices, this comforting recipe fits right into busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with warmth and leaves everyone full and happy.
Craving something sweet to finish the evening? Try this homestyle applesauce cobbler to complete your comfort food lineup.
Have a version of this recipe you love? Share your tips and swaps in the comments – I’d love to hear what you’re cooking up!
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