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Instructions for Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Grease your slow cooker: Start by greasing the inside of your Crock Pot with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Layer the ingredients: Begin by layering the frozen pierogi in the bottom of the Crock Pot. No need to thaw the pierogi beforehand—just add them straight from the freezer.
2. Prepare the Kielbasa and Onions:
- Cook the kielbasa: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced kielbasa for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor of the sausage, giving it a smoky, caramelized texture.
- Add the onions: Once the kielbasa is browned, add the diced onions to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Combine the sauce ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy sauce will coat the pierogi and kielbasa, adding richness and flavor to the casserole.
- Combine everything: Pour the kielbasa and onions on top of the pierogi in the Crock Pot, followed by the sour cream and mushroom soup mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, making sure the pierogi are evenly coated.
4. Slow Cook the Casserole:
- Cook on low: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The pierogi will cook through, the kielbasa will infuse the dish with flavor, and the sauce will thicken into a creamy, comforting consistency.
- Check for doneness: After the cooking time is up, check to ensure the pierogi are tender and fully cooked. If they need a little more time, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Add the Topping:
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in the butter.
- Top the casserole: Once the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the casserole. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: After the breadcrumbs have browned, remove the casserole from the Crock Pot and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Scoop out servings of this hearty casserole onto plates, and enjoy the comforting combination of creamy pierogi, savory kielbasa, and crispy breadcrumb topping.
Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole
- Use frozen pierogi: This recipe works best with frozen pierogi, as they hold their shape well during the slow cooking process. You can use any flavor of pierogi you prefer—cheese, potato, or even meat-filled pierogi work great.
- Add extra veggies: If you want to boost the nutritional value of this casserole, feel free to add some chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them along with the kielbasa and onions before adding them to the Crock Pot.
- Adjust the flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add a little extra garlic powder, thyme, or even some mustard to enhance the flavor of the kielbasa and sauce.
- Make it a one-pan meal: This casserole is a full meal in itself, but you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added variety.
- Storage and leftovers: If you have leftovers, this casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. The flavors even improve after sitting for a day or two!
Conclusion
Crock Pot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. The rich and creamy combination of pierogi, kielbasa, and a flavorful sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time, making it a perfect addition to your slow-cooker recipe collection.
Gather your ingredients, set it in the Crock Pot, and let it do the work while you relax. Your family will be asking for seconds!
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