Growing up in a Polish household, Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot was a Sunday staple we could always count on. The aroma of the savory sausage and tender pierogi dumplings simmering away in the slow cooker would have my siblings and I scrambling to the kitchen, eager to dive into a heaping plate of this comforting, homemade dish.
It was a ritual we cherished – my mom would spend the morning carefully assembling the pierogi, meticulously folding and crimping the dough around the fluffy potato and cheese filling. Then she’d nestle them into the Crock Pot with slices of smoky kielbasa, letting the flavors meld together into pure perfection over the course of the day. By dinnertime, the house was filled with the most mouthwatering scent, and we’d gather around the table, ready to savor every bite of this Polish classic.
To this day, Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot remains one of my all-time favorite meals, transporting me back to those cozy Sunday suppers surrounded by loved ones. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my foolproof recipe with you – it’s sure to become a new family favorite in your household too.
Why This Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot
What sets this Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot recipe apart is the simple yet ingenious technique of slow-cooking the entire dish together. By allowing the pierogi and kielbasa to simmer side-by-side in the Crock Pot, the flavors have ample time to meld and infuse one another, resulting in a symphony of tastes in every bite. The slow, gentle heat also works wonders on the texture, yielding pierogi that are pillowy-soft and kielbasa that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Pierogi: Look for fresh or frozen pierogi, either store-bought or homemade. I prefer a classic potato and cheese filling, but you can also experiment with other fillings like sauerkraut or meat.
– Kielbasa: Choose a high-quality smoked Polish sausage for the best flavor. Slice it into thick coins before adding to the Crock Pot.
– Onion: Diced onion adds a lovely aromatic base to the dish.
– Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the pierogi and kielbasa with savory depth.
– Chicken broth: The flavorful broth helps steam and cook the pierogi to perfection.
– Butter: A pat of butter at the end enriches the sauce and gives the dish a luxurious finish.
– Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Step-by-Step Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot Instructions
Preparing Your Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot
This Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot recipe couldn’t be easier – just a few minutes of prep work and then the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting! It takes about 4-5 hours on the low setting to transform these humble ingredients into a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal. All you need is a Crock Pot and a handful of kitchen staples.
1- Start by slicing the kielbasa into thick, diagonal coins. This helps maximize the surface area for maximum flavor.
2- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until softened and fragrant.
3- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the Crock Pot, then add the sliced kielbasa and pierogi. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the pierogi are mostly submerged.
4- Cover and cook on the low setting for 4-5 hours, until the pierogi are tender and the kielbasa is cooked through. The broth should have reduced and thickened into a luscious sauce.
5- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in a pat of butter to enrich the sauce.
6- Ladle the Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot into bowls and enjoy hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
– For best texture, use fresh or frozen pierogi rather than canned or jarred. The dough holds up better to slow cooking.
– Be sure to slice the kielbasa on the diagonal for maximum surface area and caramelization.
– Don’t be tempted to open the Crock Pot lid too often, as this can affect the cooking time.
– Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and thickness of your pierogi. Thicker or frozen pierogi may need an extra 30 minutes to an hour.
– If the sauce seems too thin at the end, you can thicken it by making a cornstarch slurry and stirring it in.
Serving and Storing Your Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot
Perfect Pairings for Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot
Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot is a wonderfully hearty and comforting main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a traditional Polish feast, serve it alongside sautéed cabbage, a tangy sauerkraut salad, or buttered egg noodles. It also goes great with roasted root vegetables, a crisp green salad, or crusty bread for sopping up the rich sauce.
As for beverages, a cold lager or a glass of full-bodied red wine would be the perfect accompaniment. And don’t forget dessert – a slice of sweet cheese-filled coffee cake or a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream would be the perfect finishing touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot is an excellent make-ahead meal. The flavors only improve after a day or two in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the Crock Pot on the warm setting until heated through, or transfer to a baking dish and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
You can also assemble the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 2 days before cooking. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to serve. This makes Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot an ideal option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot
Creative Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot Variations
While the classic potato and cheese filling is hard to beat, there are endless ways to put a twist on Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot. Try swapping in different pierogi fillings like sauerkraut, mushroom, or even a spicy chorizo. You could also experiment with different sausages beyond the traditional kielbasa, such as Italian-style fennel sausage or smoked andouille.
For a seasonal take, use butternut squash or spinach-ricotta pierogi in the fall, or go for strawberry or blueberry-filled pierogi in the summer. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the sauce – a splash of white wine, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream can all take this dish in delicious new directions.
Making Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pierogi and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. For a low-carb take, you can substitute the pierogi with riced cauliflower or thinly sliced cabbage “dumplings.”
Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a meatless version by skipping the kielbasa and instead using plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Just be sure to swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. No matter which dietary path you choose, this Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot recipe can be easily adapted to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen pierogi instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen pierogi work just as well in this Crock Pot recipe. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Q: How do I know when the Pierogi with Kielbasa is done?
A: The pierogi should be tender and the kielbasa cooked through. You can also check that the broth has reduced and thickened into a rich, velvety sauce.
Q: Can I make this Pierogi with Kielbasa recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble the entire thing in advance and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 2 days before cooking. Just add 30 minutes to the total cooking time.
Q: How many people does this Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot recipe serve?
A: This recipe serves 4-6 people generously, depending on appetites. It’s a hearty, comforting main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Q: What if my Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot turns out too watery?
A: If the sauce seems too thin, you can thicken it by making a quick cornstarch slurry. Simply whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water, then stir it into the Crock Pot during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot
- Total Time: 370
- Yield: 4
Description
Sink your teeth into this mouthwatering, easy-to-make Pierogi with Kielbasa dish that’s cooked to perfection in the Crock Pot. The tender, golden-brown pierogi and juicy, flavorful kielbasa sausage come together for a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 1 package frozen pierogi
– 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Place the frozen pierogi in the bottom of a Crock Pot.
2. – Add the sliced kielbasa, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the pierogi.
3. – Pour the broth over the ingredients and dot the top with butter.
4. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pierogi are tender and the kielbasa is cooked through.
5. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the Crock Pot towards the end of cooking.
– Experiment with different types of sausage, such as smoked or spicy kielbasa, to vary the flavor.
– Leftover Pierogi with Kielbasa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: Polish, American
Conclusion
There’s just something so soothing and satisfying about Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot. The way the flavors meld together over hours of slow cooking creates a meal that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Plus, the hands-off nature of this recipe makes it an absolute breeze to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday suppers.
I hope this recipe brings you the same sense of comfort and joy that it’s given my family over the years. Once you try Pierogi with Kielbasa in a Crock Pot, I have a feeling it’ll become a new go-to in your household too. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this Polish classic with your loved ones!