Hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole: Easy Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole brings easy weeknight comfort! Creamy, cheesy, and so simple, this slow cooker meal is a family favorite with minimal fuss.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Comfort)
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
Frozen Pierogi (16 oz bag)
02 -
Cooked Ham (diced, 1.5 cups)
03 -
Onion (1 small, diced)
→ Creamy Foundation
04 -
Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can)
05 -
Sour Cream (1 cup)
06 -
Milk (1/2 cup)
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp)
→ Cheesy Topping & Finishing
08 -
Cheddar Cheese (shredded, 2 cups)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your slow cooker and give it a good spray with non-stick spray. Trust me on this one; I've had cheese-stuck-to-the-bottom incidents, and it's not fun. This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole needs a smooth start, so this little step saves you a lot of scrubbing later. I always double-check this now!
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and black pepper until it's all smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your dish, so make sure there are no lumps. I sometimes get a little too enthusiastic with the whisk and splash some on the counter, typical me!
03 -
Now for the fun part! Spread about a third of your creamy mixture on the bottom of the prepared crockpot. Then, arrange half of the frozen pierogi over it. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of the diced onion. This layering is key for even cooking and flavor distribution in this casserole.
04 -
Layer another third of the creamy mixture over the pierogi, then add the remaining pierogi, ham, and onion. Pour the last bit of creamy mixture over everything, making sure it's evenly distributed. You want those pierogi to be nestled in all that deliciousness so they can cook up nice and tender.
05 -
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The cooking time can vary a bit depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. You'll know it's ready when the pierogi are tender and the sauce is bubbling and thick. The kitchen will smell incredible, promise!
06 -
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Re-cover the crockpot and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is where the magic happens and you get that glorious, gooey top. I love watching the cheese melt; it's so satisfying! Then, scoop out your amazing dish and enjoy.
# Notes:
01 -
Always spray your slow cooker *generously* – I learned this the hard way with a sticky mess!
02 -
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole freezes beautifully; portion it out for quick future meals.
03 -
Swap out the ham for cooked kielbasa or even browned ground beef for a different twist, it's pretty versatile.
04 -
A little fresh parsley sprinkled on top before serving makes it look fancy, even if you just rolled out of bed.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
Large Mixing Bowl
03 -
Whisk
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 22g