There’s something deeply comforting about a meal that comes together in one pan, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I’m a huge fan of recipes that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and my love for hearty, one-pan dinners is no secret. If you’ve ever enjoyed my One-Pot Polish Sausage, you already know the magic that happens when savory sausage meets simple ingredients. This Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa takes that same cozy, satisfying spirit and layers it into a bake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma and brings everyone to the table with happy anticipation.
Table of Contents
Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Ingredients
Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is a beautiful symphony of simple, hearty ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen potato and cheese pierogi
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Smart Swaps: No potato and cheese pierogi? Use another favorite filling like sauerkraut or all potato. For a lighter version, swap regular sour cream for Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese. Kielbasa can be replaced with smoked sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a different twist.
Easy Pierogi Casserole Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
This Comfort Food Casserole comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight when you want something special without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Kielbasa Pierogi Bake
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, slice your kielbasa and onion. This is the only real prep work, making this a true one-pan wonder.
- Brown the Kielbasa: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa slices and cook until they are nicely browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. You’re not cooking them through entirely, just building a beautiful, smoky fond in the pan. Remove the kielbasa and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and paprika and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Remove the skillet from the heat. Arrange the frozen pierogi in a single layer over the onions. Scatter the browned kielbasa evenly over the pierogi. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and chicken broth, then pour this mixture evenly over everything. Finally, top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pierogi are heated through. For a extra-golden top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely!
Pro Tip: Don’t thaw the pierogi! Using them frozen prevents them from becoming mushy and helps them hold their shape perfectly during baking.
Nutritional Information for Your Comfort Food Casserole
A serving of this Kielbasa Pierogi Bake provides a hearty and satisfying meal. Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 32g
This dish is a good source of protein from the kielbasa and calcium from the cheese and sour cream. The potatoes in the pierogi offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Equipment Needed for This One Pan Pierogi Dinner
You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe, which is part of its charm.
- A large (10-12 inch) oven-safe skillet is the star of the show. If you don’t have one, you can sauté everything in a regular pan and then transfer it to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- A good chef’s knife for slicing.
- A mixing bowl for the sour cream sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Pierogi Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With minimal prep and simple assembly, this is a dinner that feels far more impressive than the effort required.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: The combination of cheesy pierogi and smoky kielbasa is a universal crowd-pleaser, perfect for picky eaters and adults alike.
- One-Pan Wonder: You brown, sauté, and bake all in the same skillet. That means more flavor and less cleanup.
- Endlessly Adaptable: It’s easy to tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand, making it a reliable go-to.
Healthier Alternatives for the Cheesy Pierogi Casserole
If you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor, here are a few simple swaps:
- Lighter Dairy: Use low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt and part-skim mozzarella or a reduced-fat cheddar cheese blend.
- Boost Veggies: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach with the onions or add some diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Leaner Protein: Substitute turkey or chicken kielbasa for the traditional pork version to reduce the fat content.
- Whole Grain: Look for whole wheat or multigrain pierogi if you can find them for added fiber.
Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Pierogi Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides.
- For a Fresh Contrast: A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette or some steamed green beans are perfect for cutting through the richness.
- With a Polish Twist: Serve with a side of sautéed sauerkraut or a dollop of apple sauce, classic accompaniments to pierogi.
- For Bread Lovers: A slice of crusty rye or pumpernickel bread is ideal for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce.
- If you love the combination of sausage and potatoes, you’ll also adore our Sausage and Sweet Potatoes with Honey Garlic Sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Pierogi Casserole
- Thawing the Pierogi: This is the biggest mistake. Frozen pierogi will hold their texture and not turn to mush during baking.
- Skipping the Onion Sauté: Taking the time to properly soften the onions builds a sweet, savory foundation that permeates the entire dish. Rushing this step means missing out on depth of flavor.
- Overbaking: The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and the pierogi are hot. Baking too long can cause the sour cream sauce to break or the edges to become too dark.
- Using a Skillet That’s Too Small: Crowding the pierogi will lead to uneven cooking. Make sure they can lie in a single layer for the best results.
Storing Tips for Your Easy Pierogi Casserole
This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers, and it’s easy to store for future easy meals.
- Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: This Cheesy Pierogi Casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For a larger portion, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
A Final Word on This Comforting Kielbasa Pierogi Bake
This Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate answer to the question of what to make for a comforting, no-fuss dinner. It brings together classic flavors in a format that’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday or need a hearty dish for a casual potluck, this recipe delivers every time.
If you’re a fan of easy, cheesy, and comforting bakes, you’ll definitely want to try our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage or our incredibly simple Tater Tot Casserole.
I’d love to hear how your Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa turns out! Share your creations and any fun twists you tried in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest so I can see your delicious work
FAQs about Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Do you boil pierogies before baking a casserole?
No, generally, you do not need to boil frozen pierogies before adding them to a casserole. They will thaw and cook perfectly in the oven within the casserole’s liquid and sauce.
What goes well with pierogi casserole and kielbasa?
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent complement to balance the richness. Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or roasted root vegetables also pair well.
Can pierogi casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole components (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do you store leftover pierogi and kielbasa casserole?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What kind of kielbasa is best for pierogi casserole?
Smoked or fully cooked Polish kielbasa (polska kielbasa) is ideal. Its robust flavor and tender texture hold up well during baking, and it requires minimal pre-cooking.
How do you make pierogi casserole not dry?
To prevent dryness, ensure adequate sauce or liquid (like broth, cream of mushroom soup, or sour cream) is incorporated throughout the casserole. Covering it with foil for most of the baking time also helps retain moisture.
Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Cheesy pierogi, smoky sausage, and caramelized onions bake together in one pan for a hearty, family-friendly meal that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen potato and cheese pierogi
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa slices and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and paprika and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Remove skillet from heat. Arrange frozen pierogi in a single layer over the onions. Scatter browned kielbasa evenly over the pierogi.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and chicken broth, then pour this mixture evenly over everything. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and pierogi are heated through.
Notes
Do not thaw the pierogi before using. Using them frozen prevents them from becoming mushy and helps them hold their shape perfectly during baking. For a extra-golden top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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