Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Pierogi Kielbasa Crockpot recipe! This twist on a classic Polish dish transforms comforting pierogi and savory kielbasa into a simple, one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Forget hours spent in the kitchen; this recipe lets your slow cooker do the work, freeing you up to enjoy the company of loved ones. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that doesn't require extensive culinary skills.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen pierogi (cheese or potato and cheese recommended)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the kielbasa slices until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the browned kielbasa slices, frozen pierogi (do not thaw), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and water or chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Slow cook to perfection: Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pierogi are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
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Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve immediately. This delicious dish is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pierogi Kielbasa Crockpot Recipe:
- Don't thaw the pierogi: Adding frozen pierogi directly to the slow cooker is key. Thawing them beforehand can lead to mushy pierogi.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or caraway seeds for extra flavor.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water.
- Add vegetables: For a healthier and more flavorful twist, add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier dish.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese pierogi or add shredded cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Meatless option: Substitute the kielbasa with 1 cup of cooked mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis, factoring in your specific ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This Pierogi Kielbasa Crockpot recipe is a quick dinner idea that’s both easy and delicious. It's the perfect example of healthy meals that don't sacrifice flavor or convenience. Enjoy!