Introduction

You’re busy. Hungry. And maybe a little lazy.

Enter: Crock Pot Pierogies and Kielbasa, the meal that requires less effort than deciding what to watch on Netflix. Throw everything in, walk away, and come back to cheesy, meaty perfection. No babysitting, no fancy skills—just a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting.

Who said delicious can’t be lazy? This dish is the culinary equivalent of hitting the easy button. And yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner.

Pierogies soak up the flavors of kielbasa, butter, and onions while staying perfectly tender. The kielbasa adds smoky richness, and the slow cooker ensures everything melds together without you lifting a finger. It’s comfort food without the guilt of actually cooking.

Plus, it’s customizable—swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, and still end up with a meal that tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen pierogies (potato and cheese recommended, but live your truth)
• 14 oz kielbasa, sliced into coins (smoked or fresh, your call)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced (because flavor)
• 4 tbsp butter, cubed (no compromises)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water in a pinch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic is life)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this, please)
• Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh parsley for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer the onions. Spread them at the bottom of the crock pot—they’ll caramelize and make everything magical.
2. Add the pierogies. Dump them in frozen. No need to thaw; they’ll cook perfectly.
3. Top with kielbasa. Scatter the slices evenly so every bite gets some smoky goodness.
4. Dot with butter. Because butter makes everything better. Science.
5. Pour in broth and season. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper—keep it simple.
6. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2.

   Stir once if you’re feeling fancy (or don’t).

7. Serve hot. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, or parsley if you’re extra.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep things moist. Freezing?

Not ideal—pierogies can get mushy. But if you must, freeze for up to a month and accept the texture sacrifice.

Benefits of This Recipe

This dish is lazy gourmet. It’s cheap, filling, and requires zero skill.

Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re too tired to adult. It’s also a crowd-pleaser—kids, picky eaters, and hungover friends will all approve. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes.

Win.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking. Pierogies turn to mush if left too long. Stick to the timer.
• Skimping on butter or broth. Dry pierogies are sad pierogies.
• Stirring too much. Let the slow cooker do its job. Trust the process.
• Using fresh pierogies. Frozen hold up better.

  Fresh ones disintegrate.

Alternatives

No kielbasa? Use smoked sausage or even bacon. Vegetarian?

Skip the meat and add mushrooms or bell peppers. Swap chicken broth for beef or veggie broth. Out of pierogies?

Try gnocchi (but adjust cooking time). The recipe is forgiving—experiment and make it yours.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?

Technically, yes. But they’ll likely fall apart.

Frozen pierogies hold their shape better in the slow cooker. If you must use fresh, reduce cooking time by half.

Can I add cheese to the crock pot?

Sure, but add it in the last 15 minutes to avoid a greasy mess. Or just sprinkle it on top when serving.

Melted cheese solves most problems.

What sides go well with this?

Keep it simple: a crisp salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread. Or eat it straight from the pot—we won’t judge.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or spicy kielbasa.

Heat it up if you dare.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is the definition of low-effort, high-reward cooking. It’s cheap, delicious, and practically foolproof. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself (no shame in leftovers), it’s a guaranteed hit.

So plug in that crock pot and let it do the work. Your future self will thank you.