Slow Cooker Sausage and Pierogies

When you need an easy, hearty dinner with almost no prep, this Slow Cooker Sausage and Pierogies recipe is a perfect choice. Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it combines smoky kielbasa, tender potato-and-cheese pierogies, sweet onions, and buttery richness in one cozy slow cooker meal.

The best part? There’s no complicated sauce and very little hands-on cooking. Simply layer the ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and let it do the work. It’s an easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly comfort food, and a great option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 main ingredients – Simple, affordable, and convenient.
• Easy slow cooker dinner – Minimal preparation and cleanup.
• Hearty and satisfying – Sausage and potato pierogies make a filling combination.
• Family-friendly comfort food – Mild flavors that are easy to customize.
• Perfect for busy weeknights – Let the crockpot handle most of the cooking.
• Great for leftovers – The flavors remain delicious when reheated properly.
• Easy to customize – Add mustard, herbs, vegetables, or a little spice.

Ingredients

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes

• 2 pounds fully cooked smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 (16-ounce) packages frozen potato-and-cheese pierogies
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Optional: black pepper, parsley, chives, Dijon mustard, or red pepper flakes.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Pierogies

1. Prepare the slow cooker

Lightly grease a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or a small amount of butter.

2. Add the onions

Spread the sliced onion across the bottom of the slow cooker. The onions soften during cooking and add a naturally sweet, savory flavor.

3. Add the frozen pierogies

Place the frozen potato-and-cheese pierogies over the onions. Keep them as evenly distributed as possible.

Tip: You do not need to thaw the pierogies first.

4. Add the sausage

Scatter the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa over the pierogies.

5. Add the butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the sausage and pierogies.

6. Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the pierogies are tender, the onions are soft, and the sausage is heated through.

Try not to lift the lid unnecessarily because opening the slow cooker releases heat and can increase the cooking time.

7. Gently combine and serve

Carefully stir everything together from the bottom, coating the pierogies, sausage, and onions with the buttery juices.

Serve immediately while hot.

Best Tips for Perfect Pierogies

Keep the pierogies frozen: There is no need to thaw them before adding them to the crockpot.

Don’t overcook: Frozen pierogies can become too soft if cooked for much longer than necessary. Start checking around the 3-hour mark.

Slice the sausage evenly: Similar-sized slices help the sausage heat consistently.

Use LOW heat: Slow cooking on LOW helps the onions become tender without making the pierogies overly soft.

Add seasoning at the end: Smoked sausage and butter already provide plenty of flavor, so taste before adding additional salt.

Easy Variations

Mustard Sausage and Pierogies

Mix 1–2 tablespoons of Dijon or whole-grain mustard into the melted butter before pouring it over the ingredients.

Spicy Version

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy smoked sausage.

Herb-Loaded Pierogies

Finish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a bright, fresh flavor.

Lighter Option

Reduce the butter to about 6 tablespoons and add a few tablespoons of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Extra Vegetables

Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or a handful of spinach for more color and vegetables.

What to Serve with Sausage and Pierogies

Because this slow cooker meal is rich and hearty, fresh or lightly cooked sides pair especially well.

Try serving it with:

• Steamed green beans
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Sauerkraut
• Fresh parsley or chives
• Dijon or grainy mustard
• Crusty bread

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

For best results, reheat the pierogies gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a small splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen pierogies in the slow cooker?

Yes. Frozen potato-and-cheese pierogies can be added directly to the slow cooker without thawing.

What sausage works best?

Smoked sausage and kielbasa are excellent choices. You can also use another fully cooked sausage depending on your preferred flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can slice the sausage and onions ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Add everything to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

Can I make this recipe less rich?

Yes. Reduce the butter and add a small amount of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

What makes this recipe so easy?

The ingredients are simply layered into the slow cooker, so there is very little preparation, no complicated sauce, and minimal cleanup.