ALL RECIPES

The Lazy Genius’s 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole: The Ultimate No-Boil Comfort Food Hack

Forget rolling dough or boiling batches of pierogi. This Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole delivers everything you love about classic Polish pierogi—cheesy, carby, soul-warming comfort—with almost zero effort. It’s a true dump-and-go miracle and the kind of dish that tastes like a warm hug after a long day.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need effortless comfort food, this casserole lets your slow cooker do all the work while you get on with life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal effort, maximum comfort
  • Uses smart store-bought shortcuts
  • No boiling, no frying, no dough
  • Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly
  • True “set it and forget it” cooking

Ingredients (Just 4!)

  1. 32 oz frozen pierogi
    Potato & cheese, potato & onion, or sauerkraut (no thawing needed)
  2. 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of onion soup
    Cream of mushroom or celery works too
  3. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    Or a cheddar-mozzarella blend for extra melt
  4. 6 oz French fried onions

Optional upgrade:

  • ½ cup sour cream (stirred in at the end for extra creaminess)

Instructions (5-Minute Assembly!)

1. Prepare the Base

Lightly grease your slow cooker insert. Spread 1 can of cream of onion soup evenly over the bottom.

2. First Layer

Arrange half of the frozen pierogi in a single layer.
Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.

3. Repeat

Add the remaining soup, remaining pierogi, and remaining cheese.

4. Cook

Cover and cook:

  • LOW: 4–5 hours
  • HIGH: 2–3 hours

The casserole is ready when the pierogi are tender and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

5. Add the Crunch

During the last 15 minutes, sprinkle the French fried onions evenly on top. Cover again and let them warm and soften slightly.

Optional: For extra crunch, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking.

6. Creamy Finish (Optional)

Stir in ½ cup sour cream just before serving for a richer, tangier finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pierogi Casserole

  • Don’t thaw the pierogi – frozen prevents mushiness
  • Soup on the bottom prevents sticking
  • Mix pierogi flavors for deeper flavor
  • Add browned kielbasa or Polish sausage for a heartier meal
  • For crispy edges, pan-fry leftovers in butter

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Reheat in the microwave or, best of all, in a skillet with a little butter

Final Thoughts

This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pierogi Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s rich, cozy, satisfying, and almost unfairly easy to make.

The formula to remember:
Soup + (Pierogi + Cheese) × 2 + Crispy Onion Topping = Total Comfort

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if people start asking for the recipe—every single time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *