Description
This Baked Pierogi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food meal that comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender dumplings and savory beef or turkey sausage smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is hearty and satisfying. You will love how the cheesy sauce bubbles up golden brown around the pierogies, creating a velvety texture that requires no pre-boiling.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sliced beef or turkey sausage, cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 32 ounces frozen pierogies (potato and cheese filling recommended)
- 1 (8-ounce) block softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Place the sliced beef or turkey sausage and the frozen pierogies directly into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out gently so they are distributed in a relatively even layer.
Step 3: Make the Cream Base
In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until the texture is completely smooth and lump-free.
Step 4: Season and Thicken
Add the chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the cheddar cheese (1/2 cup), and half of the mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup) to the bowl. Whisk everything until it is well combined.
Step 5: Coat the Casserole
Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the pierogies and sausage. Use a spoon or spatula to mix gently, ensuring every piece is well-coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. This step traps steam to cook the frozen pierogies through perfectly.
Step 8: Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. The top should become bubbly and turn a golden brown.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set slightly. Top with fresh sliced green onions for garnish before serving.
Notes
Vegetable Boost: To increase the nutritional value, you can mix a handful of fresh spinach or diced bell peppers into the baking dish with the sausage and pierogies before adding the sauce.
Don’t Thaw: Remember to keep the pierogies frozen until you assemble the dish. Thawing them beforehand can result in a mushy texture after the 40-minute bake.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens when cold but loosens up nicely when reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1260mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked pierogi casserole, easy weeknight dinner, frozen pierogi recipes, sausage and pierogi bake, creamy pierogi casserole, comfort food dinner