Start by slicing your kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using onion (which I highly recommend), sauté it in a bit of butter for about 5 minutes until it's soft and lightly golden. This brings out its sweetness and makes the flavor richer in the final dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until smooth, then fold in your shredded cheddar cheese. This sauce is what makes the casserole so creamy and comforting.
In your crockpot, add a layer of pierogies, then a layer of sliced kielbasa, followed by some sautéed onions and a good spoonful of the creamy sauce. Keep layering like this until you’ve used everything. Finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.
Cover the crockpot and set it on low. Let it cook for 3 to 4 hours. The pierogies will soak in all that flavor while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. By the end, everything will be piping hot, tender, and delicious.