A kielbasa casserole, or Polish casserole, has deep roots in Polish history. People in Poland initially started making sausages in the Middle Ages as a way to preserve meat. Today, we just get to enjoy their invention in cheesy, warming comfort food, like this casserole. One of our favorite Polish recipes, it has a creamy, savory sauce and a bit of acid from the sauerkraut and kielbasa, all mixed with pasta.
What is kielbasa?
Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage (the two terms are often used interchangeably in the United States, though not in Poland), and it’s usually made from a mixture of pork with some beef or veal and some spices. Putting it into a Polish sausage casserole makes for a hearty dinner that can be prepped and frozen in advance. And if you really like the taste, try a potato kielbasa skillet.
Kielbasa Casserole Ingredients
- Penne pasta: The filling base of this dish, penne pasta provides substance, texture and starch, and since its flavor is milder, it will absorb some of the other flavors.
- Smoked Polish sausage or kielbasa: The sausage is your source of protein, and if you get it smoked, it adds a smoked element to the dish. You can choose your preferred brand, as they’ll have slightly different flavors.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This will serve as your sauce, with the earthy flavors of mushroom providing depth as the soup adds additional creaminess.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage adds a little bit of tang and a little bit of acid that balances the richness of the sausage, for an extra hit of umami. If you don’t like sauerkraut, you can omit it.
- Swiss cheese: The cheese melts into the mushroom sauce, adding a slightly nutty flavor and a little more creaminess and richness.
- Milk: This helps thin out the mushroom sauce. We opt for 2% because it’s lighter than whole.
- Green onions:Â Refreshing, with that hint of onion sharpness, green onions help elevate the dish’s flavors. You can also use them as a garnish.
- Dijon mustard: Spicier than other varieties, Dijon mustard provides a little zing to the dish that elevates the earthier, meatier flavors.
- Garlic: When it comes to the best flavor, mince your garlic fresh. It’ll be much stronger and more aromatic than something out of a jar.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain it and transfer it to a large bowl.
Step 2: Assemble the casserole
Stir in the sausage, soup, sauerkraut, 2 cups of the cheese, the milk, onions, mustard and garlic.
Step 3: Bake the casserole
Spoon the mixture into two greased 8-inch square baking dishes, then sprinkle it with the remaining cup of cheese. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly, 45 to 50 minutes.
Kielbasa Casserole Variations
- Saute the sausage: Before adding the sausage to the casserole mixture, saute it to get the sides nice and browned.
- Get your greens:Â For a little more fiber and texture, you can add vegetables to this recipe. A popular choice is green beans.
- Power it up with potatoes: Instead of pasta, you could use potatoes in this recipe. Just dice them and cook them, then prepare the casserole as above.
How to Store Kielbasa Casserole
Store your kielbasa casserole in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Gently reheat the leftovers when you’re ready to eat them.
Can you freeze kielbasa casserole?
If your casserole is unbaked, you can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Bake it, uncovered, at 350° until it’s golden brown and bubbly, 50 to 55 minutes.
If your casserole is baked, you can also freeze it for up to three months. Reheat it in the oven or in the microwave.
Kielbasa Casserole Tips
Can I use a different pasta type in this casserole?
While penne is traditionally used here, you can use other short pasta types in place of it.
What if I can’t find kielbasa?
While it might change the flavor because of the meat and seasonings used, you could substitute in other beef or pork sausages.
Can I make the casserole in a different pan?
You can also make this casserole in one 9×13-inch pan instead of two separate pans.
