Ukrainian Daughter’s Crock Pot Casserole

This Ukrainian Daughter's Crock Pot Casserole recipe is truly a "labor of love" that I spent years perfecting. It combines all the heavy hitters of a traditional Ukrainian dinner-kielbasa, cabbage rolls, and pierogi flavors-into one hearty, slow-cooked masterpiece. It's the perfect solution for a busy Sunday dinner, a New Year's Eve feast, or a potluck where you want to wow the crowd. The best part? There is absolutely no precooking required. You simply layer the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting!

If you're looking for Ukrainian recipes, you'll love this slow cooker casserole because it's a giant Ukrainian feast in one pot! It pairs well with myUkrainian Walnut Torte for dessert!

🥘 Ingredient Notes

If you are looking for Ukrainian recipes, this Ukrainian slow cooker casserole is a huge Ukrainian meal in one pot, including kielbasa sausage, cabbage, rice, and pierogi/perogy flavors.! Prepped in 20 minutes, the slow cooker does all the cooking for you! Who doesn't want a giant Ukrainian dinner without having to spend a ridiculous amount of time making it? There is NO precooking required! 

• Ukrainian Kubassa (Kielbasa): Look for a high-quality garlic ring. Removing the casing before slicing ensures every bite is tender and integrates perfectly into the layers.
• Dry Cottage Cheese: This is a staple in Ukrainian cooking (similar to Tvorog). It has a crumbly texture and doesn't release as much liquid as regular cottage cheese, which is key to keeping the casserole from getting soggy.
• Instant Brown Rice: It is essential to use instant (minute) rice here. Regular brown or white rice will not cook through properly in the time it takes the cabbage to soften without adding significantly more liquid.
• Hash Browns: I use the frozen cubed variety. Make sure they are defrosted before mixing so they blend easily with the cheese and sour cream.
• Sauerkraut and Liquid: The sauerkraut provides that signature tang. Don't skip the step of sprinkling the sauerkraut liquid over the top-it seasons the potato layer as it steams!
• Mustard & Horseradish: This might seem like a unique addition, but it adds a subtle "zing" that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sausage.

🔪 How to Make Ukrainian Slow Cooker Casserole

This recipe is very easy because it requires no precooking. But you need to add the ingredients as directed:

Step 1: Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1 can of tomato soup into bottom of crock pot. Add 3-4 cups shredded cabbage on bottom of crock pot, then add dry rice.

Step 2: Pour 2 cups of water on top of rice, then sprinkle on ¼ cup of bacon bits.

Step 3: Evenly spread the other can of tomato soup over cabbage, then pour on tomato juice. Cut kubasa into circles (¼ inch) and spread evenly over cabbage roll layer.

Step 4: Mix mustard, horseradish and reek yogurt together and spread evenly over kubassa.

Step 5: In a large mixing bowl mix frozen hash browns, finely cut onion, dry cottage cheese, sauerkraut, sour cream, remaining bacon bits, cheddar cheese soup, dill, and the grated cheddar cheese. Then cut butter into very small pieces and mix in. Spread hash brown mixture over top of kubassa. Sprinkle sauerkraut liquid over hash brown mixture.

Step 6: Turn crock pot on low for 8-10 hour. It is ready when cabbage is tender and cooked through.

🥗 What to eat with this Ukrainian Crock Pot Casserole

While this is a giant meal in one pot, it pairs beautifully with a few traditional sides such as my Beef Borscht (with canned beet) (shown below). I also like to serve it with a simple beet salad or a vinegar-based coleslaw like my Artichoke and Red Bell Pepper Coleslaw, which adds a nice acidity to balance the richness.

My Dessert Perogies or Pampushky - Ukrainian doughnuts finish this meal off nicely!

🌡️Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!

To Freeze: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. However, be aware that because it contains sour cream and potatoes, the texture may be slightly softer upon thawing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot.

👪 Serving Size

This recipe makes a massive 16 servings, making it the ultimate choice for potlucks, family reunions, or holiday feasts like New Year's Eve. Because it is so rich and filling, a smaller portion goes a long way, especially if you are serving it with traditional sides.

❔Recipe FAQ's