Dump frozen pierogi in the slow cooker with 3 other things and your husband will think you slaved away all day

This 4-ingredient slow cooker pierogi is a true weeknight lifesaver. You literally dump frozen pierogi into the crock, add three simple ingredients, turn it on, and walk away. A few hours later, it tastes like you fussed with homemade dough and onions all afternoon. It has all the cozy Midwestern comfort of a church-basement potluck dish, but without the work, which makes it perfect for busy families or days when you want something hearty and hands-off.

Serve these creamy, buttery pierogi straight from the slow cooker with a big green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A side of kielbasa or smoked sausage, warmed in a skillet, makes it extra hearty for bigger appetites. Offer sour cream and chopped fresh chives or green onions at the table so everyone can dress up their own bowl. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread on the side help scoop up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.

Servings: 4-6

2 pounds frozen pierogi (any flavor, do not thaw)

Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to help prevent sticking.

Arrange the frozen pierogi in a single, snug layer on the bottom of the slow cooker, as evenly as you can. It’s fine if a few overlap slightly, but try to keep them mostly in one layer so they cook evenly.

Scatter the thinly sliced onion evenly over the frozen pierogi, tucking some slices down between them so every bite gets a little flavor.

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions and pierogi. If you’re using sliced butter instead of melted, dot the slices all over the top so they can melt down as it cooks.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pierogi are tender and heated all the way through. Avoid lifting the lid too often so you don’t lose heat and add extra time.

Once the pierogi are tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and cook on LOW for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

Gently stir from the edges toward the center to coat the pierogi in the buttery onions and melted cheese, being careful not to break them up too much.

Taste and add a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the pierogi hot right from the slow cooker, spooning plenty of the buttery onion and cheese over each portion.

For picky eaters, choose simple frozen pierogi like potato-and-cheese or plain potato, and use mild cheddar instead of sharp. If your family likes a little extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at the very end, off the heat, to make a creamier sauce (do not add it at the beginning or it may curdle). You can also swap the yellow onion for 1 teaspoon of onion powder if your kids don’t like onion pieces. For more flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or sprinkle cooked, sliced kielbasa or bacon over the top when you add the cheese. If you want some veggies in there, stir in a cup of thawed frozen peas or steamed broccoli florets right before serving. Food safety tips: Always start with fully frozen, commercially prepared pierogi and keep them frozen until you’re ready to cook. Cook on LOW, not WARM, and don’t leave the slow cooker partially filled and unplugged on the counter. Use a food thermometer if you’re unsure; the center of the pierogi and cheese mixture should reach at least 165°F before serving. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a shallow container and reheat thoroughly before eating, adding a splash of broth or water if they seem dry.