There’s something magical about watching butter melt into soft egg noodles, tossed with warm cottage cheese and just a hint of salt. Moms Lazy Pierogi skips all the folding and pinching but keeps every bit of that cozy, Polish-kitchen comfortcreamy, buttery, and ready in twenty minutes flat.
I first made this on a Wednesday night back in 2019 when my daughter asked for “the dumpling thing Grandma used to make” and I had exactly zero energy for proper dough work. The cottage cheese melted into these tender pockets of noodle, and she said, “Mom, this tastes like a hug.” After ten years of recipe testing, I’ve learned that sometimes the shortcut version becomes the keeperand this one’s been on repeat ever since.

Moms Lazy Pierogi Recipe Easy Delicious Comfort Food
Ingredients
Method
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to warm up.
- Prepare the rotini according to the package directions, then drain and keep aside.
- Fry the bacon slices in a large skillet until crispy.
- Take the bacon out and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Drain the bacon fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Add the sauerkraut to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and stir.
- Mix in the chopped onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat, stirring once in a while, for roughly 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked noodles into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Break the bacon into small pieces and toss them with the noodles.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and one can of cream of mushroom soup and mix everything thoroughly.
- Combine the sauerkraut mixture with the noodles and mushroom soup mixture, mixing well.
- Spread the second can of cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- Optional – You can include sliced cooked Polish sausage or Kielbasa for added flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Casserole
This recipe takes all the warm, tangy comfort of traditional pierogithe sauerkraut, the bacon, the creamy fillingand turns it into a one-dish wonder. No dough rolling, no pinching little pockets for an hour. Just layer, bake, and dig in.

- Weeknight-friendly: Most of the work happens in one skillet, and the oven does the rest while you set the table.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters love the creamy, savory layers and crispy bacon on top.
- Budget-smart: Rotini, canned soup, and a few pantry staples stretch into eight generous servings.
- Freezer-ready: Make two pans, bake one tonight, freeze the other for a future busy evening.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of this in your pantry already. The magic happens when the sauerkraut mingles with bacon grease and the cream of mushroom soup melts into every noodle.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Simple Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Rotini | Holds all the creamy, tangy filling in every twist | Penne, cavatappi, or egg noodles |
| Sauerkraut | Brings that classic pierogi tang | Drained coleslaw mix for milder flavor |
| Bacon | Adds smoky, savory richness | Turkey bacon or crumbled sausage |
| Cream of mushroom soup | Creates the creamy, cozy base | Cream of chicken or homemade béchamel |
| Sliced mushrooms | Extra umami and texture | Fresh sautéed mushrooms or leave out |
How the Dish Comes Together
Start by cooking your rotini until just tender, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, crisp up your bacon in a large skillet, remove it to drain, and reserve three tablespoons of that flavorful grease. Toss the drained sauerkraut into the skillet with the reserved grease, add your chopped onion, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook over medium heat for about ten minutes, stirring now and then.
In your 9×13 baking dish, combine the cooked noodles with crumbled bacon, then fold in the sliced mushrooms and one can of cream of mushroom soup. Add the warm sauerkraut mixture and toss everything together until it’s well coated. Spread the second can of soup over the top like a blanket, then slide the dish into a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes uncovered.
Pro Tip: If you love extra protein, toss in sliced cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage along with the bacon. It turns this into an even heartier family dinner.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this straight from the oven with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh dill, or just a fork and a napkin. It’s perfect alongside a simple green salad or buttered rye bread. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or a low oven, and the flavors deepen overnight.
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (covered) | Up to 4 days | Microwave individual portions or reheat at 300°F |
| Freezer (airtight container) | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes |
| Room temperature | 2 hours max | Don’t leave out longerdairy and meat need the fridge |
Make-Ahead and Swap Ideas
You can assemble Moms Lazy Pierogi the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold. If sauerkraut isn’t your thing, try swapping in sautéed cabbage with a splash of vinegar for a milder, sweeter version.
Want it lighter? Use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and turkey bacon. Craving more veggies? Stir in sautéed bell peppers or spinach with the sauerkraut mixture. After years of testing comfort casseroles in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best recipes are the ones that bend to fit your family’s tastesand this one does exactly that.
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FAQs (Mom’s Lazy Pierogi)
Can I use frozen pasta instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen pasta works perfectly for this recipe. Cook it directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the boiling time. The texture will be just as satisfying as fresh pasta.
What type of onions work best?
Yellow onions are ideal because they caramelize beautifully and add sweetness. Sweet onions like Vidalia also work well. Avoid red onions as they can be too sharp for this comforting dish.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Use plenty of salted boiling water and stir occasionally while cooking. After draining, toss immediately with a little butter or oil before adding to the skillet with onions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prep components ahead. Cook and caramelize onions up to 2 days early, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What are the best toppings to serve with it?
Sour cream is traditional and essential. Crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a sprinkle of paprika make excellent additions. Some families also enjoy it with a dollop of applesauce on the side.

You’ll have Moms Lazy Pierogi on the table in under an hour, and every forkful delivers that creamy, tangy comfort you remembertender noodles, crispy bacon, and just the right amount of sauerkraut bite. It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with warmth and your family with seconds.
If you want a little extra richness, stir a spoonful of sour cream into each bowl before serving. Try sprinkling fresh dill or chives on top for a bright pop of color and flavor. Leftovers taste even better the next daya trick I learned from my own mom, who always said casseroles need time to settle into themselves.
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me in your photos or tell me if you added your own twist. Did your grandma make something like this on chilly evenings? Save this recipe for the next time you need a hug in a dish, and share it with someone who could use a little cozy comfort too.










