Taco Pierogi Casserole might sound like something your brain made up during a hungry dream—but trust me, it’s real, it’s ridiculously good, and it’s about to be your new go-to dinner. You’ve got the bold flavors of taco night smashed together with cheesy pierogies (yes, those delightful potato dumplings), all in one easy, hearty casserole that’s ready in under an hour.
Oh, and picky eaters? They don’t stand a chance. We’re talking melty Velveeta, salsa, ground beef, cheddar, and pillowy pierogies baked into pure gold. If your taste buds had comfort food cravings—this would be their love language.
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What is Taco Pierogi Casserole?
Taco Pierogi Casserole is basically a culinary love child of Taco Tuesday and Midwestern comfort food. It blends frozen cheese pierogies with seasoned ground beef, creamy Velveeta, tangy salsa, and a splash of cream of chicken soup, then bakes it all under a layer of gooey cheddar cheese.
It’s hot, bubbly, and exactly the kind of “dump and bake” dinner magic we all need on a chaotic Tuesday night. The pierogies—think of them as cheesy, potato-stuffed pasta pillows—soak up the saucy, taco-inspired filling and deliver on every level: texture, taste, and total satisfaction.
Reasons to Try Taco Pierogi Casserole
Let’s be honest: some nights, we need dinner to practically make itself. That’s where Taco Pierogi Casserole shows up like a superhero with a skillet. It’s ready in 45 minutes, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and works even if you forgot to thaw the pierogies (hallelujah). Got picky eaters? They’ll inhale this.
Need a potluck showstopper? This dish gets scraped clean. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, meaning you can prep it ahead and stash it for one of those “nothing in the fridge” emergencies. It’s basically a warm, cheesy hug—without the mess of tacos falling apart in your hands.
Ingredients Needed to Make Taco Pierogi Casserole
- 2 (16-oz) packages frozen cheese pierogi
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you’re feeling lighter)
- 1 (1-oz) packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 8 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 1 (12-oz) jar salsa (use mild or hot depending on your audience)
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, olives, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips (if you’re feeling extra)
Instructions to Make Taco Pierogi Casserole
Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. No one likes a stuck pierogi, trust me.
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook your ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the fat (important unless you like greasy casseroles) and return the beef to the skillet.
Taco Time
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors really stick to the meat.
Make It Creamy
Add your cubed Velveeta, salsa, and cream of chicken soup. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently until the cheese is totally melted and everything’s looking saucy and irresistible.
Add Pierogies
Toss in your frozen pierogies—no need to thaw them. Stir to coat them in all that cheesy taco goodness, then pour everything into your prepared baking dish.
Bake
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
Want to pair this with another easy dinner idea? Try our Crack Chicken Tenders—they’re just as crave-worthy.
What to Serve with Taco Pierogi Casserole
This casserole is rich and filling, so you don’t need much. A crisp, fresh salad on the side adds balance—think romaine with a simple lime vinaigrette or avocado slices. Want to lean into the Mexican vibe? A little cilantro lime rice or some Carnitas Burrito Bowls would be perfect partners. If you’re hosting, set up a toppings bar: sour cream, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips—go wild. And don’t forget a cold drink; even sparkling water with lime can make this feel a little more festive.
Key Tips for Making Taco Pierogi Casserole
- No need to thaw the pierogies – seriously, just dump them in straight from the freezer.
- Use unsalted soup – helps keep the salt levels reasonable (Velveeta does plenty on its own).
- Make ahead magic – assemble it earlier in the day, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Want it milder or kid-friendly? Swap the salsa for canned tomatoes and skip spicy toppings.
- Double it and freeze one – this is one of those recipes that freezes like a dream.
Need more cozy casseroles? Check out our Chicken Noodle Casserole that tastes like a warm hug.
Storage and Reheating Tips Taco Pierogi Casserole
Leftovers? Oh yes, they reheat beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute bursts (cover with a paper towel to avoid sauce splatter) or toss it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil. Want to freeze it? Go for it—either baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed (maybe give it an extra 5–10 minutes).
FAQs
Can I use homemade pierogies?
Absolutely! If you’ve got the time and energy, go for it. Just cook them first and skip the frozen step.
What’s a good Velveeta substitute?
Try American cheese or a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the ground beef for black beans or meatless crumbles and use veggie-based soup.
Is this spicy?
Not unless you use hot salsa or add jalapeños. Mild versions are totally family-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Taco Pierogi Casserole is one of those rare recipes that hits every note: comfort, flavor, ease, and crowd-pleasing powers. Whether you’re cooking for a big family or just want leftovers that actually taste good the next day, this dish gets it done. It’s warm, cheesy, a little indulgent—and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what we need. So next time you’re staring into your fridge with that “what’s for dinner?” face, remember this casserole. And if you’re on a casserole kick, don’t miss our Creamy Ranch Chicken—equally easy, just as delicious.
Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.
PrintTaco Pierogi Casserole: A Cheesy, Comfort-Filled Weeknight Wonder
Taco Pierogi Casserole is a fun and flavorful mashup of cheesy pierogies and bold taco flavors! Loaded with taco-seasoned beef, Velveeta, salsa, and topped with cheddar, this easy casserole is the perfect comfort food for weeknights or potlucks. Ready in just 45 minutes and topped with your favorite taco fixings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 (16-oz) packages frozen cheese pierogi
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 8 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 1 (12-oz) jar salsa
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat.
3. Return the meat to the skillet and add taco seasoning and water. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, Velveeta, and salsa. Reduce heat to low and stir until cheese is melted.
5. Stir in frozen pierogies, then pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
8. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or olives.
Notes
No need to thaw the pierogies—they will cook in the casserole.
This can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking. If frozen, thaw completely before baking.
Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Use mild salsa or crushed tomatoes if serving young kids.
Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
