Hearty Ukrainian Slow Cooker Casserole: An Easy One-Pot Malanka Feast
The morning after a cherished celebration can often bring a sense of melancholy. For us, the day after Malanka, the Ukrainian New Year’s Celebration, always feels a little empty. My son, in particular, was deep in mourning, and I understood perfectly why. This year’s Malanka was exceptionally special for him, a truly unforgettable milestone. Not only did the next celebration feel impossibly far away, but I was also battling a considerable hangover. In the wake of such a wonderful family event, with 11 long months, 1 week, and 4 days stretching before us until the next Malanka, I desperately wanted to capture a little of that festive spirit and drown our collective sorrows. And what better way to do that than with my signature Ukrainian Daughter’s Crock Pot Casserole? This slow cooker sensation isn’t just a meal; it’s a giant Ukrainian feast, lovingly crafted and simmered in a single pot, designed to bring warmth and comfort to your soul.
Malanka is a vibrant cultural beacon, a shining light that cuts through the dreariest time of the year. It’s an occasion for a grand party, bringing together cherished family and friends for an evening filled with beautiful traditional dancing and an absolutely incredible Ukrainian feast. Imagine tables laden with delectable perogies, savory cabbage rolls, and flavorful kubasa – a true culinary spectacle. This is our Malanka, the annual Ukrainian New Year’s Celebration hosted by our dance school, a highlight we look forward to all year.
This year, Malanka held an even deeper significance for us. My son, usually a proud spectator, got to perform and dance at Malanka for the very first time!
A Ukrainian Feast in One Pot: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Casserole
This Ukrainian Daughter’s Crock Pot Casserole is a culinary marvel, designed to bring the rich, comforting flavors of a traditional Ukrainian feast right to your dinner table with minimal effort. It brilliantly combines elements from several beloved Ukrainian dishes into one harmonious, savory slow cooker casserole. Think of the tender cabbage and rice reminiscent of holubtsi (cabbage rolls), the savory kielbasa (kubasa), and the creamy, potato-and-cheese flavors akin to varenyky (pierogi). This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a complete, hearty Ukrainian meal in a single pot, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying delicious leftovers.
The beauty of this slow cooker Ukrainian casserole lies in its incredible ease. If you’re searching for authentic Ukrainian recipes that don’t demand hours in the kitchen, this is it! With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and absolutely NO pre-cooking required, the slow cooker truly does all the hard work for you. You simply layer the ingredients, set it, and forget it. This hands-off approach makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of Ukrainian comfort food without the extensive labor typically associated with such a grand meal. Imagine enjoying a huge Ukrainian dinner without having to spend a ridiculous amount of time making it – this crock pot casserole delivers just that!
🥘 Ingredients for Your One-Pot Ukrainian Wonder
Creating this magnificent Ukrainian slow cooker casserole relies on a thoughtful blend of ingredients that evoke the authentic tastes of Ukrainian cuisine. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this dish so incredibly satisfying. From the foundational cabbage to the savory kielbasa and the creamy hash brown topping, every item contributes to a hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful experience. While the list might seem long, remember that it’s designed to be a comprehensive meal, and the assembly is surprisingly quick and straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how easily these simple ingredients transform into a complex and delicious dish.
The combination of tomato soup and tomato juice forms a rich, tangy base, while mustard and horseradish add a zesty kick that beautifully complements the smoky kielbasa. Greek yogurt and sour cream introduce a creamy tartness, balancing the richness and adding depth. Dill, a quintessential Ukrainian herb, infuses the entire dish with its distinctive, fresh aroma. The use of hash browns and cottage cheese in the topping creates a wonderfully comforting and substantial layer, mimicking the potato and cheese elements often found in pierogi. Finally, sauerkraut provides that characteristic sour tang and tender texture that is so beloved in Eastern European cooking, tying all the flavors together for an unforgettable slow-cooked masterpiece.
🔪 Easy Slow Cooker Casserole Instructions
This recipe is incredibly straightforward because it requires no precooking, making it perfect for busy days. The key to its success lies in layering the ingredients as directed. This method ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully and that each component cooks perfectly within the slow cooker’s gentle heat. Follow these steps for an effortless path to a delicious Ukrainian feast:
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layer. Start by spraying your 6-quart (or larger) crock pot generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour one 10 oz can of concentrated tomato soup into the bottom of the crock pot, spreading it evenly. This will create a rich, flavorful foundation. Next, add 3-4 cups of shredded cabbage, distributing it over the tomato soup. Finally, sprinkle the dry instant brown rice over the cabbage layer. This forms the first crucial layer of your casserole.
Step 2: Hydrate and Season. Carefully pour 2 cups of water over the rice layer. This water is essential for cooking the rice and ensuring the casserole remains moist. Then, sprinkle ¼ cup of real bacon bits evenly over the water and rice. These bacon bits will infuse a wonderful smoky flavor throughout the dish as it cooks.
Step 3: Add More Flavor and Kielbasa. Evenly spread the second can of concentrated tomato soup over the cabbage layer. Follow this by pouring ⅓ cup of tomato juice over the soup. Next, take your Ukrainian kubasa (kielbasa), with the casing removed, and cut it into ¼-inch thick circles. Arrange these kubasa slices evenly over the cabbage roll layer. The kubasa is a star ingredient, offering a savory, smoky heart to the casserole.
Step 4: Create the Tangy Topping. In a small bowl, combine the ⅔ cup of mustard, 3 teaspoons of horseradish, and ¼ cup of Greek yogurt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This mixture creates a wonderfully tangy and slightly spicy spread. Evenly spread this mustard-horseradish-yogurt mixture over the kubasa layer in your crock pot. This layer adds a unique depth of flavor that is truly Ukrainian.
Step 5: Assemble the Pierogi-Inspired Layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine the defrosted 1 kg package of frozen hash browns (about 5 cups). Add 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 cup of dry cottage cheese, 1 cup of chopped sauerkraut, 1 cup of light sour cream, the remaining ⅓ cup of real bacon bits, one 10 oz can of concentrated cheddar cheese soup, 1 tablespoon of dill, and 1 ½ cups of grated old light cheddar cheese. Mix all these ingredients together thoroughly. Then, cut ¼ cup of salted butter into very small pieces and gently mix them into the hash brown mixture. Evenly spread this entire hash brown mixture over the top of the kubasa layer in the crock pot. To finish this layer, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sauerkraut liquid (from the jar) over the hash brown mixture. This liquid adds an extra layer of moisture and tangy flavor, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover your crock pot and turn it on the LOW setting for 8-10 hours. The extended, slow cooking time is essential for the flavors to meld and for the cabbage and rice to become wonderfully tender and cooked through. The casserole is ready when the cabbage is soft and translucent, the rice is fully cooked, and the top is golden and bubbly. Resist the urge to peek too often, as this releases heat and prolongs the cooking time. Once done, serve hot and enjoy this magnificent Ukrainian one-pot meal!
If you’re seeking delicious and comforting Ukrainian dishes, then this crock pot casserole is an absolute must-try! It masterfully combines the essence of about four different Ukrainian meals into one incredibly satisfying dish. But the truly amazing part is how seamlessly all these distinct flavors and textures come together, creating a taste that is simply phenomenal. This wasn’t an accident; this recipe truly was a labor of love, taking me many attempts and numerous versions to perfect. The dedication paid off, resulting in a dish that is both authentic in spirit and wonderfully easy to prepare.
Tips for Serving and Enjoying Your Ukrainian Casserole
This magnificent Ukrainian Slow Cooker Casserole is designed to be a complete meal in itself, but there are always ways to elevate the experience or make it even more convenient. It’s a dish that genuinely gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen, making it fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Fortunately, this hearty comfort food was able to ease my son’s post-Malanka blues, if only a little, and it also makes a pretty good hangover remedy, testament to its comforting powers!
For serving, consider garnishing individual portions with a dollop of fresh sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill. These additions not only enhance the presentation but also brighten the flavors with their creamy tang and herbaceous notes. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad to add a fresh contrast, or a side of crusty rye bread for soaking up all the delicious juices. For an authentic touch, serve alongside some pickled vegetables, like pickled cucumbers or beets, which offer a delightful crunch and acidity. This casserole also freezes well, allowing you to prepare a large batch and enjoy the taste of Ukraine whenever the craving strikes.
To complete your Ukrainian culinary journey, why not try my Ukrainian Walnut Torte with this meal? It’s a perfect sweet ending to a savory feast!
And if you LOVE Ukrainian food then be sure to check out my extensive Ukrainian Recipes Board on Pinterest for more traditional and modern inspirations!
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📋 Ukrainian Daughter’s Crock Pot Casserole Recipe
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Equipment
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slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 -4 cups chopped cabbage 1 very small cabbage
- 2 cup dry instant brown rice minute rice
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup tomato juice
- 2 10 oz cans tomato soup (concentrated)
- ⅔ cup real bacon bits
- ⅔ cup mustard
- 3 teaspoon horseradish
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 750 g Ukrainian Kubassa ring casing removed
- 1 kg pkg hashbrowns frozen (about 5 cups) defrosted
- 1 ½ cup old light cheddar cheese
- 1 cup light sour cream
- 1 cup dry cottage cheese
- 1 10 oz can cheddar soup (concentrated)
- 1 tablespoon dill
- 1 cup sauerkraut chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup butter salted
- 2 tablespoon sauerkraut liquid from jar
Garnish (optional)
- Dill
- sour cream
Instructions
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Spray a 6 quart crock pot/slow cooker 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.
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Pour 2 cups of water on top of rice, then sprinkle on ¼ cup of bacon bits.
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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.
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Mix mustard, horseradish and Greek yogurt together and spread evenly over kubassa.
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In a large mixing bowl mix frozen hashbrowns, 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 hashbrown mixture over top of kubasa. Sprinkle sauerkraut liquid over hashbrown mixture.
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Turn crock pot on low for 8-10 hour. It is ready when cabbage is tender and cooked through.
Notes
Nutrition
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