CHEESY PIEROGI CASSEROLE IN VODKA SAUCE BY ROSE

Cheesy Pierogi Casserole in Vodka Sauce by Rose image

I made this cheesy Pierogi casserole to go with my Sauerkraut and Sausage dinner. I made it very cheesy with the addition of Fresh Mozzarella, Shredded Mozzarella, and Shredded Cheddar cheese, and then added Real bacon bits. Using Mrs. T's Frozen Pierogies, makes the dish come together rather fast. This dish is much better if...

Provided by Rose Mary Mogan

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 lb mrs. t's frozen pierogis or pierogis of your choice)
1 large yellow onion, sliced and rings seperated
2 medium red bell peppers, sliced into strips
1 stick butter
2 tsp dried sweet basil
1 c real bacon bit crumbles (not imitation)
1 jar(s) vodka sauce (23 1/2 oz) more if desired
1 1/2 lb fresh mozzarella sliced
1 c sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 c shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

1. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to a large skillet, heat till hot then add sliced onions and peppers and sauté until crisp tender about 5 or 6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Spray a 9X13 X2 inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside till needed.
3. Now add 4 tablespoons of butter to large skillet, I used a 16 inch size skillet, & heat till hot over medium high heat, then add in the frozen pierogis, and stir to prevent sticking and cook until they become lightly browned on both sides, then add the sautéed onions and peppers back into skillet and stir to blend together then remove from heat.
4. Add 1/2 of pierogi mixture into prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle with a teaspoon of basil.Top with half of bacon crumbles.
5. Now add half of Pasta Sauce. I'm showing 2 jars but I decided to only use one jar. Top with half the Shredded & sliced fresh mozzarella cheese.
6. Now Add the remaining pierogi mixture and top with the last of the vodka sauce & remaining teaspoon of dried basil.
7. Add the sliced fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella the real bacon bits, and add shredded sharp cheddar on top.
8. Bake in preheated 350 degrees F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese has melted. Remove from oven, and allow to sit 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
9. Serve and enjoy. This is all that remained for my final picture. It was really good and very cheesy, you can omit some of the cheese if you prefer less cheese, but FRESH MOZZARELLA really does make it cheesy & gooey good.