Ultimate Polish Casserole

A Hearty 30-Minute Family Dinner

Introduction

Experience the comforting flavors of Eastern Europe with this soul-warming Polish Casserole. Combining tender egg noodles, savory kielbasa, and caramelized cabbage in a creamy sauce, this dish brings traditional Polish flavors to your dinner table in a modern, convenient way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Polish Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, yet comes together in just 30 minutes. The combination of smoky kielbasa, sweet onions, and tender cabbage creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Base:

1 pound egg noodles
1 pound Polish kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 large head cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
2 large onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Base:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Cook egg noodles until al dente
- Drain and set aside
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
- Brown kielbasa in a large skillet over medium heat
- Remove and set aside
- In the same pan, add butter and oil
- Sauté onions until translucent
- Add cabbage and garlic
- Cook until cabbage is tender-crisp
- Season with salt and pepper
Create the Sauce:
- Whisk together sour cream, soup, and broth
- Stir in paprika and caraway seeds
- Combine with noodles, kielbasa, and vegetables
Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish
- Mix topping ingredients
- Sprinkle over casserole
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this hearty casserole hot from the oven with a side of crusty rye bread and a simple green salad. For storage, let cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.