Lazy Pierogi Casserole

I figured since the Cabbage Roll Casserole went over so well I would share my Lazy Pierogi Casserole today. I was talking about it at work and it got me craving it.

It is another shortcut recipe that reminds me of the real thing but, of course, is not quite as good as the real thing.

I mean, really, nothing is as good as actual homemade pierogies.

NOTHING.

But, that being said, this is still pretty darn tasty. AND....it is another casserole you can make up ahead of time and refrigerate until time to cook it.

It is a little more fussy than the Cabbage Roll Casserole is to make but, I think you will agree, it is worth it.

Lazy Pierogi Casserole



Ingredients

15 lasagna noodles

2 cups cottage cheese

1 egg

1 Tbsp Oh! So Garlic (optional)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

3 large potatoes (enough to yield a generous 2 cups mashed)

2 cups aged cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup butter

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

5 strips bacon, coarsely chopped

1/8 tsp black pepper

sour cream, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray.

Cook noodles as directed on package. (I use oven ready noodles - all you have to do is soak them in hot tap water for 5 minutes and they are good to go!)

Line the bottom of the 9 X 13 pan with noodles. (Pic below)

In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, and Oh! So Garlic (optional). Spread over noodles. (Pic below)

Lay another layer of lasagna noodles on top of cottage cheese mixture. (Pic below)

Peel and cut potatoes into chunks. Boil in pot of water with the chopped garlic until tender. Drain and mash with 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. (Pic below)

Cover with yet another layer of lasagna noodles. (Pic below)

Melt butter in frying pan. Over medium heat, saute onions and bacon together, stir in pepper. Stir and cook until onions are soft and bacon is cooked. Pour over noodles. (Pic below)

Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar. (Pic below)

Bake in 350 oven for about 30 minutes. Until cheese is melted and noodles are soft. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

I was thinking you could even plan this the night before and serve it as a breakfast casserole. I mean, pierogies are for breakfast sometimes....at least....I have them for breakfast sometimes....therefore pierogi casserole should be for breakfast too.

I know it's not exactly in the "healthy choices" column as far as ingredients and calories go....but, hey....sometimes you just have to indulge a little.

As far as I am concerned - anything with "pierogi" in the title is worth indulging in!