Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Eastern Europe without leaving your kitchen? These Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls are not only a comforting dish but also a delightful explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! With tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef and rice, smothered in rich tomato sauce, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. In just 50 minutes, you can create a meal that serves four and impresses your family and friends. Keep reading to discover the secrets to perfecting these delicious rolls that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cabbage leaves
- Ground beef
- Rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves by carefully removing whole leaves from a head of cabbage. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Lay out each cabbage leaf flat and place a portion of the meat mixture near the stem end. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, creating a compact cabbage roll.
- Grease the Instant Pot insert with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer.
- Pour tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered. Add 1/2 cup of water or beef broth for additional moisture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 5 minutes after cooking.
- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or additional sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Look for a fresh, firm head of cabbage. Savoy cabbage is particularly tender and easy to work with, but any variety will do.
- Blanching is Key: Don’t skip the blanching step! This softens the leaves, making them easier to roll without tearing.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the filling! Add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor, or substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based option for a lighter version.
- Layering Matters: When placing the cabbage rolls in the Instant Pot, make sure they are seam-side down and arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Perfect Sauce: For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the tomato sauce before pouring it over the rolls.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing for a natural pressure release not only ensures the cabbage rolls are tender but also helps to keep them intact when removing from the pot.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream on top before serving can elevate the dish both in taste and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 442kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
