Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Eastern European cuisine! These mouthwatering Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are not just a meal – they're a delicious adventure waiting to happen. Imagine tender cabbage leaves embracing a savory mixture of ground beef and rice, all perfectly cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection in just under an hour. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a taste of traditional comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the head of cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Blanch the cabbage for about 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves are pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, gently peel off 8-10 leaves and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Take one cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll it up tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Pour a small amount of tomato sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. If you have any leftover cabbage leaves, you can place them on top of the rolls.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered. You can also add a splash of water or broth if desired for extra moisture.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and adjust the cooking time to 30 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid. Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, garnished with additional tomato sauce if desired. Enjoy your delicious Eastern European meal!
Tips
- Cabbage Leaf Prep: When blanching the cabbage, don't overcook! The leaves should be just pliable enough to roll without breaking. If a leaf tears, you can always patch it up or use it as a base layer in the Instant Pot.
- Filling Technique: Don't overstuff your cabbage rolls. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per leaf to ensure they roll easily and cook evenly.
- Moisture is Key: The tomato sauce not only adds flavor but helps prevent the rolls from sticking. If you're worried about dryness, add a splash of beef broth for extra moisture.
- Natural Pressure Release: The 10-minute natural release is crucial. It helps the cabbage rolls continue cooking gently and keeps them tender and juicy.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These stuffed cabbage rolls actually taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance. They freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream!Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to your meat mixture. Your taste buds will thank you!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
