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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls (Instant Pot, 35 Minutes)

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Instant Pot in Just 35 Minutes

Enjoy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls made effortlessly in an Instant Pot, ready in just 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons oil Can substitute with vegetable oil or butter.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Or ground chicken/turkey/plant-based.
  • 1 medium onion Any sweet or yellow onion works.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced or chopped.
For the Vegetables
  • 5 cups chopped cabbage Approximately 2 lbs of fresh cabbage.
  • 1 medium diced carrot Can substitute with parsnip or skip entirely.
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach Optional; use kale or omit if not available.
For the Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Substitute with Italian seasoning if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Use soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
For the Sauce
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Optional; adjust to taste.
  • 3 cups tomato sauce Forms the base of the dish.
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by selecting the sauté function on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Add a splash of oil, and then introduce your lean ground beef, chicken, or plant-based alternative. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, continuing to sauté for another 2 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the chopped cabbage and diced carrot to the pot, mixing everything together thoroughly. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, making sure to distribute the seasonings evenly. Stir well and sauté for an additional minute.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef or chicken broth; do not stir. This layering means the ingredients will cook evenly under pressure.
  4. Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow for an 8-minute natural pressure release, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
  5. Open the Instant Pot, and if you’re adding fresh baby spinach, do so now. Stir everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt and blend into the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 140IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Serve hot with options like crusty bread or rice for a complete meal that warms the heart.

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