Cabbage may not be the first vegetable that pops into your mind when you think of comfort food, but trust me; this Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole will change that perception faster than you can say “delicious.” Imagine tender layers of cabbage, savory ground meat, and zesty tomato sauce all coming together in a warm embrace, like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. creamy vegetable soup The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe recipe.
Now, allow me to take you on a little journey back to my childhood. Picture it: my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the sweet scent of simmering tomatoes and spices. She would whip up her famous stuffed cabbage rolls every Sunday, and we would gather around the table like moths to a flame. This recipe is my modern twist on her classic dish—just as comforting but with way less fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this Instant Pot masterpiece delivers flavor and nostalgia with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for any weeknight dinner.
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, providing a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for meal prep or family feasts, catering to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Green Cabbage: Look for a firm head with tightly packed leaves; this will be the star of your casserole.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty filling without excessive grease.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give an aromatic kick that cannot be beaten.
- Rice: Uncooked white rice absorbs flavors as it cooks and adds texture.
- Tomato Sauce: Choose a high-quality tomato sauce for rich flavor; homemade is always better!
- Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme are excellent choices that complement the dish beautifully.
For the Toppings:
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Begin by carefully removing the core from the cabbage head. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Submerge the cabbage head in boiling water for about five minutes until the leaves soften slightly. Remove it from the pot and let cool before peeling off about ten large leaves.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
In your Instant Pot set to sauté mode, add a splash of oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then add ground beef and cook until browned—season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Once browned, turn off sauté mode. Stir in uncooked rice and half of your tomato sauce into the meat mixture until evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble
Spoon some of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll them up tightly like burritos—don’t worry if they look imperfect; they will still taste amazing! Place them seam-side down in the Instant Pot.
Step 5: Add Sauce
Pour remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot. Add one cup of water around them to create steam during cooking.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Seal your Instant Pot lid securely. Set it to manual high pressure for fifteen minutes followed by natural release for another ten minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sour cream for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy this hearty dish that’ll leave everyone coming back for more!
There you have it—your new go-to recipe that combines memories from childhood with modern convenience! Now grab your apron (or don’t; I won’t judge), channel your inner chef, and get ready to impress everyone at dinner tonight with this delightful Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole! stuffed pepper soup recipe.
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a game changer for busy weeknights.
- It combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage without the fuss.
- The colorful layers and comforting aroma will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve maximum flavor and efficiency, start by browning your ground meat in the Instant Pot. While it’s sizzling, chop your cabbage and prepare any additional ingredients. Once the meat is browned, layer everything back into the pot for an easy cook.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by swapping out ground beef for turkey or adding your favorite spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. Toss in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, ensuring that every bite remains as delicious as day one.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a truly tender cabbage, steam it briefly before adding it to the casserole.
- Keep your seasonings balanced; too much salt can overpower the other flavors.
- Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking to enhance those delicious flavors.
Sometimes I think my friends love this recipe more than I do! One evening, while serving this dish at a gathering, I was met with applause instead of polite nods—definitely a sign that I’ve got something special here!
FAQs:
What is Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole?
Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a flavorful, one-pot meal that combines ground meat, rice, and spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. This dish captures the essence of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but simplifies the cooking process using an Instant Pot. flavorful chicken shawarma The pressure cooker not only accelerates cooking time but also enhances the flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole?
Cooking Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole typically takes around 30 minutes under pressure. However, if you include prep time for chopping ingredients and assembling the casserole, the total time may extend to about an hour. Despite this, using the Instant Pot significantly reduces the overall cooking time compared to traditional methods.
Can I make Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole ahead of time. You can assemble all ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it an excellent meal prep option for busy days. You can also freeze leftovers for future meals, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish whenever you like.
What are some variations for Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole?
There are many delicious variations for Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole. You can use different types of ground meat like turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or mushrooms as a filling. Additionally, feel free to experiment with spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences, adding even more depth to this comforting dish.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole:
Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings comfort food into your kitchen effortlessly. By utilizing the Instant Pot, you save time without sacrificing taste. This recipe is versatile and allows for various modifications based on dietary needs or ingredient availability. bubble up pizza casserole Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or meal prep, this casserole offers convenience and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Casserole transforms the traditional flavors of stuffed cabbage into a quick and easy one-pot meal. This comforting dish features tender cabbage leaves enveloping a savory filling of lean ground beef and rice, all simmered in rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe brings nostalgia to the table without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 24 oz tomato sauce (preferably homemade)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and boil in water for about 5 minutes. Cool and peel off 10 large leaves.
- Cook the meat mixture: In the Instant Pot on sauté mode, heat oil. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef; season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme until browned.
- Mix it up: Stir in rice and half of the tomato sauce until combined.
- Assemble: Spoon meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the pot.
- Add sauce: Pour remaining tomato sauce over rolls and add 1 cup of water around them.
- Pressure cook: Seal lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes; allow natural release for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (approx. 310g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Customize by adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the filling.




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