Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls - Eating Instantly (2024)

These Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls are the real deal! Cook the whole head of cabbage first, then peel the leaves, stuff and cook a second time.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Green cabbage – you could try using Napa or Savoy cabbage instead.
• Extra lean ground beef –any ground meat like ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of ground beef.
• White rice –use any kind of white or brown rice. Keep in mind that if you use rice, it’ll alter the cooking time.
• Onion –yellow, white or red onion can all be used for this recipe.
• Garlic –fresh or jarred minced garlic is best. In a pinch, use a bit of garlic powder.
• Egg – you can leave this out, but it helps bind the meat mixture.
• Paprika –cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper can be used in place of paprika.
• Salt & pepper– to taste.
• Pasta sauce –use your favourite red pasta sauce or make your own.
• Beef broth –chicken broth or vegetable broth would be the best substitutes here.

How to make cabbage rolls in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Cook the cabbage.

Add the whole head of cabbage to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 1 minute, then do a quick release of the pressure.

Step 2: Make the meat mixture.

Meanwhile, mix the ground beef with the rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt and pepper.

Step 3: Unwrap the cabbage leaves.

Remove the cabbage from the pot and drain the liquid. Unwrap the outermost leaves, then add the beef broth and pasta sauce to the Instant Pot in order. Do not stir.

Step 4: Assemble the cabbage rolls.

Add the meat mixture to the cabbage leaves, then fold them up. Hold in place with toothpicks if needed.

Step 5: Cook on high pressure.

Add the cabbage rolls to the Instant Pot on top of the pasta sauce, then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy!

Do a natural pressure release, then serve and enjoy!

What to serve with cabbage rolls

Cabbage rolls are a delicious dinner idea that you can enjoy alone or with a side dish! This Instant Pot cabbage recipe is inspired by traditional Polish cabbage rolls, so the best side dishes are ones that compliment the cuisine. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to serve up these cabbage rolls as a full dinner, try something from the list below:

• Mashed potatoes
• Cornbread, garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Salad of choice (bean salad, cucumber salad, leafy green salad, couscous salad, etc.)
• Sauerkraut
• Kielbasa or sausage
• Steamed veggies
• Potato pancakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and reheating

Once you’ve made these Instant Pot cabbage rolls, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy this dish, reheat the cabbage rolls in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through or in the oven for 10 to 20 minutes at 350° Fahrenheit.

Can you freeze cabbage rolls?

Yes, you can freeze these Instant Pot cabbage rolls, but be careful since they could fall apart when defrosting. For the best results, store them in the fridge for the night before moving them to the freezer and freeze them for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to enjoy your cabbage rolls, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then use the reheating instructions above.

More Instant Pot cabbage recipes

• Easy Instant Pot Cabbage With Bacon
• Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Meal prep tools for this recipe

• Grab someglass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this recipe into your weekly lunches.
• I get all my ground beef from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
• Freeze this recipe in glass microwave-safe bowls up to 3 months.