Easy Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Flavorful Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Recipe
Craving the hearty, savory flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but short on time? You’re in luck! This simple recipe for Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls delivers all the beloved taste and comforting warmth of the classic dish, but without the painstaking effort of rolling each individual cabbage leaf. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
For anyone who has ever embarked on the journey of making traditional cabbage rolls from scratch, you know it’s a labor of love that demands significant time and effort. From carefully blanching and peeling cabbage leaves to meticulously preparing the filling, then individually wrapping and cooking each roll – it’s a process. While the end result is undeniably delicious, it’s often reserved for special occasions or days when you have hours to dedicate to the kitchen.
But what if you could enjoy that same deeply satisfying, rich flavor profile of ground beef and tender cabbage simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, without all the fuss? That’s precisely what our Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer. This innovative take transforms a time-consuming classic into a convenient one-pot meal, perfect for modern households seeking both efficiency and wholesome goodness.
Beyond its incredible ease, this recipe is designed to cater to various dietary needs. It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those managing specific eating plans. With a simple ingredient swap, it can also be made completely keto or dairy-free, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy this hearty and healthy meal together. Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s a guilt-free comfort food that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe
This Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Roll recipe isn’t just about saving time; it’s about maximizing flavor and convenience while offering incredible versatility. Here are just a few reasons why this dish is poised to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Effortless Comfort Food: Experience all the beloved flavors of classic cabbage rolls—savory beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce—without the tedious rolling and lengthy cooking times. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, giving you back precious time.
- Perfect for Low-Carb and Keto Diets: Naturally low in carbohydrates and easily adaptable for a strict keto diet, this recipe allows you to indulge in a hearty comfort meal without derailing your dietary goals. It’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- One-Pot Wonder for Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! Preparing this meal entirely in your Instant Pot means less cleanup after dinner, making busy weeknights even smoother.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Utilizing inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and green cabbage, this recipe is incredibly economical. It stretches your grocery budget while still providing a wholesome and filling meal for the whole family.
- Customizable with Rice (Pot-in-Pot Method): For those who enjoy a heartier meal or are serving family members who prefer carbs, you can easily cook rice simultaneously using the Instant Pot’s convenient pot-in-pot method, making it a complete meal cooked at once!
- Healthy & Veggie-Packed: Loaded with fresh cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, this dish is a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake. It’s a nutritious meal that feels indulgent.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Cook a large batch on the weekend, and enjoy delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Creating these delicious unstuffed cabbage rolls requires a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to form a rich and authentic flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that classic taste you love:
- Ground Beef: I highly recommend opting for lean ground beef (85-90% lean). This choice minimizes the amount of excess grease you’ll need to drain, helping the dish maintain its volume and preventing it from becoming overly oily. For a lighter alternative, ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
- Cabbage: One small head of green cabbage, cored and chopped, forms the heart of this dish. Its natural sweetness and tender texture when cooked under pressure are essential. For ultimate convenience, pre-packaged coleslaw mix (without dressing) can be a fantastic shortcut.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: This is my secret weapon for adding incredible depth and a slightly smoky flavor that truly elevates the dish. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes impart a complexity that regular diced tomatoes simply can’t match. If you can find them, use them! Otherwise, standard diced tomatoes will work perfectly well.
- Tomato Sauce: A touch of plain tomato sauce is crucial for building that characteristic tangy-sweet base of traditional cabbage rolls. It helps create a cohesive sauce that coats all the ingredients.
- Broth: Beef broth is ideal here, as it complements the ground beef and adds another layer of savory richness. However, feel free to use chicken or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand, or for dietary preferences.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for aromatic depth. Approximately 3 cloves, minced, or 3 teaspoons of pre-minced garlic will infuse the dish with a wonderful fragrance and essential flavor.
- Onions: A small chopped onion, sautéed until soft and translucent, provides the perfect aromatic foundation alongside the garlic, creating a harmonious blend that forms the backbone of the dish’s flavor.
- Butter: Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a touch of richness and flavor. If you need the recipe to be dairy-free, simply swap it out for an equal amount of avocado oil, olive oil, or another neutral cooking oil.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is truly a “secret ingredient” that adds an undeniable umami kick and a subtle tang. It’s a flavor enhancer that brings all the other ingredients into perfect balance. Trust me, you’ll love it!
- Brown Sugar: While optional, a small amount of brown sugar (or a sugar-free substitute) really helps to round out the flavors by balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. For keto or sugar-free diets, a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute like this one works wonderfully.
- Seasonings: A carefully selected blend of salt, black pepper, dried dill, paprika (smoked paprika if possible for extra depth), and two whole bay leaves creates the iconic taste of cabbage rolls. Dill is particularly important for that authentic, slightly tangy herbaceous note.
How to Make Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Get ready for a remarkably straightforward cooking experience! The Instant Pot transforms what was once a multi-step, time-consuming process into a simple, efficient one-pot meal. Follow these steps to create your delicious unstuffed cabbage rolls:
To begin, ensure your Instant Pot is plugged in and ready. Select the “Saute” function. If your model prompts you to choose a time, set it for 30 minutes. This provides ample time for the pot to heat up and for you to sauté your vegetables comfortably.
Once the Instant Pot displays “Hot” or “On” (indicating it’s preheated), add the butter. Swirl it around with a wooden spoon until it melts and begins to sizzle gently. Immediately add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 2-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for just about 1 minute, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
As soon as the garlic releases its inviting aroma, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Toss it thoroughly to coat it evenly in the buttery onion and garlic mixture. Sauté the cabbage for several minutes, stirring frequently, until it has softened slightly and you see a few desirable browned edges. This step adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture to the finished dish. Once softened, carefully remove the sautéed cabbage, onion, and garlic from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a large bowl. Set this mixture aside for a moment – we’ll be adding it back in soon!
Browning the Ground Beef
Now, add the ground beef directly into the still-hot Instant Pot. Using the bottom of a sturdy wooden spoon, break up any larger chunks of beef as it cooks. Continue to cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until the ground beef is fully browned throughout and no pink spots remain. Once cooked, it’s important to remove any excess grease. You can do this by carefully spooning it out with a large spoon, or by draining the beef in a colander set over a bowl. Return the drained ground beef to the Instant Pot.
With the ground beef browned and drained, it’s time to build the rich sauce. Add the undrained can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, paprika, dried dill, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon. This crucial step removes any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom, which prevents a “burn” notice from your Instant Pot and ensures all those delicious caramelized flavors are incorporated into the dish.
Next, return the reserved sautéed cabbage, onions, and garlic back into the Instant Pot, distributing it evenly over the beef and sauce mixture.
Finally, give everything one last good stir to combine all the ingredients. Press the “Cancel” button on your Instant Pot to turn off the sauté function. This is also the moment to prepare any rice you wish to cook simultaneously using the pot-in-pot method (refer to the “Can I Add Rice?” section below for detailed instructions).
Secure the lid onto your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed, and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time for 6-7 minutes. If you prefer your cabbage very soft and tender, opt for 7 minutes. If you like it slightly firmer, but still tender, 6 minutes will be perfect.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by switching the valve to “Venting.” Stand clear of the steam. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve (pin) has dropped, you can safely open the lid, making sure to open it away from your face to avoid residual steam.
Give the entire dish a final stir to ensure all the flavors are perfectly mixed and distributed. Your delicious Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are now ready to be served and enjoyed! Serve hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Serving Suggestions and Can I Add Rice?
These Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While they are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, especially for low-carb or keto diets, you can absolutely serve them with rice for a heartier, more traditional experience.
There are two primary ways to incorporate rice into your meal:
- Pot-in-Pot Method: This is a fantastic option if you want to cook your rice at the same time as your cabbage rolls, minimizing extra effort. After combining all the unstuffed cabbage roll ingredients in the main Instant Pot liner and before securing the lid, prepare your rice in a separate, pressure-safe, oven-safe pot or dish. For best results, combine 1 cup of white rice (such as basmati or jasmine) with 1 cup of broth or water, along with 1 teaspoon of oil or butter and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cover the rice pot tightly with a sheet of foil. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot liner, then carefully set the rice pot on top of the trivet, ensuring it’s elevated above the main dish. Proceed with the pressure cooking as instructed (6-7 minutes). Once cooking is complete, ensure a 10-minute natural pressure release before performing a quick release. This natural release is crucial for perfectly cooked rice. Then, open the rice, fluff it with a fork, and you can either stir it directly into the unstuffed cabbage roll mixture or serve it on the side.
- Cooking Rice Separately: If you prefer not to use the pot-in-pot method, or if you’re cooking a different type of rice (like brown rice, which requires a longer cook time), you can cook it separately. I highly recommend my Instant Pot White Rice method for perfectly fluffy rice every time. Once cooked, you can spoon the unstuffed cabbage rolls over a mound of hot rice, or stir the cooked rice into the Instant Pot just before serving.
Beyond rice, these unstuffed cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, a side salad for a fresh contrast, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess (if not dairy-free).
Tips for Success: Master Your Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
To ensure your Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Mise en Place is Your Friend: Before you even turn on your Instant Pot, take a few minutes to chop all your vegetables, measure your seasonings, and have everything ready to go. This “prep all your vegetables in advance” strategy, also known as “mise en place,” will make the cooking process much smoother and prevent any rushed steps or mishaps during sautéing. Cabbage especially takes a bit of time to chop, so having it ready is a game-changer.
- Scrape the Pot Thoroughly: After browning the ground beef, it’s absolutely vital to “scrape the bottom of the pot.” Use a wooden spoon to firmly scrape up any browned bits that may have stuck. This isn’t just about preventing a dreaded “burn notice” on your Instant Pot; those browned bits are packed with concentrated flavor, and deglazing the pot ensures they are incorporated back into your delicious sauce.
- Drain Excess Grease: Unless you are using extremely lean ground beef (like grass-fed beef with very little fat), make sure to “remove any grease from the ground beef after browning.” Excess grease will pool at the top of your dish and can make it unappetizingly oily. A simple spoon or draining in a colander will do the trick.
- Embrace Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: While regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine, “fire-roasted tomatoes have a lot more flavor” and really do make a noticeable difference in the depth and smoky richness of the sauce. If you can find them at your local grocery store, I highly recommend using them for an elevated flavor experience.
- Don’t Overfill the Instant Pot: Always be mindful of your Instant Pot’s maximum fill line. Overfilling can prevent proper pressure build-up and even be dangerous. This recipe usually fits well, but it’s always good practice to check.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste your mixture before pressure cooking (especially the liquids and spices). You can always add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill after cooking not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Meal
This Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is wonderfully flexible and can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs and taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Dairy Free: To make this recipe completely dairy-free, simply substitute the butter used for sautéing with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, olive oil, or your preferred neutral cooking oil. The rich flavor of the dish won’t be compromised.
- Gluten Free: The recipe as written is inherently gluten-free, which is fantastic! However, it’s always a good practice to “verify your brand of Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free” to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients, as formulations can vary.
- Keto/Low Carb/Sugar Free: For those strictly following a keto, low-carb, or sugar-free diet, you have two simple options: “omit the brown sugar” entirely, or substitute it with a keto-friendly brown sugar alternative, such as this one, which provides the balancing sweetness without the carbs.
- Alternative Proteins: While ground beef is traditional, feel free to experiment with other ground meats. Ground pork, ground turkey, or even a mix of ground beef and pork can offer different flavor nuances. Italian sausage (mild or hot) would also be delicious!
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding finely diced carrots, bell peppers (red or green work well), or even some chopped mushrooms during the sautéing stage with the onions and garlic.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. Adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Creamy Version: For an extra layer of richness, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the very end, after the pressure cooking is complete and the lid is removed. This will add a lovely creaminess to the sauce (omit for dairy-free).
More Easy Instant Pot Dinner Ideas:
If you’re loving the convenience and delicious results from your Instant Pot, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic and easy dinner recipes:
- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
- Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- 5 Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon butter (or avocado oil for dairy-free)
- 1 large onion peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced (or 3 tsp minced garlic)
- 1 small head green cabbage cored and chopped (or a few bags of coleslaw mix)
- 1 28oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup low sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (check for gluten-free if needed)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar optional; or a keto/sugar-free brown sugar substitute
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked if possible for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
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Plug in your Instant Pot and select the “sauté” function. If prompted, select 30 minutes to ensure sufficient preheating and sautéing time.
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Once the pot is hot, add the butter (or oil) and swirl with a wooden spoon until melted.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and softened, about 2-4 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
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Add the chopped cabbage and toss to coat with the onion and garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is slightly softened and has a few brown edges.
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Remove the sautéed cabbage, onions, and garlic from the Instant Pot and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.
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Add the ground beef to the still-hot Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks.
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Cook until the ground beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
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Drain any excess grease from the ground beef. You can spoon it out or transfer the beef to a colander to drain, then return it to the pot.
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Add the undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, paprika, dill, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This prevents a “burn” notice.
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Return the reserved cabbage, onion, and garlic mixture to the Instant Pot. Stir it thoroughly with the ground beef and tomato sauce. Press “Cancel” to exit sauté mode.
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NOTE: If you plan to cook rice using the pot-in-pot method, prepare it now and place it on a trivet above the cabbage roll mixture. (See the Notes section below for detailed instructions).
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Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the “sealing” position.
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Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on High Pressure for 6-7 minutes. Choose 7 minutes for very soft cabbage, or 6 minutes for tender-crisp cabbage.
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Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by switching the valve to “venting.”
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After all the pressure has released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the lid away from your face.
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Stir everything together very well. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
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Serve immediately. You can stir cooked rice directly into the Instant Pot, or serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls spooned over mounds of hot cooked rice on individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Notes
If you prefer, you can cook your rice separately and add it back in or serve it on the side. My Instant Pot White Rice method is highly recommended.
Dairy Free: Substitute the butter with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or your favorite neutral cooking oil.
Gluten-free: The recipe as written is entirely gluten-free. Always verify your brand of Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to be certain!
Keto/Low Carb/Sugar-Free: Omit the brown sugar entirely or substitute it for a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute like this one.
Nutrition
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