Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Stew Recipe
This Instant Pot unstuffed cabbage stew is a quick and easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage without the hassle. With ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato-based broth, this hearty meal is ready in under an hour—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large Spanish onion diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and sliced into ¼-inch disks, then quartered
- 2 lbs ground beef preferably less lean
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 46-oz can tomato juice
- 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
- Juice of 2 lemons
- ½ cup jasmine rice
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 head cabbage cored and roughly chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the base ingredients: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode on high. Add olive oil and let it heat for about 3 minutes. Stir in diced onions and carrots, cooking for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add ground beef and garlic, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until browned.
- Incorporate liquids and seasonings: Pour in the tomato juice, broth, and lemon juice. Stir well, then add the rice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and chopped cabbage. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" on high for 10 minutes. Once done, perform a quick pressure release.
- Final touch: Let the stew sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
Extra Hearty: Add another ½ cup of rice for a thicker stew, but be aware it will absorb more broth.
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