Easy Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Casserole

Why This Recipe Is So Good

This dish combines all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each one. It’s quick, hands-off, and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s hearty and full of veggies, making it a nutritious family favorite.

Kitchen Advice

- Brown the meat before adding it to the pot for extra flavor.
- Use fresh cabbage for the best texture, but frozen can work in a pinch.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after cooking to help it set and make serving easier.

Step 1

Turn on your Instant Pot and setting it to the sauté mode. Toss in the ground turkey and chopped onion, cooking and stirring until the turkey is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and clear, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, rice, Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of basil, plus some salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let it come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally—this should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Just be sure not to fill the pot past the max line.

Step 2

Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build. While that’s going, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 8 minutes. Then carefully use the quick-release method to let out any remaining steam, doing it in short bursts to be safe.

Step 3

Open the lid and stir in a cup of shredded Cheddar cheese until it melts into the mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce with a bit of sugar and the remaining basil. Pour half of this sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the cabbage and rice mixture on top, then drizzle the rest of the sauce over everything. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until it’s heated through and bubbly.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten the dish. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the hearty flavors.

Reheating And Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months.