Instant Pot "Un" Stuffed Cabbage

Photo and recipe from Skinnytaste

Yummy.  Everett had two bowls then said he wanted more after football practice. ;)

1 lb. ground turkey
1-1/4 tsp salt
1 small/medium chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried marjoram
8 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp paprika
1 cup beef broth (I used 1 cup vegetable broth mixed with 1.5 c water)
1 cup cooked rice
1 head cabbage, chopped (I used almost 2 full 10 oz bags of TJs shredded cabbage)

Press saute button on the instant pot.  Spray with cooking spray then add beef and salt, cook until browned, about 5 minutes.  Add the onion, garlic, marjoram and pepper and stir.  Add the tomato sauce, paprika, and broth.  Cover and cook on manual for 15 minutes.

Quick release, then add the cabbage and cook on manual for 3 minutes.  Quick release then stir in the rice.
SaveSave

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Photo and recipe adapted from here

I bought an instant pot and couldn't find any recipes I really liked (I think chicken from the instant pot comes out rubbery)...until this stew!  Both kids asked me to make it again tomorrow night so I think it's a keeper.

For Stew:

2 lbs beef chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut in 1-2" pieces (I used 1.5lbs cubed stew meat)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced diagonally
6 carrots, sliced diagonally (I would maybe do even more next time- my fav part)
1 - 14.5oz can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water (I used slightly less than 1/2 cup)
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar

For Thickening:
2 tbsp corn starch
1/4 cup water

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Put all the stew ingredients in the instant pot and stir.  Select the stew/meat setting (35 mins).  Mix the corn starch and water for thickening and set aside.

After it's done, let it sit for 10 minutes before quick releasing the steam.  After quick release is complete, stir in the corn starch mixture.  Transfer the stew to a round casserole dish and place in oven for 15 minutes, uncovered.  This thickens the gravy and caramelizes some of the meat.

Asian Meatballs

Photo & Recipe from Gimme Some Oven

Meatball Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground pork or ground beef
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1/2 cup Panko or breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 egg whites
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup thinly-sliced green onions
• optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions 

Asian Sauce Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 tsp. ground ginger

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, mix together meatball ingredients until well-combined. Shape into balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes (turning halfway through). While the meatballs are baking, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until blended.

Once meatballs have finished cooking, toss them in the sauce. Serve over brown rice and broccoli.  There will be extra sauce to pour over the rice.

Lettuce Wraps (PF Changs Knock Off)

Photo and recipe from Damn Delicious

1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground turkey 

1/2 bag spinach, chopped (optional)

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

1 onion, diced

1/4 c hoisin sauce

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 Tbsp grated ginger

1 tsp sriracha (optional)

1- 8oz can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 head butter lettuce

Heat oil in a large pan over medium high heat.  Add turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.  Add spinach and mix until wilted, if you are adding spinach- not in original recipe but adds more greens.

Stir in garlic, onion, hoisin, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and sriracha until onions are translucent, about 1-2 minutes.

Stir in chestnuts and green onions until tender, about 1-2 minutes.

Mexican Casserole

Sweet Potato Protein Brownies

1/2 cup powdered peanut butter (mixed with about 1/3 cup water to make it pb consistency)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
150 grams (about 1/2 cup) cooked sweet potato (peel and microwave for about 3 minutes)
2 egg whites
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 and spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.

Add the sweet potato to a food processor and process until smooth.  Add the rest of the ingredients and process until batter is smooth- scrape down sides of bowl as needed.

Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.  Cool and cut into 9 squares.  I store them in the refrigerator.

85 calories and 7 grams protein each.

Powdered PB Protein Brownies

3 egg whites
3/4 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup powdered peanut butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 packet stevia
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup honey

Preheat oven to 325.  Spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg whites, water and vanilla.

In a large bowl, whisk together powdered pb, cocoa powder, protein powder, stevia, soda and salt.  Stir in the egg white mixture and mix well.  Stir in the honey.  Pour into prepared dish and bake for 30 minutes.  Cool and cut into 9 squares.

88 calories and 9 grams protein each.