This Instant Pot Cabbage & Sausage recipe is a cozy, one-pot dinner with big flavor and almost no prep. This high-protein recipe is also low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.

instant pot cabbage soup with sausage served in white bowl.

This Instant Pot cabbage and sausage recipe uses just cabbage, sausage, and broth for a fast, cozy dinner. Simply slice the sausage, chop the cabbage, add everything to the Instant Pot, and pressure cook briefly, then quick release so the cabbage stays tender (not mushy).

The end result is a savory protein-rich and flavorful bowl that feels comforting and filling with almost no effort.

I have made versions of cabbage and sausage for years, and I have tested this Instant Pot method repeatedly to get the texture right every time. The short pressure cook plus quick release is the key detail most recipes miss. This easy-peasy recipe is similar to the ones in my best-selling Instant Pot-authorized cookbook, The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook!

Recipe Highlights

  • Quick and easy: Dinner is ready fast, with very little chopping.
  • Comforting and brothy: The sausage flavors the broth, so you do not need a long list of ingredients.
  • Flexible: Use kielbasa, smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage.
  • Tender cabbage, not mushy: A short cook time and quick release keep the cabbage from overcooking.
  • Great for leftovers: The flavors get even better, making it perfect for lunch the next day.

Key Ingredients

ingredients for instant pot cabbage and sausage.
  • Pre-cooked sausage -I like to use pre-cooked Kielbasa beef sausage, but you can also use any type of sausage including Italian sausage, polish kielbasa, or chicken sausage.
  • Cabbage – Any cabbage will do here, I like to use green cabbage or red cabbage.
  • Vegetable broth – Vegetable broth is a great way to pack in flavor to soups and stews. You can use chicken broth, beef stock, beef broth, or chicken stock too, if you prefer. See my recipe for Instant Pot Vegetable Broth if you want to make your own.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps Overview

cabbage and sausage inside instant pot.

Step One: Add your ingredients to the pressure cooker. Lock on the lid and cook on high pressure for two minutes.

cooked instant pot cabbage and sausage.

Step Two: Carefully release the pressure, stir, and serve hot.

If you’re new to using the Instant Pot, see my guide on how to use the Instant Pot Duo.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

When the cooking time is up, use the quick release and then carefully remove the lid.

Use a spatula to stir the ingredients and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve your cabbage stew hot.

I know you are going to love this cabbage recipe! It’s an easy recipe that has so much flavor.

instant pot pressure cooker cabbage and sausage soup served in white bowls.

Optional Add-Ins

If you want to make this more filling, these add-ins are the easiest and keep the cook time the same.

  • Onion and garlic: Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes first for extra flavor.
  • Carrots: Add 1 cup sliced. They will cook through with the cabbage.
  • Potatoes: Add 1 to 2 cups diced into 1/2-inch pieces. Keep the broth the same. The dish will be thicker and heartier.
  • White beans: After cooking, stir in 1 can (15 ounces) drained and rinsed. Warm for 2 to 3 minutes on Sauté.

Tip: Do not pressure cook delicate greens like spinach or kale. Stir them in at the end to wilt.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in a tightly-sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Do not freeze the leftovers as the cabbage will lose its consistency.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use uncooked sausage instead of pre-cooked sausage?

If you prefer to use uncooked sausage, then you will need to sauté it first in the Instant Pot with about a tablespoon of oil. Cook it for at least 5-7 minutes, or until is is almost cooked through. 

What kind of cabbage should I use for Instant Pot Cabbage Sausage stew?

You can use any cabbage you like best. Each kind has slight flavor differences but will cook up perfectly in the pressure cooker. Green cabbage is the most popular for its sweet yet mild flavor.

Can I use the slow cooker instead to make cabbage sausage soup?

Yes! Just add all the ingredients to the bottom of the pot and cook for 4-6 hours on high, or until the cabbage has softened. You can also use a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven, if you prefer.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
cabbage and sausage soup

Instant Pot Cabbage and Sausage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

Print Recipe

For a quick and flavorful main dish, try this Instant Pot Cabbage & Sausage recipe. You only need three ingredients and two minutes cooking time for a hearty and flavorful meal. Low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 10 ounces pre-cooked Italian or Polish sausage, sliced (about 4 pieces)
  • 1 head of cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Add the broth to your 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot, and along with your sliced sausage and chopped cabbage. You don’t need to worry about cutting the cabbage uniformly, as if will get cooked down.
  2. Lock on the lid and set the cooking time to 2 minutes at high pressure. When the cooking time is up, use the quick-release and then carefully remove the lid.
  3. Use a spatula to stir the ingredients and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. Store any leftovers in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  2. You can use any type of cabbage in this recipe, including Napa cabbage, green cabbage, or red cabbage. Or, you can use your frozen cabbage from my post on how to freeze cabbage!
  3. You can also use almost any type of sausage, including beef, pork, or plant-based.
  4. If you prefer to use uncooked sausage, then you will need to sauté it first in the Instant Pot with about a tablespoon of oil. Cook it for at least 5-7 minutes, or until is is almost cooked through.
  5. The total cooking time includes 10 minutes for the pot to come up to pressure. 
  • Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: German-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 333
  • Sugar: 11.4 g
  • Sodium: 1275.4 mg
  • Fat: 20.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23.3 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 16.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 54 mg

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes You Might Like

Or, check out my entire index of healthy Instant Pot recipes.

Don’t Miss These Instant Pot Resources!

Instant Pot Boiled Potatoes

How to Use the Instant Pot Duo (For Beginners)

25+ Healthy Instant Pot Side Dishes

Instant Pot Meal Prep Gift Guide (Plus Recipes)

About the Author: Carrie Forrest is the author of the best-selling Instant Pot-authorized cookbook, The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook. She has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and receives over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.

Don’t forget to join my newsletter list to get exclusive clean eating recipes and tips. The newsletter is 100% free with no spam; unsubscribe anytime.