This Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage is my quick take on a classic boiled dinner. A meaty ham bone, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, all cooked together in one pot.
I grew up with ham and cabbage simmering on the stovetop for hours, and this Instant Pot version gets you there in about 50 minutes. If you've tried my Instant Pot Corned Beef dinner you'll recognize the method. It's just as hands off.
Quick Rundown
- What a meaty ham bone does for the broth and what to use if you don't have one.
- The timeline: 30 minutes for the broth, then 7 more for the vegetables.
- How to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love Instant Pot Ham and Ca bbage
- Picking the Right Ham
- Key Ingredients for Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
- What to Swap if You're Missing Something
- Ways to Switch it Up
- Tips for Tender Ham and Cabbage
- No Instant Pot? Use Your Slow Cooker
- How to Store and Reheat
- What to Serve with Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Comfort Meals You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love Instant Pot Ham and Ca bbage
One pot meal: Meat, potatoes, and veggies all cook together.
Great for leftovers: Uses ham bone and leftover ham pieces.
Fast comfort food: Ready in under an hour with the Instant Pot.
Wholesome and filling: Cabbage, carrots, and potatoes make it a complete meal.
Picking the Right Ham
A meaty ham bone is what makes this recipe worth making. As it simmers, it turns the cooking liquid into a rich, smoky broth that the potatoes and cabbage cook right in. If you don't have a leftover bone from a holiday ham, ask your butcher for one, or use a ham hock instead. It's smaller, but it does the same job.
Whatever you use, look for one with some meat still attached. A bone picked too clean won't add much flavor to the broth.
Key Ingredients for Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient list and instructions.
- Ham bone: The base of the broth (see picking the right ham above for tips on choosing one).
- Leftover ham: Meaty chunks bring texture and protein.
- Potatoes: Hearty and tender, what makes the dish filling.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness.
- Onion: Adds savory depth to the broth.
- Cabbage: Cooks down into tender bites that soak up the broth.
- Bay leaf: A background earthiness while everything simmers.
What to Swap if You're Missing Something
- Use smoked turkey leg instead of ham bone for a different flavor.
- Try sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes.
- Swap parsnips for carrots for a slightly sweeter, earthy flavor.
- No fresh cabbage? A bag of coleslaw mix works, or use savory cabbage if that's what you can find.
Ways to Switch it Up
- Add canned white beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Stir in a spoonful of apple cider vinegar before serving for added brightness.
- Top with fresh parsley or dill for a herby finish.
Tips for Tender Ham and Cabbage
- Don't overfill: keep liquid below the Instant Pot max line for safe cooking.
- Cut evenly: chop potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces so they finish cooking at the same time.
- Add meat last: stir ham pieces back in after cooking so they stay tender, not mushy.
No Instant Pot? Use Your Slow Cooker
This works in a slow cooker too. Just plan for more time. Add the ham bone, potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage, and bay leaf all at once and cover with water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. You can also use the air fryer to reheat, place servings in a heat-safe dish the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
It also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage
Pair this Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage with Homemade Dinner Rolls for soaking up the broth. A side of Corn Casserole makes it extra hearty, and for dessert, try my Old Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enoough to just cover the ham bone without going over the Instant Pot's max fill line. The exact amount depends on the size of your pot and bone, so add it gradually and check as you go.
Yes. The ham bone (or hock) goes in first to build the broth, then the cabbage and other vegetables cook in the same liquid so they pick up the smoky flavor.
The hame bone cooks for 30 minutes on high pressure to build the broth, separate from the 7 minutes the vegetables need after.
Yes. The diced ham in this recipe is already cooked, so it only needs to warm through once you stir it back in at the end.
Yes, for up to 3 months. See storage above for how to freeze and thaw it.
More Comfort Meals You'll Love
A few more from the site if you're in the mood for comfort food: Instant Pot Chuck Roast, Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, Big Mac Casserole, and Turkey Enchiladas made in the air fryer.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage
Equipment
- Instant Pot
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the ham bone in the instant pot. Add the leftover ham broth (if using) and then add enough water to just cover the bone without going over the max line.
- Set the manual setting to high for 30 minutes. Once the timer beeps, do a quick release following the appliance instructions and allow all of the steam to escape.
- Remove the ham bone from the pot and add the leftover ham pieces, potatoes, carrots, onion, cabbage, and bay leaf. Set the manual setting to high for 7 minutes. When done, do another quick release and remove the lid.
- While the vegetables are cooking, remove any meat from the ham bone and discard the bone. After the vegetables are done, add the meat from the ham bone to the pot.
Linda Chartrand says
I've started making this regularly - we love it!