Introduction
While I’m always searching for easy weeknight dinners that won’t kick me out of ketosis, this cabbage and sausage recipe has become my go-to favorite. I love how the Instant Pot transforms these simple ingredients into a comforting meal in just minutes, and you’ll appreciate how budget-friendly it is too.
Trust me, even if you’re not typically a cabbage fan, you’re going to want to give this one a try. The pressure cooking process makes the cabbage tender and slightly sweet, while the sausage adds that perfect smoky flavor. I stumbled upon this combination when looking for ways to use up extra cabbage from my garden, and now it’s in my regular dinner rotation. It’s truly a lifesaver on busy nights when you need something quick, filling, and keto-friendly.
Recipe
This hearty cabbage and sausage dish combines the convenience of an Instant Pot with classic European comfort food flavors. The pressure cooking method transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying keto-friendly meal in minutes.
The natural sweetness of tender cabbage perfectly complements the smoky, savory notes of browned sausage. While traditional methods might take an hour or more, this version delivers all the flavor in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Select sauté mode on the Instant Pot and melt the butter. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, approximately 3 minutes. Add the chopped cabbage, chicken broth, and salt to the pot. Close the lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of pressure. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly and serve hot.
For best results, verify cabbage pieces are cut uniformly to about 1-inch size for even cooking. If you find excess liquid after cooking, use the sauté function for a few additional minutes to reduce the broth. The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, adding a splash of chicken broth helps maintain moisture and prevent the cabbage from drying out.
Prep Time
Getting this keto dinner ready takes just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll spend about 10 minutes chopping the cabbage into uniform pieces and slicing the sausage into rounds. The remaining 5 minutes go toward measuring your ingredients and getting your Instant Pot ready to cook.
I’ve found that using a sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of the cabbage – just quarter it, remove the core, and chop into 1-inch pieces. For the sausage, I like to slice it slightly on the diagonal at about ½-inch thickness. While the actual cooking takes about 15 minutes total, you won’t need to actively monitor it once you’ve sealed the pot.
Equipment needed
Essential kitchen equipment for this one-pot keto dinner stays wonderfully minimal, which I love for easy cleanup. You’ll need:
- An Instant Pot (6-quart or larger works best)
- A sharp chef’s knife for chopping cabbage
- A cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I can tell you that having a good knife makes prepping the cabbage so much easier. While you could use a food processor to shred the cabbage, I find that hand-chopping gives you better control over the size of pieces. Trust me, keeping your cabbage chunks uniform at about 1-inch helps them cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
Basic Cooking Method and Time
Making this keto dinner follows three main cooking stages that take about 20 minutes total from start to finish. You’ll start by sautéing the sliced sausage in butter until it’s lightly browned, which takes about 3 minutes. Next, you’ll add your chopped cabbage, chicken broth, and salt to the pot.
The main cooking phase happens under pressure. Once you’ve secured the lid and set the valve to sealing, you’ll cook everything on high pressure for 5 minutes. Don’t worry if it takes a few extra minutes for your pot to reach pressure – that’s normal. Finally, you’ll do a quick release of the pressure and give everything a good stir before serving. It’s really that simple!
Cooking Steps
Let’s break down these simple cooking steps after covering the basic timing. You’ll start by melting butter in your Instant Pot on sauté mode, then brown those sausage slices until they’re slightly golden – about 3 minutes should do it. Next, toss in your chopped cabbage pieces, pour in the chicken broth, and add your salt. Make sure you’ve cut the cabbage into even 1-inch chunks for consistent cooking.
Now comes the easy part: just lock your Instant Pot lid, check that the valve’s in sealing position, and set it for 5 minutes on high pressure. Once it beeps, do a quick release of pressure. Give everything a good stir to blend those savory flavors together, and you’re ready to serve!
Step 1. Chop Cabbage Into Pieces
Properly chopped cabbage creates the foundation for this delicious keto meal. You’ll want to start by removing any damaged outer leaves and cutting your cabbage head into quarters. Next, slice out the tough core from each quarter – it’s easy to spot since it’s white and dense.
Now for the fun part: cut each quarter into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect, but try to keep them similar in size so they’ll cook evenly. I’ve found that slightly larger pieces hold up better during pressure cooking than tiny shreds. If you’re working with a particularly large head of cabbage, you might only need to use half of it. Trust me, even after the cabbage cooks down, you’ll still have plenty of delicious veggies to enjoy.
Step 2. Brown Sausage in Butter
Sizzling butter meets sliced sausage in this essential first step that builds the flavor foundation of our dish. You’ll want to press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and add the butter, letting it melt completely. Once it’s bubbling, add your sliced sausage in a single layer.
Let the sausage pieces brown for about 3 minutes, giving them an occasional stir. You’re looking for that appetizing golden-brown color that signals the Maillard reaction is working its magic. I’ve found that keeping the pieces evenly spaced helps them brown more consistently. When I’m in a hurry, I’m tempted to skip this step, but trust me – this quick sauté makes all the difference in developing those rich, caramelized flavors that make the dish special.
Step 3. Add Broth and Seasonings
With your sausage beautifully browned, it’s time to bring in the liquid and seasonings that’ll transform this into a flavorful meal. Pour in your cup of chicken broth – I always reach for low-sodium varieties so I can control the salt level better. Sprinkle in that teaspoon of salt, keeping in mind that your sausage already brings some saltiness to the party.
Give everything a quick stir to combine the flavors. You’ll notice the broth picking up those delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s pure gold for flavor! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder, but I find the classic salt-only seasoning lets the natural flavors of the cabbage and sausage shine through.
Step 4. Set Pressure Cooking Timer
Now that all your ingredients are nestled together in the Instant Pot, it’s time to set your timer for the perfect cook. Close the lid securely and make sure your valve is set to “sealing” – this is essential for building the pressure that’ll transform your cabbage and sausage into tender deliciousness.
Set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode (depending on your model) and adjust to high pressure for 5 minutes. Don’t worry if this seems short – pressure cooking works its magic quickly! While you’re waiting, I like to quickly wipe down my cutting board and prep any side dishes. Remember, even though the timer says 5 minutes, your pot will need about 10 minutes to come to pressure first.
Step 5. Release Pressure and Serve
Once your Instant Pot beeps, it’s time for the big reveal! Carefully turn the pressure release valve to “venting” position, making sure to keep your hands away from the steam. You’ll hear a whoosh as the pressure releases – I always get excited at this part!
Once the pressure pin drops, remove the lid by tilting it away from your face. Give the cabbage and sausage a good stir to mix all those delicious flavors together. If there’s too much liquid, you can switch to sauté mode for 2-3 minutes to reduce it. I love seeing how the cabbage has become tender and translucent, soaking up all that smoky sausage flavor. Spoon the mixture into bowls and serve it piping hot. This comfort food classic is ready to enjoy!
Customization Options
Several delicious ways exist to customize this keto-friendly cabbage and sausage dish to match your tastes and dietary needs. You can spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of Hungarian paprika for extra kick. Don’t hesitate to switch out the regular smoked sausage for chorizo or Italian sausage to create different flavor profiles.
For added nutrition and variety, try tossing in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or cauliflower florets before pressure cooking. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium broth and reduce the added salt. You can also make it more indulgent by stirring in some heavy cream or cream cheese after cooking. For a deeper flavor profile, add minced garlic and diced onions during the sautéing step.
Ingredients list (with precise measurements)
Taking the customization ideas we just explored, let’s get right to the heart of this recipe with a complete breakdown of what you’ll need.
Here’s your shopping list for this hearty keto-friendly meal:
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2-3 pounds), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille recommended), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium works best)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
I always keep these ingredients on hand for busy weeknights, and you’ll find they’re readily available at most grocery stores. While the measurements are precise, don’t worry too much about being exact with the cabbage – a little more or less won’t hurt the recipe.
Storage Information
When properly stored in an airtight container, this keto cabbage and sausage dinner stays fresh in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll find it reheats beautifully in the microwave – just warm it for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. I’ve found that the flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making leftovers extra tasty.
If you’re meal prepping, you can portion this dish into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. While you can freeze this meal, I don’t recommend it since the cabbage’s texture can become a bit mushy when thawed. For best results, store your leftovers in glass containers with tight-fitting lids, and make sure they’re completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming.
Health Benefits or Special Features
Beyond being a delicious comfort meal, this keto-friendly dish packs an impressive nutritional punch. You’ll get plenty of fiber and vitamin C from the cabbage, while the sausage provides protein and healthy fats that’ll keep you satisfied. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you’ll love that each serving contains only 5 grams of net carbs.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding different seasonings or swapping in your favorite low-carb vegetables. I often throw in some garlic or red pepper flakes for extra kick. Plus, since it’s made in your Instant Pot, you’ll save time while still getting that slow-cooked flavor you’d expect from traditional cabbage and sausage dishes.
Prep Time
Getting this meal prep-ready takes just 10 minutes of hands-on time. You’ll spend about 5 minutes chopping the cabbage into uniform pieces and another 3-4 minutes slicing the sausage. I find it’s easiest to quarter the cabbage first, remove the core, then chop each quarter into manageable chunks.
While the Instant Pot heats up and comes to pressure, you can use this time to clean up your cutting board and prep any side dishes you’d like to serve. The actual pressure cooking only takes 5 minutes, plus about 2 minutes for the pressure to build. When you factor in the quick release time, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes total.
Cook Time
The actual cook time for this one-pot keto dinner breaks down into three key phases. You’ll start with about 3 minutes of sautéing the sausage until it’s lightly browned and fragrant. Next, you’ll spend just a minute or two adding your cabbage, broth, and seasonings before sealing the pot. Finally, the Instant Pot needs 5 minutes at high pressure to work its magic.
Don’t forget to factor in about 10 minutes for your pot to come to pressure, plus the quick release time at the end. If you’d like to reduce any excess liquid, you can switch back to sauté mode for 2-3 minutes after releasing pressure. From start to finish, you’re looking at roughly 20-25 minutes total cook time.
Total Time
When planning your dinner schedule, you’ll want to set aside about 30-35 minutes from start to finish for this keto-friendly meal. The time breaks down into roughly 10 minutes of prep work, including chopping the cabbage and slicing the sausage. You’ll then spend about 5 minutes browning the sausage in sauté mode, followed by 5 minutes of pressure cooking time. Factor in about 5-8 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure, plus a few minutes for the quick release process. If you need to reduce excess liquid at the end, you might add 2-3 minutes of additional sauté time. Even with some variation in prep speed, you’ll have dinner on the table in well under an hour.
Yield
One generous batch of this hearty cabbage and sausage dinner yields 4-6 substantial servings, perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead. You’ll find these portions are quite filling, as the combination of protein-rich sausage and fiber-packed cabbage really satisfies.
I’ve found that each serving typically provides about 2 cups of the finished dish, which works great as a complete meal on its own. If you’re counting macros, you’ll love that each portion stays under 10 net carbs while delivering plenty of healthy fats. For smaller appetites, you might stretch this to 6 servings, but in my household of hungry keto eaters, we usually divide it into 4 generous bowls.
Final Thoughts
Making this keto-friendly dinner has become a regular part of my weeknight rotation, and I’m confident you’ll love how it fits into yours too. You’ll appreciate how the Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. I’ve found that this dish is perfect for meal prep – just portion it out for the week ahead.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can switch up the sausage varieties or add different seasonings to keep things interesting. Don’t worry if you’re new to keto cooking; this recipe is practically foolproof. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it even more appealing after a busy day. Trust me, once you try this cabbage and sausage dinner, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cabbage Instead of Fresh?
You can use frozen cabbage, but you’ll need to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess liquid. Add 2 minutes to the cooking time for the best results.
Will Turkey Sausage Work as a Healthier Alternative?
Turkey sausage has 50% less fat than pork varieties. You’ll get great results using turkey sausage – it’s a lean option that still delivers savory flavor while keeping the dish keto-friendly and delicious.
Is This Recipe Spicy Enough for Those Who Like Heat?
As written, this recipe isn’t spicy. You’ll want to add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce to taste. Using spicy andouille sausage will also increase the heat level.
Can I Double the Recipe in a 6-Quart Instant Pot?
You’ll need to stick with the original portions for a 6-quart pot. Doubling would overfill it and prevent proper pressure cooking. Consider cooking in two batches instead.
How Can I Make This Dish More Creamy?
Smooth as silk, you can make it creamier by stirring in 1/2 cup heavy cream or cream cheese after pressure cooking. You’ll want to sauté briefly until it’s perfectly blended.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this keto-friendly cabbage and sausage dinner simplifies your weeknight routine while keeping carbs low. Studies show that households using pressure cookers save an average of 70% on energy costs compared to conventional stovetop cooking. So not only are you getting a delicious, nutritious meal, but you’re also being budget-conscious. Give this recipe a try – it might just become your new go-to comfort food that keeps you on track with your health goals.
