Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage

This Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is an easy-to-make one-pot meal. A simple family favorite recipe that requires only 3 ingredients, 2 if you leave out the potatoes which will also make it a low-carb option, and water. In less than an hour you can have a delicious meal on the table.

I also have the boiled ham and cabbage version of this recipe here and the recipe for slow cooker ham and cabbage here.

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If you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb soup version of this you can find my Ham and Cabbage Soup recipe here. It’s so easy to make and ready in 30 minutes or less!

Other Simple Recipes You May Like:

• Butter Steamed Cabbage
• My Mom’s Sweet and Sour Cabbage
• Ham and Bean Soup
• Air Fryer Pork Chops

How-To Make Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage and Potatoes

You only need 3 ingredients to make this meal and the taste is absolutely amazing. If you don’t want potatoes in your meal, just omit them.

My perfect meal version is the combination of the ham, tender cabbage, and potatoes, but this is yours and I encourage you to make it your own and if that means leaving something out or adding something to it by all means, do that!

For this recipe, I went to the grocery store and bought the key ingredient, a large ham but you can also use ham leftovers.

I also used a large head of cabbage and some potatoes purchased from a local farmer’s market.

👩‍🍳FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe plus a few notes (tips). If you don’t see your answer here leave a comment below and I will get back to you.

Can a ham hock be substituted for the ham?

Yes, it can. Keep in mind that a ham hock will add a more bacon-y flavor to this recipe and while imparting a wonderful flavor, it will not yield much in terms of edible meat.

You can also use a smoked ham hock and/or a leftover ham bone.

What kind of ham works best in this recipe?

A fully cooked bone in ham is my go-to choice but you can also use ham slices as long as they are not flavored, as in not a smoked ham or other ham to which flavors have been added prior to cooking. Leftovers from a previous ham dinner will also work well. I do not recommend spiral cut hams.

Can I substitute broth for the water in this recipe?

Yes. Even though the recipe itself produces a delicious and flavorful ham broth (ham stock) that can be saved and used in a soup recipes like this delicious ham and bean soup, using vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth is a great way to add an even deeper level of flavor if desired.

What type of potato(es) should I use?

My go-to potatoes for this great meal are a waxy potato variety such as French fingerling or Red Bliss (red potatoes are also perfect in this potato salad!). Waxy potatoes are preferred because they are low in starch and high in sugar and moisture and will hold their shape well throughout the cooking process. An alternative would be Yukon Gold potatoes which may be more readily available.

Is an Electric Pressure Cooker the same as an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker?

Yes, it is. The only difference that I am aware of (after doing a bit of research) is that the Instant Pot is a specific brand of Electric Pressure Cooker and probably the most well known. The Ninja Foodi is another brand that I am aware of and that I highly recommend having had only positive experience with my other Ninja appliances.

Can any spices or seasonings be added?

This is totally up to you. If you are concerned that the flavor may be a bit heavy, a single bay leaf can be added for the cooking process and removed prior to serving. No added salt is required since ham is an inherently salty meat.

A note about bone-in hams:

Bone-in hams are available in many sizes. Whole hams are usually anywhere from 10 to 18 pounds while half hams are from 5 to 10 pounds. A good rule of thumb is to allow approximately 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per guest.

This easy ham recipe has no need for any extras. It consists of a delicious blend of cabbage and potatoes and is a delightful year round meal!

🥘Ingredients

Large Ham – bone-in is best, NOT flavored (you can also use leftover ham) 

Potatoes-as many or as few as you would like but 2 pounds is a good starting point (tips regarding the type of potato to use can be found in the Notes section)

Green Cabbage-1 head

📋Instructions

Cube the ham into smaller pieces,1 to 1 ½ inch cubes, and place on the bottom of the instant pot. I have

Next, cut the cabbage into wedges. Place cabbage cubes on top of ham.

Clean potatoes, peel and cube, and layer on top of the cabbage.

Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.

Place lid in locked position and cook following the directions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Once the cooking process has completed I find it best to use the natural release method.

Remove lid once it's safe to do so and use a slotted spoon to serve.

I like to save the broth to use in other ham recipes like this ham and bean deliciously tasty soup.

That’s it-super simple and oh so good!

📖 Recipe