Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage: A One-Pot Comfort Meal

There’s something incredibly satisfying about walking through your front door after a long day and knowing dinner will be ready in less than 30 minutes. That’s exactly what this Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage recipe offers – a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. The rich, savory aroma of bratwurst mingling with tender cabbage will fill your kitchen, creating that warm, homey feeling we all crave.

This Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage recipe has become my go-to solution for those busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of juicy, seasoned bratwurst and buttery, tender cabbage creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Best of all, cooking everything together in one pot means easier cleanup and more complex flavors as the ingredients meld together.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage

• ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for how to cook brats with cabbage in instant pot when you’re short on time
• ✅ True instant pot brats and cabbage one pot meal with minimal cleanup required
• ✅ Incredibly flavorful with simple ingredients for an easy instant pot brats with cabbage dinner
• ✅ Versatile recipe that allows for customization with the best seasonings for instant pot brats and cabbage
• ✅ Budget-friendly meal that feeds a family of four for under $15
• ✅ Great for instant pot brats cabbage meal prep ideas – tastes even better the next day
• ✅ Beginner friendly instant pot brats with cabbage recipe that’s impossible to mess up

Ingredients for Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage

For the Bratwurst

• 1 pound (4-5) fresh bratwurst sausages
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
• 12 ounces beer (lager or pilsner work best, or substitute with chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)
• 1 medium onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cabbage

• 4-6 cups (about 1 small head) thickly chopped green cabbage
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or substitute with unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free option)
• 4-5 pats of butter (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground caraway seeds (optional but highly recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 cup water

How to Make Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage – Step by Step

1. Set your Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode and add the olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the bratwursts and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through, just developing flavor.
3. Remove the browned brats and set aside temporarily.
4. In the same Instant Pot (still on SAUTÉ mode), add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the beer or broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this is crucial to prevent the “BURN” notice).
7. Return the browned brats to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the liquid.
8. Add the chopped cabbage on top of the brats.
9. Sprinkle the cabbage with salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and allspice.
10. Place the butter pats evenly over the cabbage.
11. Pour the milk and water over everything.
12. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to SEALING position.
13. Cancel the SAUTÉ function and set to PRESSURE COOK (or MANUAL) on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
14. When the cooking cycle completes, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Serve

1. Open the lid away from your face to avoid steam burns.
2. Gently stir the cabbage to incorporate all the flavors.
3. Serve the brats nestled in the cabbage, with some of the flavorful cooking liquid spooned over top.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage

• For the best seasonings for instant pot brats and cabbage, don’t skip the caraway seeds – they add an authentic German flavor that pairs perfectly with the brats.
• The instant pot brats cooking time with cabbage is perfect at 5 minutes, but if you prefer softer cabbage, increase to 6-7 minutes.
• For a richer flavor, use a good quality beer like a German lager or pilsner. The alcohol cooks off, leaving only flavor behind.
• If you’re looking for a healthy instant pot brats and cabbage dish, use chicken or turkey sausages instead of traditional pork bratwurst.
• Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness that balances the rich flavors.
• For a complete instant pot brats and cabbage one pot meal, add small baby potatoes (1-inch diameter) on top of the cabbage layer.

Best Ways to Serve Instant Pot Brats with Cabbage

This easy instant pot brats with cabbage dinner is delicious on its own, but here are some great serving suggestions:

• Serve with a side of whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard for dipping.
• Add a slice of rye bread or a pretzel roll on the side for an authentic German meal experience.
• For quick instant pot brats with cabbage sides, consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness.
• A cold German beer or crisp white wine makes this a perfect casual entertaining meal.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage & Leftovers

The beauty of this instant pot brats cabbage meal prep ideas recipe is that it tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the moisture.
• You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information for recipe

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Potassium: 550mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook recipe?

When making recipe, the actual pressure cooking time is only 5 minutes. However, you’ll need about 5-10 minutes for browning the brats and sautéing the onions, plus time for the pot to come to pressure (about 10 minutes) and 5 minutes for natural release. In total, expect about 25-30 minutes from start to finish.

Can you cook frozen brats in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen brats for this recipe. Skip the browning step and add 2 minutes to the pressure cooking time (7 minutes total). The flavor won’t be quite as developed without browning, but it will still be delicious.

What should I serve with brats and cabbage?

This recipe is fairly complete on its own, but classic accompaniments include rye bread, German potato salad, sauerkraut, or a simple green salad. Mustard is the traditional condiment, particularly whole grain or spicy brown varieties.

How do you know when brats are fully cooked?

Bratwurst is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). In this recipe, the pressure cooking time ensures they’ll be fully cooked. The brats should be no longer pink inside and the juices should run clear.

Conclusion

This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty pressure cooker, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights, weekend gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something warm and delicious.

The combination of juicy bratwurst and tender, flavorful cabbage creates a classic pairing that’s been enjoyed for generations, and the Instant Pot makes it easier than ever to recreate this traditional dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to using a pressure cooker or consider yourself an Instant Pot pro, this beginner friendly recipe recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Have you tried making recipe before? What are your favorite seasonings or additions? Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear your variations on this classic comfort food!

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