The Best Crock Pot Ham Steaks (Ready in 4 Hours!)

Quick takeaways:

• Perfect 4-hour slow cooker method for tender, juicy ham steaks
• Uses simple ingredients you likely have at home
• Great for busy weeknights or meal prep
• Makes 4 servings with minimal hands-on time

Are you looking for an easy way to make ham steaks that turn out perfectly tender every time? Your slow cooker is the secret to getting consistently delicious results. This recipe transforms simple ham steaks into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy families.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 people

Kitchen Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 2 pounds ham steaks (about 4 steaks)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Vegetables:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups baby carrots

Ingredient Substitutions

• Brown sugar: maple syrup or honey
• Butter: margarine or olive oil
• Mustard powder: 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
• Fresh ham steaks: pre-sliced ham steaks work too

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (15 minutes)

1. Set up your workspace (2 minutes):

• Clear and clean your counter space
• Place your slow cooker on a heat-safe surface
• Plug in your slow cooker to ensure it works
• Get out all measuring cups and spoons

1. Organize ingredients (3 minutes):

• Remove ham steaks from packaging
• Pat them dry with paper towels
• Let butter come to room temperature
• Set out all other ingredients on counter

1. Prepare vegetables (if using) (10 minutes):

• Wash all vegetables under cool water
• For potatoes:
  • Peel potatoes (optional)
  • Cut each potato in half lengthwise
  • Slice each half into 1/4-inch thick half-moons
  • Place slices in cold water to prevent browning
• For onions:
  • Cut off both ends
  • Peel outer skin
  • Cut in half from top to bottom
  • Slice each half into 1-inch chunks
• For carrots:
  • If using whole carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • If using baby carrots, leave as is

Assembly Steps (10 minutes)

1. Create the sauce (5 minutes):

• Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl
• Microwave in 15-second intervals until melted
• Add brown sugar to melted butter
• Pour in honey (tip: spray measuring cup with cooking spray first)
• Add mustard powder
• Whisk everything together until smooth
• Test consistency – should be like thick syrup
• Set aside

1. Prepare the slow cooker (2 minutes):

• Remove insert if needed
• Spray inside with cooking spray
• Replace insert in heating unit

1. Layer ingredients (3 minutes):

• If using vegetables:
  • Drain potato slices and pat dry
  • Place them in an even layer on bottom
  • Add chopped onions in an even layer
  • Spread carrots evenly over onions

1. Add ham steaks:

• Pick up first ham steak with tongs
• Place it carefully in slow cooker
• Pour 1/4 of sauce mixture evenly over top
• Repeat with each ham steak:
  • Place second steak
  • Add sauce
  • Continue until all steaks are layered
• Pour any remaining sauce over the top
• Tilt slow cooker slightly to distribute sauce

Cooking Phase (4 hours)

1. Start cooking:

• Double-check slow cooker is plugged in
• Place lid securely on top
• Press power button
• Select LOW temperature setting
• Set timer for 4 hours
• Note start time for reference

1. During cooking:

• Do not lift lid (this releases heat)
• No stirring needed
• Keep slow cooker away from edges/walls
• Place a note nearby: “Started at [time]”

1. Check for doneness (5 minutes):

• At 4 hours, carefully remove lid away from face
• Check internal temperature:
  • Insert meat thermometer in thickest part
  • Look for 145°F minimum
• Test vegetables:
  • Pierce with fork
  • Should slide in easily
• If needed:
  • Cook additional 30 minutes
  • Check temperature again

1. Finishing touches:

• Turn off slow cooker
• Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving
• Use large spoon or spatula to serve
• Spoon extra sauce over each portion

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ham too dry? Add 1/4 cup pineapple juice to sauce
• Too sweet? Reduce brown sugar by half
• Not tender enough? Cook 30-60 minutes longer
• Sauce too thin? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with water and stir in

Variations

1. Pineapple Ham:

• Add pineapple rings on top
• Use pineapple juice in sauce

1. Honey Mustard:

• Double mustard powder
• Add extra honey

1. Garlic Herb:

• Add 4 minced garlic cloves
• Mix in 1 teaspoon each thyme and rosemary

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep in airtight container
• Refrigerator: 3-4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Reheat: Microwave 1-2 minutes or slow cooker on LOW for 1 hour

Safety Notes

• Always check internal temperature reaches 145°F
• Don’t leave ham at room temperature over 2 hours
• Use clean utensils when serving
• Cool completely before storing

Pro Tips

• Pat ham steaks dry before adding sauce
• Don’t stack ham steaks directly on top of each other
• Turn ham steaks halfway through cooking if possible
• Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with mashed potatoes
• Add dinner rolls
• Include green vegetables
• Finish with extra sauce from slow cooker

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