How To Cook Ham Steak In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]

Ham steak is a versatile, flavorful cut of pork that combines the savory, smoky notes of ham with the ease of a hearty weeknight meal. Unlike whole hams, ham steaks are already partially cooked and sliced, which makes them ideal for a slow cooker-a tool that transforms ordinary ingredients into deeply infused, tender, and satisfying dishes with minimal hands-on effort. Using a slow cooker allows the meat to absorb flavors gradually, giving you a rich taste experience and ensuring that even a leaner ham steak remains moist and tender. Whether you are preparing a comforting dinner for one or a family feast, slow-cooked ham steak is an approachable yet impressive dish.

How Long To Cook Ham Steak In Slow Cooker

Timing is crucial when cooking ham steak in a slow cooker. Since most ham steaks are pre-cooked, the goal is not necessarily to cook the meat from raw, but to warm it through, enhance flavor, and tenderize it slightly. Generally:

• Low setting: 2 to 3 hours
• High setting: 1 to 1.5 hours

Cooking ham steak too long can result in a dry, rubbery texture, while undercooking may leave the steak cold in the center. A slow cooker is forgiving, but careful monitoring, especially for thinner cuts, ensures optimal results.

How To Tell If It Is Done

The simplest way to determine doneness is to check the internal temperature of the ham steak. Use a meat thermometer to verify:

• Fully heated: 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham
• Optional serving temp: Some prefer it slightly hotter at 145°F (62°C)

Visually, the meat should be warm and moist, with juices that are clear or slightly caramelized from glazes. A gentle fork should glide through without resistance, indicating tenderness, but it should still hold its shape and not fall apart unless desired for shredding.

Ingredients Needed

To make a flavorful slow-cooked ham steak, gather the following ingredients:

• Ham steak: 1-2 pounds, preferably bone-in for extra flavor
• Liquid base: ½ cup of water, broth, apple cider, or orange juice
• Sweeteners: 2-4 tablespoons of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or smoked paprika
• Optional aromatics: Sliced onions, crushed garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• Optional glaze: Mustard, pineapple slices, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for richness

These ingredients work together to create a balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors that penetrate the meat slowly over cooking.

How To Cook Ham Steak In Slow Cooker

1. Prep the ham: Pat the ham steak dry with paper towels to help glazes and seasonings adhere.
2. Season and glaze: Rub the ham with your chosen seasonings and drizzle with glaze or sweeteners.
3. Add liquids and aromatics: Pour your liquid base into the slow cooker, then place onions, garlic, or herbs around the ham. This prevents the meat from drying out and infuses flavor.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 2-3 hours, or high for 1-1.5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this releases heat and prolongs cooking.
5. Finish: Optional-broil the ham in the oven for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze, giving it a slightly crisped exterior.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with a simple dish, mistakes can happen:

• Dry ham: Likely overcooked; next time, reduce cooking time or add extra liquid.
• Too salty: Choose a low-sodium ham and rinse lightly before cooking.
• Undercooked center: Make sure the steak is of uniform thickness; thicker steaks require slightly longer cooking.
• Burned glaze: Avoid adding sugar-based glazes at the very start; apply during the last 30-45 minutes.

Expert Tips

• Use a thermometer: A quick check prevents overcooking.
• Layer flavors: Place onions, garlic, or fruit slices under the ham for better infusion.
• Don’t crowd the cooker: Leave space around the ham to ensure even cooking.
• Rest before slicing: Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.
• Experiment with liquids: Pineapple juice adds sweetness, apple cider gives a tangy edge, and broth enhances savory depth.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Yes. Ham steak can be cooked in:

• Oven: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, covered, with a glaze or liquid.
• Skillet: Sear on medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, then finish with a glaze in the pan.
• Instant Pot or pressure cooker: Use the sauté function first, then cook under pressure for 5-7 minutes with liquid.

The slow cooker remains preferable for a hands-off, deeply infused flavor, but alternatives work in a pinch.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

To reheat:

1. Place leftover ham in the slow cooker.
2. Add a splash of water, broth, or glaze to keep it moist.
3. Heat on low for 1-2 hours until warmed through.
4. Stir occasionally to distribute heat and prevent sticking.

Slow cooking leftovers gently prevents dryness and maintains the flavor and tenderness of the original dish.

FAQs

Can You Cook A Ham Steak In A Slow Cooker?

Yes. Ham steaks cook well in a slow cooker and become tender and flavorful with minimal effort. They can be cooked alone or with added sauces, fruits, or vegetables.

How Long Does It Take To Cook A Ham Steak In A Slow Cooker?

Most ham steaks cook in 3 to 4 hours on LOW or 1.5 to 2 hours on HIGH. Thicker cuts may require slightly more time, while thinner ones may finish earlier.

Should The Ham Steak Be Fully Submerged In Liquid?

Submersion is not required. Adding a small amount of liquid-such as broth, water, or glaze-helps prevent dryness, but the slow cooker’s steam environment keeps the meat moist even if partially exposed.

Do I Need To Brown The Ham Steak Before Slow Cooking?

Browning is optional. Searing the ham steak on a skillet before slow cooking can deepen flavor and add caramelization, but it is not necessary for tenderness.

What Liquids Work Best For Cooking Ham Steak In A Slow Cooker?

Common choices include pineapple juice, apple cider, chicken broth, maple syrup mixtures, or brown sugar glazes. These complement the ham’s natural saltiness.

Can I Add Vegetables Or Fruit With The Ham Steak?

Yes. Pineapple, apples, onions, and sweet potatoes pair particularly well with ham. Add them at the beginning so they cook fully and contribute flavor to the dish.

How Do I Prevent The Ham Steak From Becoming Too Salty?

Use low-sodium broth, add sweet or acidic ingredients, and avoid adding extra salt. Rinsing the ham steak briefly under cold water before cooking can also reduce surface saltiness.

Can I Cook Frozen Ham Steak In A Slow Cooker?

It is not recommended. For food safety, thaw frozen ham steak in the refrigerator before slow cooking to ensure even heating and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

How Do I Know When The Ham Steak Is Done?

Ham steak is typically precooked, so the primary goal is heating and tenderizing. An internal temperature of 140°F is sufficient for serving. The texture should be tender but not falling apart.

What Can I Do With Leftover Slow-cooked Ham Steak?

Leftovers can be used in soups, omelets, casseroles, sandwiches, fried rice, or breakfast hash. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.