Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sweet Mustard Ham Steaks

These Slow Cooker Sweet Mustard Ham Steaks are tender, juicy, and packed with a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with just three simple ingredients, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a comforting weekend meal. The slow cooker gently warms the ham steaks while the sweet mustard glaze creates a rich, flavorful coating.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW or 1½–2 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 large fully cooked ham steaks (about 1½–2 pounds total)
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil to help prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Sweet Mustard Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the honey and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and thoroughly blended.

3. Arrange the Ham Steaks

Place the ham steaks in the slow cooker. If necessary, cut them into smaller pieces so they fit comfortably.

4. Add the Sauce

Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over the ham steaks. Turn the steaks gently so both sides are coated with the sauce.

5. Slow Cook

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until the ham is heated through and tender.

Because ham steaks are usually already cooked, the goal is to warm them thoroughly without drying them out.

6. Coat with the Glaze

About halfway through cooking, spoon some of the sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham steaks. This helps keep them moist and flavorful.

7. Serve

Carefully transfer the ham steaks to a serving platter. Spoon the remaining sweet mustard sauce over the top and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Sweet Mustard Ham Steaks

• Use fully cooked ham steaks for the easiest preparation.
• Dijon mustard gives the sauce a smooth, tangy flavor.
• Adjust the honey slightly if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
• Avoid cooking the ham for too long, as it can become dry.
• Spoon the sauce over the ham during cooking for extra flavor.
• For a thicker glaze, transfer the cooking sauce to a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sweet mustard ham steaks with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Glazed carrots
• Buttered corn
• Fresh garden salad
• Dinner rolls or biscuits

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container with some sauce for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals.
• Tip: Add a spoonful of leftover sauce when reheating to help keep the ham moist.

Questions & Answers

Q1: Can I use regular ham instead of ham steaks?

Yes. You can use thick slices of fully cooked boneless ham. Adjust the cooking time depending on their thickness.

Q2: Are ham steaks already cooked?

Most ham steaks sold in grocery stores are fully cooked, but always check the package instructions. If using uncooked ham, cooking times and safe internal temperature requirements will be different.

Q3: Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon mustard?

Yes. Yellow mustard works well, although it has a milder and slightly different flavor. Dijon mustard provides a more balanced tangy taste.

Q4: Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?

Yes. You can replace the honey with an equal amount of brown sugar. Stir it thoroughly with the mustard before pouring it over the ham.

Q5: How do I keep ham steaks from drying out?

Use fully cooked ham steaks, keep the slow cooker covered, and avoid cooking longer than necessary. Spoon the sauce over the ham occasionally to maintain moisture.

Q6: Can I cook this recipe on HIGH?

Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 1½–2 hours. Check earlier if your ham steaks are thin because slow cooker temperatures can vary.

Q7: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix the honey and Dijon mustard up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q8: Can I add pineapple to this recipe?

Yes. Pineapple chunks or pineapple juice can add a delicious sweet and fruity flavor. However, adding pineapple makes it a variation rather than the original three-ingredient recipe.

Q9: How do I make the mustard glaze thicker?

Remove the ham steaks and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer gently for several minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and arrange the ham steaks so they fit comfortably. Make sure the sauce is increased proportionally.

Q11: What should I serve with sweet mustard ham steaks?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, corn, and dinner rolls are all excellent choices.

Q12: Can I freeze leftover ham steaks?

Yes. Allow the ham to cool, place it in a freezer-safe container with some sauce, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw safely in the refrigerator before reheating.