Crock Pot Ham Steak Recipe with Potatoes, Green Beans, and Carrots
Some days you just want a real supper with meat, potatoes, and veggies, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time in a hot kitchen. That’s exactly when I pull out this Crock Pot ham steak dinner. I’ve been making this for years, and I’ve perfected the timing for adding the ham so it’s tender and moist. No more dry ham. And it’s super easy with one pot, 7 pantry ingredients, and 5 minutes of prep. A true dump-and-go dinner.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Prep Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 5 hours | 4-6 | Beginner + |
The first time I made this, I’ll be honest, I tossed the ham in at the beginning (because that’s what we do with most slow-cooked meats, right?) and by dinner, it was a little dry and a little too salty. Ham steak is already cooked, so it doesn’t need hours and hours of heat. Nowadays, I let the vegetables get a head start in that creamy, savory broth, and I add the ham during the last hour so it gets nice and hot, stays tender, and tastes like ham should.
DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. As always, the opinions are honest and are all my own.
Quick thing I love sharing: about a third of all the pork raised in the US comes from the state of Iowa, and most of it stays right here in the states. So, when you grab a ham steak from the store, you are most likely supporting a family farm in Iowa or somewhere else in the United States!
This is the kind of meal that feels old-school and comforting, the kind you’d smell cooking when you walked in the door. And it’s truly one pot. No extra pans. No complicated steps. Just really good food.
A Quick Note On Ham Steaks
Most ham steaks sold in grocery stores are fully cooked/smoked, meaning you’re really just heating them. That’s why adding the ham only for the last hour works so well.
What temperature is “done?”
For pre-cooked ham steak: heat until it’s warm all the way through. In this case, you don’t need a thermometer because the ham is already fully cooked.
Thickness matters
A thick ham steak takes longer to warm through than a thin one. If yours is extra thick, you can cut it into chunks a little smaller so it heats evenly in that last hour.
Julie’s Ingredient Notes
Ham steaks range from “perfectly seasoned” to “wow, that’s salty.” And onion soup mix adds salt, too. Here’s how to stay in control:
- Use low-sodium beef broth if you want less salt.
- If your ham is known to be salty, don’t add any extra salt at the table until you taste it.
- If you want to reduce salt further, you can rinse the ham steak quickly and pat it dry before dicing. (Not fancy, just practical.)
How I Make The Crock Pot Ham Steaks And Vegetables
Load the slow cooker with baby potatoes, fresh green beans, and baby carrots.
Next, spread on the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the packet of onion soup seasoning. Then, pour the beef broth on top. Put the lid on and cook on the low temperature setting for four hours.
This is the part where the potatoes get tender, and the sauce starts to really come together. Low and steady is your friend here because it will cook the vegetables evenly without turning them to mush.
If you’re not a fan of the canned soups, I have a homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup that is the perfect size for this recipe.
After 4 hours, cut the boneless ham into pieces and stir it into the slow cooker. Make sure you get it covered with some of the gravy to get the full flavor. Cook for one more hour on the low setting. You can cut the pieces into larger chunks as I did, or cut them even smaller, depending on your preference.
This is where pork really shines. Pork has a rich, savory flavor and natural juiciness that holds up beautifully in the slow cooker, and it’s one of those meats that loves to soak up whatever you season it with. That last hour heats the ham, lets it absorb the creamy mushroom gravy and onion seasoning, and keeps the texture nice and juicy rather than drying it out.
A Few Practical Tips From Making This More Than Once
- Potato size matters. If some of your baby potatoes are much larger than others, cut the big ones in half so everything finishes at the same time.
- Fresh green beans hold up best here. They stay more “green bean-y” and don’t turn overly soft like canned beans. You can add canned beans, but I would add them when you add the ham, if you go that route.
- Stir once when you add the ham. It helps distribute the sauce and makes sure the ham pieces get nestled down into the heat.
- Don’t crank it up on HIGH to “save time.” High heat is where ham can go from tender to dry faster, and your sauce can reduce a little too aggressively around the edges.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Ham Steak And Veggies
This recipe is already a full meal, but if you want a little something extra, my recipe for moist Jiffy cornbread is perfect for sopping up that gravy. And if you’re more of a butter-and-rolls fan, my homemade soft rolls are perfect to serve on the side.
Storage And Reheating
The ham recipe reheats beautifully, which is one reason I love to make this during busy weeks.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave with a splash of water or broth and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until hot. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. The water or broth will help keep it from drying out as it heats up.
You can freeze leftovers, just make sure you place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before heating it.
FAQs
Can I cook the ham steak the whole time?
You can, but I would not recommend it. Ham steak is already cooked, and a long slow cooker time can make it dry and overly salty. Adding it during the last hour will give you the best texture and flavor.
Do I need to brown the ham first?
Nope, this is a true dump-and-go style dinner (with the ham added later). Since the ham is cured and cooked, you are just heating it through and letting it soak up some of that flavorful sauce.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
I pierce the potatoes and veggies with a fork. If it slides in easily, it’s done. If they are still firm after 4 hours of cooking, give them at least another 30 minutes and check again, as potato sizes and slow-cooker temps can vary.
Can I use a smaller ham steak?
Yes, anywhere between 1.5 and 2 pounds will work fine. You can adjust the serving size if you want a smaller amount.
Pork Is One Of The Most Versatile Meats In Your Kitchen
I love cooking with pork because there is so much variety. You can fry it up like these skillet country-fried pork chops and add some bacon to the dish. Or take some pineapple and brown sugar, top a slow-cooker ham, and you’ve got Easter dinner. There are so many cuts and ways to make a great dish.
Crock Pot Ham Steak Recipe with Potatoes, Green Beans, and Carrots
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes rinsed
- 12 ounces fresh green beans rinsed
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ounce onion soup mix seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1.5 pounds boneless ham steak
Instructions
- Add the baby potatoes, green beans, and carrots to the Crock Pot.
- Next, add the mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth, and stir to combine. Cook on the low temperature for 4 hours.
- Cut the ham steak into smaller pieces and add to the Crock Pot. Stir until covered. Cook 1 more hour on the low temperature setting.
