May be an image of food

Slow Cooker Ham BBQ: A Sweet, Tangy, and Effortless Comfort Food

Slow Cooker Ham BBQ is a classic comfort dish that transforms fully cooked ham into a tender, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Unlike traditional barbecue that requires grilling or smoking, this recipe relies on the gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker to infuse every bite of ham with a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce. The result is juicy, shredded ham that is perfect for sandwiches, sliders, baked potatoes, or even served over rice.

Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or a fresh ham steak, this recipe is an excellent way to create a satisfying family meal while letting the slow cooker do most of the work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Requires very little hands-on preparation.
Perfect for using leftover cooked ham.
Creates tender, juicy meat with incredible flavor.
Ideal for meal prep and feeding a crowd.
Easy to customize with your favorite barbecue sauce and seasonings.

Ingredients

2½ to 3 pounds fully cooked ham, diced or shredded
1½ cups barbecue sauce
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart)
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Two forks for shredding

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Begin by trimming away any excess fat from the ham. Cut it into bite-sized cubes or thick slices. If you’re using leftover spiral ham, simply separate the slices into manageable pieces.