Brown sugar glazed ham steaks with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans—an easy, savory weeknight meal with a caramelized finish, or a fast Easter main? You decide.
Sheet pan dinners have saved me more times than I can count, but finding ones that my family actually loves took some trial and error. This brown sugar veggies and ham steak sheet pan dinner was born during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something beyond our usual rotation but didn't have the time and energy for anything complicated. What started as a desperate dinner solution has become one of our most requested meals—especially around Easter, when ham takes center stage.
The inspiration struck when I found myself staring into the refrigerator at 5:30pm with a package of ham steaks that needed to be used, sweet potatoes sitting in the pantry, and a half-empty bag of green beans. With three different school events that week and plenty of work deadlines, I needed something that wouldn't require constant attention. I remembered my grandmother making ham with a sweet glaze for Easter and Sunday dinners, and I wondered if I could create something similar with much less effort.
My first attempts at sheet pan dinners often left some ingredients overcooked while others remained undercooked. I cracked the code with this recipe when I discovered the staggered cooking approach–giving the vegetables a head start before adding the glazed ham steaks. Through several test batches, I found that 15 minutes of initial roasting for the sweet potatoes and green beans created the perfect cooking schedule where everything finishes at the same time.
The simple brown sugar glaze was a happy accident. I'd planned something more complex, but my toddler's meltdown simplified my plans to ingredients I could grab quickly. With one hand soothing a crying child and the other reaching for pantry staples, I grabbed brown sugar, a squirt of honey, and some mustard. That rushed combination turned out to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. My children, who typically negotiate how much veggies I'll put on their plates, now eagerly eat the sweet potatoes and even green beans because they catch some of that delicious glaze.
I've refined this recipe through busy weeknights when my attention was divided between dinner prep and homework help. My husband, who grew up with ham as a holiday-only meal, was surprised by how much he enjoyed this weeknight version. We've found that adding different herbs keeps it interesting—rosemary for a classic Easter touch, or a hint of cinnamon for subtle warmth.
When Easter approaches and I need an easy yet festive meal, this sheet pan dinner is an effortless way to bring those holiday flavors to the table without the all-day commitment. With just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, it comes together beautifully, making any evening feel a little more special.
Ingredients
- Ham steaks - The centerpiece of this dish, ham steaks provide a savory and hearty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the vegetables. I’ve found that thick-cut ham steaks hold up better during cooking and absorb the glaze better than thin ones.
- Sweet potatoes - These add natural sweetness and a creamy texture. I prefer roasting them to bring out their flavor.
- Green beans - Trimmed green beans contribute a fresh, crisp element to the dish. I usually opt for fresh green beans for their vibrant color and texture, but I’ve successfully used frozen ones in a pinch, just be sure to thaw and drain them well.
- Olive oil - This ingredient is essential for roasting, adding richness and helping to caramelize the vegetables. I always use extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Mustard - Adds a tangy depth to the glaze, brightening the flavors. I typically use Dijon mustard for its sharpness, but I’ve substituted yellow mustard when necessary, and it still works well.
- Brown sugar - This ingredient helps create a caramelized glaze that balances the savory ham and sweet potatoes. I’ve experimented with both light and dark brown sugar, and I find that dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor that complements the dish nicely.
- Honey - Used alongside brown sugar, honey adds a floral sweetness. I prefer using raw honey for its more complex flavor, but regular honey works just fine if that’s what I have on hand.
- Italian seasoning - This blend of herbs adds a savory, aromatic quality to the dish. I often use a store-bought mix, but I’ve made my own with dried herbs like oregano and basil for a fresher taste.
- Minced garlic - Garlic introduces a robust flavor that enhances the savory notes of the dish. I always use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, but I’ve used jarred garlic in a hurry when fresh isn’t available.
- Rosemary - This herb adds an aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the savory ham. I prefer fresh rosemary for its vibrant flavor, but dried rosemary can also work if you use it sparingly.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
When Easter week gets busy with preparations, this sheet pan dinner is a simple way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday without the effort of a full feast. With just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, it delivers a satisfying, festive meal—perfect for a relaxed dinner leading up to Easter or an easy way to enjoy those beloved holiday flavors any night of the week.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting vegetables and making sure that the ham steaks cook evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking sheet.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a 9x13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup later. Once the oven is preheated, you’re ready to add the vegetables.
Add Vegetables to the Baking Sheet
Place the cut sweet potatoes and trimmed green beans on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance their flavor. Spread the veggies out in a single layer, taking up about two-thirds of the baking sheet to allow space for the ham steaks.
Bake the Vegetables
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Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking time allows the vegetables to start softening. Once the time is up, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it aside.
Prepare the Glaze for Ham Steaks
In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and rosemary. This mixture will create a flavorful glaze for the ham steaks. Make sure the ingredients are well combined for an even distribution of flavors.
Glaze the Ham Steaks
Spread the mustard and brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham steaks. Make sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor. Once coated, place the ham steaks on the baking sheet, alongside the partially cooked vegetables.
Return to the Oven
Put the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. During this time, the glaze will caramelize, and the vegetables will become tender. To achieve a more caramelized finish, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Final Touches and Serving
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the ham steaks alongside the roasted sweet potatoes and green beans, and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Storage
Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the ham steaks and vegetables in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the portions in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Top Tips
Customize the vegetables: While sweet potatoes and green beans are a great combination, feel free to mix in other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of their cooking times, as some may require adjustments.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey in the recipe. Alternatively, for a sweeter flavor, consider adding a touch more honey or even a sprinkle of maple syrup for a different twist.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. If you have fresh rosemary or thyme on hand, consider adding them to the vegetable mix or as a garnish before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan
Easter dinner is all about gathering around a table filled with comforting, vibrant dishes that celebrate the season. A few well-chosen sides can round out this meal, adding texture and variety to the plate. for a classic pairing, mashed potatoes with greek garlic beet greens bring a creamy element with a hint of earthy greens. if you're looking for something with a bit more crunch, air fryer brussels sprouts add a crisp bite that balances the sweetness of the ham glaze. roasted carrots with hazelnuts complement the meal with a mix of natural sweetness and a bit of crunch from the nuts.
For something lighter, a fresh side like ukrainian cucumber salad keeps things bright and crisp, cutting through the richness of the main dish. if you prefer a bit of tang, quick-pickled fall vegetables add a punch of acidity that pairs well with the ham. and for a simple, no-fuss vegetable, roast air fryer asparagus makes a great addition without much effort.
If you’re planning ahead for easy Easter meals, try more sheet pan recipes like salmon casserole with cauliflower, ground beef nachos, or roasted potatoes with broccoli—great options for effortless cooking in the busy days leading up to the holiday.
Recipe
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Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 9x13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sweet potatoes and green beans on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Spread the vegetables evenly in a layer that takes up about ⅔ of the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and rosemary. Spread this mixture over the ham steaks, then place them on the baking sheet.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the vegetables are tender. For a more caramelized finish, broil for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
