Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory broth brimming with tender ground beef and satisfying ramen.
Using your slow cooker makes preparing this hearty meal effluent, perfect for busy evenings. Get ready to enjoy a deeply flavorful, comforting bowl that feels gourmet but requires minimal hands-on time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
This recipe offers so much more than just a meal; it brings convenience and deliciousness right to your table.
- Effortless Preparation: Enjoy minimal hands-on time. Just combine ingredients, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: Each bite offers a deeply comforting and rich broth, packed with savory beef and tender noodles.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt this dish with your favorite vegetables, adding freshness and variety.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Elevate humble instant ramen into a wholesome, delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: This hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is a crowd-pleaser, satisfying hungry appetites of all ages.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles:
- 1 pound ground beef, I recommend sirloin (93/7)
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 large scallions, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 14.25 ounces chicken stock or beef stock
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
- Fresh scallions, optional, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef like sirloin to minimize grease. Ground turkey or chicken also works well for a lighter option. According to Acabonac Farms, lean ground beef is a rich source of high-quality protein essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Veggies: Feel free to swap matchstick carrots for sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, or snow peas. Add spinach or bok choy during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for tamari if you need a gluten-free alternative. Low sodium varieties help control the overall saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness. Adjust to your taste preference.
- Stock: Both chicken or beef stock provide a fantastic base. Beef stock will enhance the meaty flavor even more.
- Ramen Noodles: You only need the plain dried noodles. Discard the seasoning packets that come with instant ramen.
Equipment Needed
Preparing your slow cooker beef ramen is straightforward with a few basic kitchen tools.
- 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Creating this comforting dish is simple with your slow cooker. Follow these easy steps for delicious results.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
To a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease thoroughly from the skillet. This step adds significant depth of flavor to your Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles.
The Maillard reaction, a chemical process described by Orka.tech, is responsible for the browning and flavorful crust on cooked meat.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Pour the cooked, drained beef into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker. Next, add the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions to the slow cooker. These vegetables will soften beautifully during cooking.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken or beef stock until well combined. This mixture forms the savory base of your ramen broth. Ensure the brown sugar fully dissolves into the liquids.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Pour the prepared sauce into the slow cooker over the beef and vegetables. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 5: Add Ramen Noodles
Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the dry ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker. Remember to discard the seasoning packets; you only need the noodles themselves.
Stir the noodles frequently to ensure they get fully submerged in the hot broth and cook evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
When the noodles are tender and cooked through, the dish is ready. Ladle generous portions of the hot Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles into individual bowls.
For an extra touch, top with additional fresh scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your homemade, comforting meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Ramen
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Add ramen noodles only in the last 30 minutes. Overcooking can make them mushy and undesirable.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness: Taste the broth before adding the noodles. Add a pinch more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash more soy sauce for saltiness if needed.
- For richer flavor: Always use beef stock if available; it deepens the savory notes of the broth significantly.
- Consider browning other meats: If not using ground beef, browning thinly sliced beef or pork shoulder before adding to the slow cooker adds wonderful depth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: A final taste test before serving allows you to fine-tune the flavors perfectly. Don’t be afraid to add a little more garlic powder or a dash of black pepper.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make your Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles experience even better with these ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with soft-boiled or fried eggs for added protein and richness.
- Offer fresh lime wedges on the side; a squeeze brightens the entire dish.
- Serve alongside steamed edamame or pan-fried dumplings for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Use chopsticks for an authentic and fun way to eat your ramen.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Cool the ramen completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- If reheating, consider adding a splash of extra broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out or becoming too thick. Avoid overcooking the noodles when reheating.
Flavor Variations & Additions
- Add spice: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Incorporate umami: A teaspoon of fish sauce or a tablespoon of oyster sauce can add a complex, savory depth.
- Boost freshness: Grate a knob of fresh ginger into the sauce mixture for a fragrant, zesty note.
- Try different quick-cooking vegetables: Experiment with thinly sliced bok choy, mushrooms, or snow peas, adding them in the last 30 minutes.
- Experiment with other lean ground meats: Ground pork or chicken can be a delicious alternative to ground beef.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It is based on the ingredients and preparation methods described for this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe.
Actual nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient variations, and serving sizes. We recommend calculating your own nutritional information based on the exact ingredients you use.
| Serving Size | 1 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 345 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Polyunsaturated | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 1410 mg |
| Potassium | 857 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Vitamin A | 6405 IU |
| Vitamin C | 43 mg |
| Calcium | 71 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare parts of it in advance. Brown the beef and chop your vegetables early, then combine them in the slow cooker later. You can cook the soup base ahead of time, then add the noodles just before serving.
Should I use raw beef in the slow cooker?
For this specific recipe, browning the beef first is crucial. This step develops a richer flavor and texture that raw beef might not achieve when simply added to the slow cooker.
What type of ramen noodles work best?
Any basic instant ramen noodles (without their seasoning packets) work perfectly. Fresh ramen noodles, often found in the refrigerated section of Asian markets, are also a fantastic option.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe truly delivers on flavor, convenience, and comfort. It’s an effortlessly delicious meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table with minimal fuss.
Perfect for busy parents and beginners alike, this recipe proves that homemade, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. Give this hearty dish a try and experience the joy of simple, flavorful cooking. If you love it, be sure to share your experience and rate the recipe!
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped scallions.
- In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock. Pour into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, add dry ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets). Stir to submerge and cook evenly.
- When noodles are tender, serve hot. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh scallions if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ground beef was used as listed.
- For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
