Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth all cooked low and slow for maximum taste. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal that warms you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitution: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.)
• 2 cups Matchstick Carrots (Substitution: Shredded carrots can be used.)
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Substitution: Use any bell pepper or diced tomatoes.)
• 4 pcs Scallions (Substitution: Chives or green onions work well.)
• 4 cloves Garlic (Note: Fresh garlic is recommended for best taste.)
• 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce (Substitution: Tamari for a gluten-free option.)
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (Optional: Omit for less sweetness or replace with honey.)
• 4 cups Chicken or Beef Stock (Substitution: Vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.)
• 8 oz Ramen Noodles (Note: Use the dry noodles only, discard seasoning packets. Quick-cooking types preferred.)
• 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (Adds a delightful crunch to your bowl.)
• 2 pcs Additional Scallions (Enhances freshness and presentation.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and flavorful.
2. Step 2: Transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add matchstick carrots, diced red bell pepper, and chopped scallions for a colorful mix of vegetables.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir occasionally until noodles are tender and have absorbed the broth.
6. Step 6: Serve the ramen in bowls and garnish with additional scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter meal, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken without changing cooking times.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Omit brown sugar or replace it with honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with firm tofu and use vegetable stock in place of chicken or beef stock.
• Adding a splash of sriracha or chili flakes can spice up the dish if you like heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the noodles. If the broth thickens, add a little water or stock to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of dry?

Fresh ramen noodles can be used, but add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking as they soften quickly and can become mushy if cooked too long in a slow cooker.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add remaining ingredients and cook on slow cooker setting or pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes, finishing by adding noodles and cooking until tender.

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe featuring tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth slow-cooked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the classic taste of ramen, garnished with crunchy sesame seeds and scallions for a delightful finish.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb Ground Beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
• 2 cups Matchstick Carrots (or shredded carrots)
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (or any bell pepper or diced tomatoes)
• 4 pcs Scallions (or chives or green onions)

Seasonings and Sauce

• 4 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh garlic recommended)
• 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional, can be omitted or replaced with honey)
• 4 cups Chicken or Beef Stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)

Other

• 8 oz Ramen Noodles (dry noodles only, discard seasoning packets; quick-cooking type preferred)
• 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
• 2 pcs Additional Scallions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and flavorful.
2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add matchstick carrots, diced red bell pepper, and chopped scallions to create a colorful vegetable mix.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken or beef stock. Pour this savory blend over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to LOW. Allow it to cook for 4 to 6 hours to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the dry ramen noodles. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly and absorb the flavorful broth until tender.
6. Serve: Ladle the beef ramen into bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and freshness.

Notes

• Using fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor significantly.
• Brown sugar is optional; omit or replace with honey if you prefer less sweetness.
• Discard the seasoning packets from ramen noodles to control sodium and flavor.
• For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles.
• The recipe can be adapted to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetable stock can be used to make this dish vegetarian, substituting ground meat with plant-based protein if desired.

Keywords: Slow Cooker, Beef Ramen, Ramen Noodles, Slow Cooker Noodles, Beef Recipe, Easy Dinner, Asian Comfort Food