Slow Cooker Beef Ramen is the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef simmers in a rich broth with noodles, veggies, and spices. It’s warm, cozy, and just makes everything feel better!
Making this dish is a breeze! Toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and relax while the flavors come together. Perfect for busy days when you want a hug in a bowl! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
Beef Broth: Essential for flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version. Homemade broth adds extra depth—if you have the time, it’s worth it!
Ramen Noodle Seasoning Mix: This adds a nice kick. If you’d like to control the sodium or prefer a different flavor, you can omit this and use a mix of your favorite spices instead.
Instant Ramen Noodles: Any instant ramen brand works, just discard the seasoning pack. If you’re gluten-free, look for rice noodles as a substitute.
Bell Pepper: The red bell pepper adds sweetness. You can also use green or yellow bell peppers, or even use snap peas or carrots for extra crunch.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring amazing flavor; however, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch. Fresh is best if you can manage it!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Properly in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking ground beef in a slow cooker might seem tricky since browning usually adds flavor, but it can be done. Here’s how:
- Start by adding the ground beef directly into the slow cooker. You don’t need to brown it first; just break it apart with a spoon right away.
- Cook on high heat for about 5-6 hours. Stir every hour to prevent clumping.
- When the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your dish from being greasy.
This method allows the beef to absorb all the flavors from the broth and seasoning, giving you a rich, hearty texture!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (about 3 oz) ramen noodle seasoning mix
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup sliced green onions (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in a slow cooker for around 5 to 6 hours on high, or 2 to 3 hours on low. You’ll need 30 minutes at the end to cook the noodles. So, set aside a cozy afternoon to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Start by adding the ground beef to your slow cooker. Turn it to high and let it cook for about 5 to 6 hours. Every now and then, break the beef apart with a spoon and give it a gentle stir to help it cook evenly.
2. Preparing the Broth:
Once the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked, you might need to drain off any excess fat. This will help keep your dish from getting too greasy. After that, stir in the beef broth, ramen seasoning mix, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. This will create your flavorful broth!
3. Adding Vegetables:
Next, toss in the chopped red bell pepper and the white parts of the green onions. Give everything a good stir to mix the ingredients well, making sure everything is well combined in the slow cooker.
4. Cooking for Flavor:
Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 2 to 3 hours. This time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together and makes the bell pepper tender.
5. Cooking the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the instant ramen noodles to the slow cooker, making sure to toss out any flavor packets. Stir the noodles into the broth, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. This is where the magic happens!
6. Finishing Up:
Let the noodles cook for another 30 minutes until they are nice and tender. Once done, taste your dish and feel free to add a pinch of salt and pepper if it needs a little extra love.
7. Serving:
When everything is ready, serve yourself a hearty bowl of beef ramen. Top it off with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if using a different meat; for poultry, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. If using tofu, simply add it in with the bell peppers to allow it to absorb the flavors.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth are great substitutes. You can also use water with added soy sauce for a similar flavor, but broth adds richness that enhances the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from getting too dry. If you’d like to store it longer, consider freezing the beef mixture without the noodles, which can be added when you reheat.
