Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a hearty, flavorful dish that elevates the classic instant ramen into a satisfying meal. By combining lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-savory broth, this recipe offers a comforting bowl of noodles with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it’s a family-friendly favorite that brings the warmth of Japanese-inspired flavors to your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 93/7 lean)

• 1 cup matchstick carrots

• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced

• 2–3 large scallions, roughly chopped (reserve some for garnish)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 14.25 ounces chicken stock (or beef stock for a richer flavor)

• 2 packs ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)

• Optional: sesame seeds and additional scallions for garnish

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped scallions (saving some for garnish).

3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to combine.

4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles are submerged and cook evenly.

6. Serve: Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with reserved scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW

• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate additional vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or snow peas for added texture and nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat.

• Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the noodles may become mushy upon reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use instant ramen noodles instead of traditional ones?

Yes, you can use instant ramen noodles, but discard the seasoning packets and add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef before adding it enhances the flavor through caramelization and helps reduce excess fat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup without the noodles and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and add the noodles, cooking until tender.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, tamari is a suitable substitute for soy sauce.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming too soft?

Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly without becoming mushy.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used; just add them at the beginning of the cooking process.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy. To add heat, incorporate chili paste or red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I use beef broth instead of chicken stock?

Yes, beef broth can be used for a richer flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I add an egg to this dish?

Yes, a soft-boiled or poached egg makes an excellent addition, adding richness and protein.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles transforms a simple package of ramen into a wholesome, flavorful meal. With its ease of preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a dish that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers a satisfying and comforting bowl of goodne