This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is cozy and comforting! Tender beef simmers with tasty broth and noodles, making it a satisfying meal for any day.
You just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The smell that fills your kitchen will make you feel like a pro chef. Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of noodles?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Some people prefer using a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor!
Beef Broth: Using beef broth is essential for rich flavor. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works well. Homemade broth gives an extra touch, but store-bought is perfectly fine.
Instant Ramen Noodles: These noodles are quick and easy! You can substitute with any noodles you have on hand—like udon or soba—but adjust cooking times as needed.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a nice crunch and sweetness. Feel free to use other peppers, like yellow or green, or even carrots for a different taste and extra color!
Soy Sauce: It brings depth to the dish. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative, while coconut aminos can work for those who are avoiding soy.
Sesame Oil: This adds a lovely nutty aroma. If you can’t find it, you can use a light olive oil, but it won’t provide the same flavor. Toasted sesame oil is best!
How Do I Brown the Ground Beef Properly?
Browning ground beef is key to developing flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start on medium heat and break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, around 6-8 minutes, stirring often. This ensures all parts brown evenly.
- Don’t rush! Browning adds a deeper flavor.
- Drain any excess grease for a healthier dish—this step ensures the sauce isn’t too greasy.
With these simple steps, your beef will be perfectly cooked and ready to mix into your ramen!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 packages of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker beef ramen noodles recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 4 hours to cook on low heat. Plus, there’s an extra 30 minutes needed for the noodles to cook, making a total of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. A bit of patience goes a long way for this hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, stirring occasionally. Once it’s cooked, drain the excess grease and carefully transfer the beef into your slow cooker. This step gives your dish a great base of flavor!
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
To the slow cooker, add the beef broth, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together well, making sure all ingredients are mixed nicely. This is where all the yummy flavors start to come together!
3. Slow Cook the Mixture:
Now, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking helps all the flavors blend beautifully, so make sure to let it go the full time for the best results!
4. Add the Ramen Noodles:
After 4 hours, it’s time to add the instant ramen noodles. Break them apart a little if you like, and gently stir them into the mixture in the slow cooker. Cover it again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up all the delicious broth.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the noodles are cooked through, it’s time to enjoy your meal! Scoop the beef ramen into bowls and garnish with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of goodness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different flavor and a leaner dish. Follow the same browning process in the skillet to ensure it cooks through evenly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use diced tofu. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free if needed. You may also want to add more veggies, like mushrooms or spinach, for added flavor and texture!
Can I Store Leftover Beef Ramen Noodles?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles, as they can thicken when stored.
What Can I Substitute for Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a mix of olive oil and a small amount of toasted sesame seeds for a similar nutty flavor. Alternatively, try using peanut oil for a different twist, but just note that it will alter the overall taste slightly. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your preference!
