This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness! With tender beef, savory broth, and soft noodles, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I like to add some green onions on top for a fresh touch! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is your protein base. You can swap it with ground turkey for a lighter dish or even go meatless with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen works great, but you could also use udon or soba noodles if you want a twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may have different cooking times.
Beef Broth: Use beef broth for richer flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, chicken or vegetable broth works well too. Homemade broth can elevate the dish, but store-bought is just fine!
Sauces: Soy sauce adds depth. If you’re watching your sodium intake, go for low-sodium soy sauce. As a hoisin alternative, try barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile, but be mindful it’s sweeter.
Sesame Oil: This oil brings a unique aroma. You can substitute it with olive oil if it’s not on hand, but it will lack that distinct nuttiness. A few drops of toasted sesame oil can add a similar effect.
How Do I Safely Brown Ground Beef?
Browning ground beef correctly is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s a simple way to do it: Use a skillet over medium heat for even cooking.
- Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently, about 6-8 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain the excess fat! This keeps the dish lighter and enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Noodles in a Slow Cooker?
Timing is key when adding noodles to prevent them from getting mushy. Here’s a quick guide:
- Set a timer for 20 minutes before you plan to serve your beef ramen.
- Open your slow cooker and add the uncooked ramen noodles directly into the mixture.
- Stir gently to ensure they’re coated with the broth.
- Let them cook until they’re tender—this usually takes about 20 minutes on high heat.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (3 oz) ramen noodles
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Reserved sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 4-5 hours to cook on low in the slow cooker (or 2-3 hours on high). The hands-on time is quick, and then you can relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat. This helps keep your dish from being too greasy.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In your slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions (remember to save some green onions for later!). Then, add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Adding the Broth:
Now, pour in the beef broth. This will add flavor and liquid to your ramen dish. Give everything another good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Make sure it’s lid is on tightly to prevent steam from escaping!
5. Adding the Ramen Noodles:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the uncooked ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir them well to mix them into the broth and meat. They’ll soak up all those savory flavors!
6. Final Touches:
Continue cooking for those last 20 minutes until the noodles are tender and fully heated through. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like by adding salt and pepper.
7. Serving the Dish:
Once everything is ready, serve it hot into bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and your reserved sliced green onions on top for that extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious and hearty beef ramen noodles!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles Instead of Ramen?
Absolutely! You can substitute ramen with other quick-cooking noodles like udon, rice noodles, or even egg noodles. Just adjust the cooking time, as they might need less or more time than ramen to become tender. Be sure to add them during the last 20 minutes or so of cooking.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative for a leaner option! Simply brown it in the skillet the same way you would with ground beef and proceed with the recipe as usual. The flavors from the sauces and seasonings will still shine through!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process.
