This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles dish is a warm bowl of goodness! Tender beef, flavorful broth, and slurpy noodles make a cozy meal that’s super easy to prepare.
Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s perfect for lazy days when you want something hearty without much fuss. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef brings a rich flavor and protein. You can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Ramen Noodles: The classic ramen noodles work best, but feel free to use soba, udon, or even rice noodles if you prefer a gluten-free alternative.
Beef Broth: Use beef broth for depth, but vegetable or chicken broth works well too. Homemade broth adds a special touch!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is fine, but if you want a gluten-free option, try tamari. Coconut aminos is also a tasty alternative if you’re avoiding soy.
Sesame Oil: This adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, a light olive oil or canola oil can work, but the taste won’t be quite the same.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Browning the Beef?
Browning the ground beef is crucial for building flavor. This step creates a delicious base for your slow cooker dish. Make sure not to rush this! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat—don’t be afraid to let it warm up!
- Add the ground beef and let it sit for a moment before stirring; this helps develop a nice sear.
- Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat, so your noodles won’t become greasy later on.
Take your time with this step, as it’s your chance to add lots of rich flavor to the dish! Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (9 oz) ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and then the slow cooker does the work! You can let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. So, it’s perfect for a busy day when you want a warm meal ready for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by placing a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep it lean and tasty.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Now, pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger (if you like a little spice), and diced bell pepper as well. Give everything a good stir until it’s well mixed.
3. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
4. Adding the Ramen:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, break the ramen noodles into quarters and add them to the slow cooker. Stir well to make sure they’re evenly distributed in the beef mixture.
5. Final Touches:
Once the noodles are tender and cooked through, taste your mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Then, sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your warm and comforting slow cooker beef ramen noodles into bowls, and enjoy every delicious bite! Perfectly hearty and full of flavor!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly, and you might want to add a little extra seasoning since turkey can be milder in flavor. You can follow the same cooking instructions as listed in the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just ensure to adjust your seasonings, especially the soy sauce, since different broths have different salt levels.
Can I Prepare This Recipe the Night Before?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before. Simply cook the ground beef and combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just turn on the slow cooker and let it cook. Remember to add the ramen noodles about 30 minutes before serving as instructed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner!
