This cozy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles dish is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender beef simmers all day with savory broth, fresh veggies, and delicious noodles.
Honestly, it smells amazing when you walk in the door! I just love how easy it is—throw everything in, let it cook, and enjoy a big bowl of comfort. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for this recipe to keep it a bit healthier, but you can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. Just cook it the same way as the beef!
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth adds great depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, feel free to use store-bought. Vegetable broth works as a good substitute for a vegetarian version.
Ramen Noodles: The instant ramen noodles make this dish quick and easy. If you don’t have instant ramen, use any noodle you’d like, such as udon or rice noodles, with slight adjustments to cooking time.
Red Bell Pepper: You can swap it for any bell pepper you have on hand. Green or yellow bell peppers work just as well. You could also use sliced carrots or snap peas for a bit of crunch!
Green Onions: These add fresh flavor. If you’re out, chives or shallots can serve as a substitute. You can also use red onion in a pinch, just use less as it’s stronger.
How Can I Easily Cook the Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef is straightforward, but there are a few tricks to ensure it’s perfectly done. Start by preheating your skillet to medium heat. This helps the beef brown better.
- Add the ground beef and stir occasionally for even cooking. You’ll want it to turn a nice brown color.
- Use a spatula to break it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and reduces big clumps.
- Make sure to drain the excess fat after browning to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
These tips help you achieve delicious, perfectly browned beef for your ramen!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Broth:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles:
- 3 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and takes 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high in the slow cooker. Additionally, there’s a quick 15 minutes to cook the ramen noodles. In total, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in just a few short hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain off any excess fat and move the ground beef to your slow cooker.
2. Mix in the Broth and Veggies:
In the slow cooker, add the beef broth, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is where all the flavors start to blend!
3. Slow Cook the Mixture:
Next, cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful your dish will become!
4. Add the Noodles:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, toss in the instant ramen noodles. If they are clumped together, gently break them apart before adding. Stir nicely, making sure the noodles are well-coated and submerged in the broth.
5. Complete Cooking:
Keep the slow cooker covered and let it cook for another 15 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and cooked through. You’ll start to smell the amazing aromas!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is cooked, ladle the warm ramen into bowls. Top your delicious dish with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Now it’s ready to enjoy! Dig in and savor your tasty Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just ensure you season it well since turkey can be milder in flavor compared to beef. The cooking time will remain the same.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this ramen vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding tofu for additional protein. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavor!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives. The flavor will change a bit, but it will still be delicious! You can also enhance the broth with a splash of soy sauce or miso for added depth.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if the noodles absorb too much liquid. Enjoy!
