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Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe

If you crave a comforting bowl of rich, flavorful noodles packed with tender beef and fresh veggies, then this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s a breeze to prepare, letting the slow cooker work its magic to meld savory broth, perfectly cooked ground beef, and vibrant vegetables into a warm, satisfying dish that’s ideal for busy days or cozy evenings. Trust me, once you try this hearty ramen, you’ll want to make it again and again for dinner and impress anyone lucky enough to share a bowl with you.

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is wonderfully simple in its ingredient list, yet each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From the grounding umami of the beef stock and soy sauce to the fresh crunch of vegetables, every item contributes something special.

  • 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained: Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
  • 32 oz beef stock: Forms the savory base of the broth, full of deep, comforting taste.
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds salty umami complexity without overpowering the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with just a hint of sweetness.
  • 2-3 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste): Brings a gentle kick of heat to awaken your taste buds.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with aromatic depth and warmth.
  • 1 small head broccoli, chopped: Offers vibrant green color and a pleasant, hearty crunch.
  • 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced: Introduces sweetness and a tender texture to the mix.
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a pop of bright color and subtly sweet flavor.
  • 4 green onions, chopped: Provides fresh, crisp, oniony brightness throughout.
  • 2 (3 oz) packages instant ramen noodles: The star carb element that soaks up all the delicious broth.
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty fragrance and richness just before serving.
  • Garnish: additional green onions and sesame seeds: For the perfect finishing touch in appearance and flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Broth

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to drain the excess fat so your ramen broth stays flavorful but not greasy. Meanwhile, whisk together the beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, and minced garlic right in your slow cooker. This mixture sets the base for your ramen’s deeply savory and slightly sweet broth.

Step 2: Add Veggies and Beef to the Slow Cooker

Once your broth mixture is ready, add the browned ground beef along with the chopped broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions. These fresh vegetables will slowly soften and blend with the rich broth as they cook, enhancing both texture and flavor in every spoonful.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to marry beautifully and ensures the vegetables become tender without losing their vibrant color, while the beef stays juicy and tender.

Step 4: Add Ramen Noodles and Finish

About 15 minutes before you plan to eat, discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles and gently stir the noodles into the slow cooker along with the sesame oil. This short cooking time softens the noodles perfectly without turning them mushy, while the sesame oil adds a lovely aromatic finish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over each bowl just before serving. They add an irresistible crunch and vivid color that makes each bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider simple steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or some light pickled vegetables for contrast and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the ramen in individual mini slow cookers or pretty ceramic bowls and pass out extra chili or lime wedges for people to customize their bowls. It turns a simple dinner into an interactive experience that feels special and homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

The beef and vegetable mixture freezes beautifully without the noodles. Freeze in a separate container or bag for up to 3 months and add fresh noodles when reheating to keep things fresh and tasty.

Reheating

Reheat the ramen gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding fresh cooked ramen noodles when warming up if you froze the base separately. A splash of water or stock might be helpful to loosen the broth as it heats.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well, and you can even try cubed beef stew meat for a chunkier texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it okay to use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant?

Yes, fresh ramen noodles are a great choice if you can find them. Since fresh noodles cook quickly, add them towards the end just like the instant ones.

Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Definitely. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred heat level, or swap it out for chili flakes, sambal, or even sweet chili sauce depending on your taste.

Do I need to brown the ground beef first?

Browning the beef adds depth of flavor and helps remove excess fat, making your broth taste cleaner and richer. While optional, it’s highly recommended.

Can I use a different cooking method instead of a slow cooker?

You can mimic the flavors on the stovetop by simmering gently for about an hour, but the slow cooker really shines by letting flavors meld over several hours with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is a total game changer for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal that feels homemade without tons of fuss. It’s one of those dishes that comforts the soul and impresses friends and family alike. So grab your slow cooker, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a steaming, delicious bowl that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe


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4.4 from 86 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender ground beef simmers with fresh vegetables in a savory, slightly sweet beef broth enhanced with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sriracha for a mild kick. Instant ramen noodles are added toward the end to absorb all the rich flavors, creating a warm, hearty dish garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

  • 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
  • 32 oz beef stock
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 23 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 small head broccoli, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 green onions, chopped

Noodles and Garnish

  • 2 (3 oz) packages instant ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Additional green onions for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth mixture: In a slow cooker, whisk together beef stock, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
  2. Add beef and vegetables: Stir in the browned and drained ground beef along with chopped broccoli, thinly sliced carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions into the slow cooker with the broth mixture.
  3. Slow cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  4. Add the ramen noodles and sesame oil: About 15 minutes before serving, add the instant ramen noodles (discarding seasoning packets) and sesame oil to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
  5. Cook noodles until soft: Let the noodles cook for approximately 5 minutes or until they are softened and fully warmed through.
  6. Garnish and serve: Serve the ramen hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a spicier ramen, increase the amount of sriracha sauce to taste.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas for more variety.
  • To reduce sodium further, you can use homemade beef broth and low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Instant ramen seasoning packets are not used as the broth provides all the flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

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