I absolutely love this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe because it transforms everyday ingredients into a cozy, flavorful meal without much hands-on time. It s perfect for those busy days when you want something hearty and comforting waiting for you at the end of the day. Plus, who doesn t enjoy a bowl of ramen that s bursting with savory broth, tender beef, and fresh veggies?
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how simple it was to prep and how the slow cooker beautifully melded the flavors together. You ll find that letting the beef and vegetables simmer all afternoon builds such a rich taste that rivals restaurant-style ramen but with way less fuss. This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is definitely a keeper in my kitchen rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Rich, Layered Flavors: Slow simmering makes the broth deeply savory with tender beef and vibrant veggies.
- Customizable and Comforting: You can easily add your personal touch with toppings and spice levels.
- Perfect for Any Season: Cozy for chilly evenings but light enough for a year-round favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is in its simple but well-balanced ingredient list. Each component plays its part-ground beef for richness, fresh veggies for crunch and sweetness, and a savory broth that ties it all together. When you’re shopping, look for fresh, crisp produce and good quality beef to get the best result.
- Ground beef: I recommend sirloin (93/7) because it s lean but still flavorful and won t release too much grease in the slow cooker.
- Matchstick carrots: Adds a nice sweetness and texture that complements the broth perfectly.
- Red bell pepper: Use fresh and firm-sliced thinly so it softens just right during cooking.
- Scallions: Both the white and green parts add aromatic depth; reserve some green bits for garnish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really elevates the savory flavor of the broth.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Gives salty umami without overpowering, and low sodium lets you control the salt level.
- Brown sugar: Just a touch adds balance by bringing out the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- Chicken or beef stock: Choose a good-quality stock for a rich base-homemade or store-bought works.
- Ramen noodles: Use fresh or dried, but toss the seasoning packets as this recipe has its own unique flavor.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Toast them lightly for a nutty crunch when serving.
Variations
I love how forgiving this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is to tweaks-you can easily swap ingredients or boost the flavor based on your cravings or dietary needs. For example, I sometimes add a bit of fresh ginger for warmth, or swap in turkey for leaner protein. Feel free to make this dish your own!
- Add Heat: I enjoy stirring in chili garlic sauce or a dash of sriracha at the end for a spicy kick that wakes up the broth.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with firm tofu and use vegetable stock to keep it hearty yet meat-free.
- Noodle Swap: I ve tried zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist; just add them near the end to avoid sogginess.
- Extra Veggies: Snow peas or baby spinach are great additions for added greens and texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef until it s no longer pink. This step builds flavor and helps avoid excess fat in your slow cooker. Drain any grease to keep the broth clean and savory, then transfer the beef straight into your slow cooker s basin.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Aromatics
Next, toss in the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped scallions. These veggies will gently soften and release sweetness, balancing the savory meat and broth beautifully. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Pour
In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken or beef stock. This flavorful mixture forms the heart of your ramen broth. Pour it right into the slow cooker, giving everything a good stir to make sure the beef and veggies are coated well.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Broth
Cover the slow cooker and cook everything on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. This slow simmer is what makes the broth taste rich and the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender. Plus, your house will smell incredible!
Step 5: Add Ramen Noodles
About 30 minutes before you re ready to eat, add the dry ramen noodles (discard those seasoning packets-they re not needed here). Stir the noodles in frequently to make sure they soak up the broth evenly and cook perfectly tender without getting mushy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the noodles are tender, dish out your bowls of beef ramen and sprinkle with extra scallions and sesame seeds if you like. The garnishes add freshness and a little crunch that take the flavor up a notch.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
- Don t Skip Browning: I learned that browning beef first adds so much flavor and removes excess fat, making the broth cleaner and more savory.
- Add Noodles Last Minute: Waiting to add ramen noodles until the end keeps them from getting mushy, which is a common rookie mistake.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh carrots and bell peppers keep things bright and fresh, preventing the dish from tasting overly one-note.
- Stir Noodles Gently: Stir the noodles gently but frequently after adding to evenly distribute heat and avoid clumping.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
I m all about simple garnishes that add color and texture-extra scallions sliced thinly and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds are my go-to. Sometimes I throw on a soft boiled egg or a few drops of chili oil for an extra flavor boost. These little touches really make the bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe with a side of crunchy kimchi or steamed edamame for a complete meal. I also like serving a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar alongside to cut through the richness of the broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I ve served this ramen in individual large mugs or rustic bowls with creative garnishes like thin red pepper slices or fresh cilantro sprigs. Adding edible flowers or a drizzle of flavored oil can also make it feel restaurant-worthy without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover broth and beef mixture separately from the noodles in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy overnight. Then I reheat and add freshly cooked ramen noodles or heat the stored noodles gently before serving.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe freezes well if you keep the broth and beef separate from any noodles. I freeze the base in individual portions and thaw them quickly in warm water or the microwave when I want ramen on busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat the beef broth mixture gently on the stove or microwave, then add fresh or leftover noodles at the end just to warm through to avoid sogginess. I like stirring frequently to evenly heat everything without drying out the broth.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of meat for this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground sirloin beef is great for flavor and leanness, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that cooking times and fat content may vary slightly.
-
Do I have to use the seasoning packets that come with ramen noodles?
Nope, you actually discard the seasoning packets in this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe because the broth made from scratch is more flavorful and healthier. Using the packets can make the dish overly salty and mask the slow-cooked flavors.
-
How long can I keep leftovers?
Store leftovers in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep noodles separate and reheat with fresh noodles if possible.
-
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes, you can sauté and then pressure cook all the ingredients except noodles in an Instant Pot. Add noodles at the end using the sauté function for quick and tasty results.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe has become a favorite go-to for busy evenings and lazy weekends alike. It s comfort in a bowl-with layers of flavor you can count on, plus the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker. I m confident you ll enjoy both the ease and deliciousness of this dish, so give it a try and watch it become a family classic!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth cooked low and slow. Infused with soy sauce and brown sugar, the rich broth perfectly complements the soft ramen noodles added at the end, making it a perfect hearty meal for any day.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (sirloin, 93/7 recommended)
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 large scallions, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 14.25 ounces chicken stock or beef stock
Noodles and Garnish
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Additional scallions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the cooked beef into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Add matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken or beef stock until well combined.
- Add Sauce and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture into the slow cooker, stirring everything to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir frequently to ensure noodles are evenly coated and cook thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the noodles are tender, serve the ramen hot, topping with additional chopped scallions and sesame seeds as desired.
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles, as they are not needed in this recipe.
- If sirloin is not available, lean ground beef of similar fat percentage (93/7) can be substituted.
- Stir noodles frequently after adding to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and extra scallions add texture and fresh flavor.
- For a spicier broth, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
