If you are craving a bowl of warmth and comfort with vibrant flavors and tender beef, this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine rich, savory broth infused with garlic and soy, paired with perfectly cooked ground beef and fresh vegetables, all slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully. The tender noodles soak up every bit of that goodness, creating a bowl of ramen that feels both nourishing and indulgent all at once. Whether you’re cooking for family or need an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients makes this dish both accessible and delicious. Each item plays a vital role, from the savory ground beef to the crisp carrots and the umami-packed soy sauce, building layers of flavor and texture that bring this recipe to life.
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably sirloin, 93/7): Lean beef offers a rich, meaty base without too much fat, ensuring a clean taste and hearty texture.
- 1 cup matchstick carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and pleasant crunch that balances the savory broth.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced: Brings color and a mild, fruity flavor enhancing visual appeal and freshness.
- 2-3 large scallions, roughly chopped: Introduces a sharp, oniony bite that brightens the stew’s depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory and aromatic notes essential to the broth’s complexity.
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides salty, umami flavor while keeping the sodium in check.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- 14.25 ounces chicken stock or beef stock: Creates a rich, savory base that’s key for the broth’s mouthwatering taste.
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets): The comforting chewy noodles that soak up all the flavorful broth perfectly.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Offers a nutty finish and lovely texture as a garnish.
- Additional scallions for topping (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color to each bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Browning the beef first enhances its flavor through caramelization, plus draining excess grease ensures your ramen won’t be oily but beautifully balanced.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables with the Beef
Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Add the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions on top. Layering fresh vegetables over the beef sets the stage for a medley of textures and vibrant color within the final dish.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Broth Ingredients
Mix minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and your choice of chicken or beef stock in a bowl. This mixture is the heart of your broth, balancing savory, sweet, and aromatic components that will slowly infuse the entire slow cooker.
Step 4: Combine and Slow Cook
Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir lightly to bring everything together, then cover. Let cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the ingredients to fully meld and produce a deeply satisfying flavor.
Step 5: Add the Ramen Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles straight into the slow cooker. Keep stirring gently every few minutes so noodles cook evenly and swirl in all the delicious broth without becoming mushy.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Once noodles are tender, it’s time to plate your masterpiece. Ladle the ramen into bowls and garnish with extra chopped scallions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds if you like. These final touches elevate both taste and presentation, making every spoonful delightful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe lies in its versatility with garnishes. Fresh scallions brighten the soup, while toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the tender beef and noodles perfectly. Feel free to add a soft boiled egg or a drizzle of chili oil for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider light sides like steamed edamame, pickled vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad. These fresh accompaniments offer contrast in texture and temperature, making the rich ramen feel even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your ramen in deep bowls that celebrate the vibrant colors and steam wafting from the broth. For a fun twist, try layering ingredients so each bowl has a beautiful display of beef, veggies, and noodles visible. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nori flakes also gives a delightful oceanic hint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your ramen, simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more overnight, though the noodles might absorb some broth and soften.
Freezing
You can freeze the broth and beef mixture separately from the noodles to maintain texture. When ready to eat, thaw the broth, reheat gently, and cook fresh noodles or add pre-cooked ones briefly to warm through.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover ramen on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen thickened noodles and restore that soupy texture we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin ground beef works beautifully for its balance of flavor and leanness, you can use ground chuck or even stew beef chunks if you prefer a heartier texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it okay to add vegetables other than carrots and bell peppers?
Definitely. Feel free to add baby spinach, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize your ramen. Just add quick-cooking vegetables toward the end to keep their crunch and freshness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe relies on beef and stock for its flavor, but you can substitute with firm tofu and vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly spin that still tastes rich and satisfying.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
The key is to add ramen noodles during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking and stir frequently so they cook evenly and soak up broth without overcooking and turning mushy.
What toppings work best for Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe?
Besides scallions and sesame seeds, try adding soft boiled eggs, sliced chili peppers, seaweed strips, or a drizzle of sriracha. These toppings add depth and a restaurant-quality finish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe a try the next time you want a comforting, effortless meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones on any day of the week. Grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying ramen bowls you’ve ever had!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef simmered with fresh vegetables and a savory soy-based broth. Made easy in the slow cooker, it combines the convenience of hands-off cooking with the delicious taste of homemade ramen. Perfect for a cozy meal, it includes matchstick carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, and tender ramen noodles all cooked together for a rich, satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably sirloin, 93/7)
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2–3 large scallions, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 14.25 ounces chicken stock or beef stock
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Additional scallions for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef loses its pink color and is fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup light and clean-tasting.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef into the 6-quart slow cooker. Layer the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions on top of the beef for fresh vegetable flavor.
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken or beef stock until the mixture is smooth and combined, forming the base of the ramen broth.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix all ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
- Add Ramen Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir frequently to keep the noodles submerged and ensure even cooking. Cook until noodles are tender but not mushy, about 20-30 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Scoop the ramen soup into bowls. Garnish with additional chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty touch if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty slow cooker beef ramen.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust soy sauce and brown sugar amounts to taste based on preferred sweetness and saltiness.
- Adding a soft-boiled egg topping pairs well with hearty beef ramen.
- If you prefer firmer vegetables, add bell peppers and carrots halfway through the cooking time instead of at the start.
- Use low sodium or homemade stock to better control the salt content of the soup.
- Stir noodles regularly to avoid clumping or sticking.
