This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender beef, tasty broth, and slurpy noodles come together effortlessly.
The best part? Just set it and forget it! I love returning home to the incredible smell and a delicious meal waiting for me. It’s total comfort food! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds protein and flavor to your dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Beef Broth: Use beef broth for deep flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth is a great substitute if you have dietary preferences. You might even consider using homemade broth for a fresher taste.
Ramen Noodles: Standard instant ramen noodles are wonderful for this recipe. If you can’t find them, egg noodles or rice noodles will also work. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for tamari. Coconut aminos are another great alternative for a different twist.
Oyster Sauce: While it contributes a sweet, rich flavor, it can be replaced with hoisin sauce for a similar taste. For a vegan option, look for mushroom soy sauce.
How Do I Brown Ground Beef for My Ramen?
Browning ground beef is a key technique that boosts flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a hot skillet over medium heat, making sure it’s not too hot to avoid burning.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally for even browning.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes) and drain any excess fat to keep your dish lighter.
- Don’t rush; ensuring an even brown adds depth to your ramen.
By following these steps, you’ll set a flavorful base for your slow cooker ramen!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish has a total cooking time of about 5-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high. Plus, it takes about 15 minutes for prep—so get ready to enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of ramen noodles!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so that your ramen doesn’t become greasy.
2. Mix it All Together in the Slow Cooker:
Carefully transfer the cooked ground beef into your slow cooker. Now, add the beef broth, water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together nicely.
3. Let it Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about 5 to 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 2 to 3 hours. Let those flavors meld together—your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Add the Veggies and Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the diced red bell pepper and the ramen noodles. You can break the noodles into smaller pieces if you prefer. Mix everything well and let it cook until the noodles are tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle the beef ramen into bowls. Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that finishing touch. Enjoy your warm and comforting meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork in this recipe. Just ensure to cook the meat thoroughly as specified, adjusting the cooking time slightly if needed until it’s no longer pink.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little bit of sugar for sweetness. This will maintain the flavor profile of the dish!
How Should I Store Leftover Ramen?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If potential leftovers get too mushy, you may want to keep the noodles separate from the broth and add them when reheating to resist sogginess.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies such as spinach, bok choy, or mushrooms. Just toss them into the slow cooker along with the red bell pepper for a nutritious boost!
