WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a fantastic dish for many reasons. First, it combines the hearty flavors of beef with fresh vegetables and savory broth, making it both satisfying and nutritious. It’s a simple recipe that requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Cooking with a slow cooker means that all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and tasty broth.
This dish is also incredibly flexible. You can customize the toppings to your liking, making it a great option for families with varying preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it for several days, or share it with friends and family. It’s a warm, comforting dish that feels special but comes together effortlessly.
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
- 450 grams ground beef
- 150 grams matchstick carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 to 3 scallions, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 120 millilitres low sodium soy sauce
- 100 grams brown sugar
- 410 millilitres chicken stock
- 2 ramen noodle cakes
- Sesame seeds, optional
- Additional scallions, sliced, optional
DIRECTIONS
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Brown the Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until the beef is evenly browned. Once cooked, drain the excess fat from the skillet.
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Transfer to Slow Cooker: After draining, transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
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Add Vegetables: Add the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions to the slow cooker with the beef.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Combine Everything: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Gently stir everything to ensure all components are well-mixed.
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Cooking Time: Cover and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
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Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, remove and discard the ramen seasoning packets that come with the noodle cakes. Then add the dry ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly and absorb the broth.
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Serve: When the noodles are tender, ladle the dish into bowls. You can top with additional sliced scallions and optional sesame seeds for an extra crunch before serving.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Serving Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is simple. Ladle the warm dish into bowls, ensuring each portion has plenty of beef, vegetables, and noodles. It’s often enjoyed hot, making it a perfect meal for chilly days or cozy family dinners.
For garnish, consider adding sliced scallions and sesame seeds on top. These toppings not only enhance the appearance of your meal but also add fresh flavors and a pleasing texture. You can also serve it alongside crispy wontons or steamed dumplings for a more filling meal.
HOW TO STORE Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Leftovers from Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles can be stored easily. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Make sure the noodles are tender but not overcooked before freezing. Transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top, as it may expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to 2 to 3 months.
When you want to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little extra broth or water when reheating, as the noodles may absorb quite a bit of moisture.
TIPS TO MAKE Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
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Meat Options: While ground beef is delicious, you can really switch it up. Try using ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms. They will not only add nutritional value but also extra taste.
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Adjust Seasoning: Depending on your taste, you can modify the soy sauce and brown sugar. If you prefer a saltier dish, add more soy sauce. If you like it sweeter, increase the brown sugar content.
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Cooking Time: If you are pressed for time, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours, but the low setting really helps to deepen the flavors.
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Noodle Tips: For the best noodle texture, avoid cooking them too long in the broth. Adding them in the last 30 minutes keeps them firm and prevents them from becoming mushy.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to personalize your Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles. Here are a few ideas:
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Spicy Beef Ramen: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or your preferred chili paste when mixing the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Herbed Ramen: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro before serving. These herbs add brightness and freshness to the dish.
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Vegan Version: Swap out the beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add your favorite vegetables to make it hearty and delicious.
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Mirin and Miso: For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of mirin or a tablespoon of miso paste to the sauce mix.
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Different Noodle Types: If you don’t have ramen, you can use other types of noodles like udon, soba noodles, or even rice noodles.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. On the day you want to cook, simply combine everything in the slow cooker and set it going.
2. Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead?
Absolutely! You can add fresh ramen noodles towards the end of the cooking process for a quicker cook time. Just remember to adjust the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Typically, ramen noodles and soy sauce contain gluten. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available. Look for gluten-free ramen and tamari instead of soy sauce.
4. What should I do if the broth is too salty?
If your broth is too salty, adding more water or low-sodium chicken stock can help balance the flavors. You can also add more vegetables to absorb some of the saltiness.
5. Can I use leftover beef for this recipe?
Yes! Cooked leftover beef can be added to the slow cooker at the same time as the vegetables. Just reduce the cooking time since the beef is already cooked.
By following this recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles, you’ll have a warm and comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of cooking in a slow cooker, making it a staple dish in your home!
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until evenly browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Add matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions to the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles into the slow cooker, stirring occasionally.
- Ladle the dish into bowls and top with additional sliced scallions and optional sesame seeds.