Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen recipe elevates classic ramen noodles with hearty ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, it uses the slow cooker to meld flavors effortlessly, making it an ideal dish to satisfy hearty appetites with minimal active cooking time.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (sirloin, 93/7)
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 large scallions, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Liquids
- ½ 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 cook the ground beef until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain excess grease if necessary to reduce fat content.
- Prepare slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions to the slow cooker basin.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken or beef stock until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the slow cooker over the beef and vegetables. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Add noodles: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen. Stir the noodles frequently to ensure even cooking and full coating in the sauce.
- Serve: When noodles are tender and cooked through, serve the ramen hot. Garnish with additional chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt content and keep the dish healthier.
- Discard ramen seasoning packets as the slow cooker sauce replaces those flavors.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Stir noodles frequently after adding to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- The dish can be prepared a day ahead; store refrigerated and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
