Get ready for a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles! This dish features tender beef simmered in a flavorful broth with soft, slurp-worthy noodles. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Making it is a breeze—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic. I love enjoying it on chilly nights with a sprinkle of green onions and a smile! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well for this recipe, but you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushroom-based meat alternatives.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used as alternatives. Just be aware that this will slightly change the flavor of the dish but will still deliver great taste.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos. You could also add a splash of liquid aminos for a similar taste. Remember to taste as you go; some are saltier than others!
Sesame Oil: If you are out of sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil, but they won’t provide the same nutty flavor. However, you can add a bit of sesame seeds for a touch of that flavor.
Ramen Noodles: Traditional instant ramen works perfectly, but you can also use rice noodles or whole grain noodles if you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles used!
How Can I Ensure the Ramen Noodles Are Just Right?
Adding ramen noodles at the right time is crucial to avoid overcooking. Aim to add them about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat. This way, the noodles soak up the broth flavor while keeping a nice texture.
- Make sure they’re fully submerged in the liquid. This helps with even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the texture; cook until they’re tender but still have a slight bite.
- If you’re adding extra veggies, like spinach or bok choy, now is a great time to toss those in for added color and nutrition.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red or green)
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 package ramen noodles (about 3 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for either 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. So, overall, expect around 30 minutes for preparing and stirring, plus your cooking time. Perfect for a busy day!
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 all the way through. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your dish nice and light.
2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Now that your ground beef is ready, transfer it to your slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens!
3. Mix in the Flavorful Ingredients:
Add in the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Then toss in the diced bell peppers, hoisin sauce, and sriracha if you want a little kick. Stir everything until it’s well combined. It should smell amazing!
4. Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully and makes the beef super tender.
5. Add the Ramen Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, it’s time to add the ramen noodles! Discard the seasoning packets that come with the noodles, then add the noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir them in so they are completely submerged in the delicious broth.
6. Cook Until Tender:
Let the noodles cook for another 30 minutes on low, until they’re nice and tender. This is almost the best part—getting excited about your meal!
7. Final Seasoning and Garnishing:
Before serving, give your dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. For a lovely presentation, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles in bowls and enjoy the cozy, hearty flavors. You’ve made something special—dig in!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner meat option. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. The cooking time may remain the same!
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No problem! You can create a quick substitute by mixing together equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter or use a bit of soy sauce combined with a splash of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll work well in this recipe!
Can I Store Leftovers? How Long Will They Last?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the noodles absorb too much liquid.
How Can I Spice It Up More?
If you want to add more heat, consider adding extra sriracha or even some crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. For a unique twist, you could also toss in some sliced jalapeños right before serving!
