Easiest Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Beef Recipe

Introduction

This easy slow cooker ramen is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and perfectly soft noodles. It’s a hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 9 ounces slaw mix (about 4 cups)
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 2 (3-ounce) packages ramen noodles (discard flavoring packets)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Carefully transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the slaw mix, shredded carrots, minced garlic, tamari, chicken stock, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is bubbling. Avoid uncovering during cooking.
4. Step 4: Turn the slow cooker to high (if not already) and stir in the ramen noodles, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cook for 5-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
• Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make the dish pescatarian-friendly, or substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein.
• Try adding sliced mushrooms or chopped bok choy in step 2 for additional veggies.
• If you prefer less salty broth, reduce the tamari slightly and adjust seasoning at the end.

Storage

Store leftover ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles instead of ramen?

Yes, you can substitute other quick-cooking noodles such as udon or soba. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Do I have to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef first enhances the flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if short on time. The beef will still cook in the slow cooker, though the flavor might be less rich.

Easiest Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 147 reviews

This easy slow cooker ramen noodle recipe combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables and flavorful broth, creating a comforting and hearty meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker method infuses the ingredients with rich taste, and the addition of ramen noodles just before serving ensures perfectly tender noodles every time.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 9 ounces slaw mix (about 4 cups)
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Broth and Seasonings

• ⅓ cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Noodles

• 2 (3-ounce) packages ramen noodles (flavoring packets discarded or saved for another use)

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small chunks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. This step adds flavor by developing a rich crust on the beef before slow cooking.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the browned ground beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the slaw mix, shredded carrots, minced garlic, tamari or soy sauce, chicken stock, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
3. Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is bubbling. Avoid uncovering during this time to maintain heat and moisture.
4. Add Noodles and Finish Cooking: If not already on high, turn the slow cooker to high. Add the ramen noodles, stirring them into the sauce to submerge completely. Cook for an additional 5 to 15 minutes until the noodles are just tender. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
• Feel free to add sliced mushrooms or bok choy for extra veggies.
• Using low sodium tamari helps control the salt level, making the dish healthier.
• Do not add noodles at the beginning to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles.

Keywords: slow cooker ramen, beef ramen, easy slow cooker recipes, ground beef noodles, quick ramen dinner