Easiest Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Beef Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
