Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is the perfect combination of tender beef, rich broth, and soft noodles, making it a cozy, flavorful meal everyone will enjoy. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in the slow cooker, while the ramen noodles soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a satisfying, hearty meal. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate your regular ramen into something extra special!

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• Soft-boiled eggs (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef stew meat (or cubed chuck roast) for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds flavor to the meat, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

2. Add to the slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to combine.

3. Cook the beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Add the vegetables: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the sliced mushrooms and green onions to the slow cooker. Stir them into the broth to let them soften and release their flavors.

5. Cook the ramen noodles: When the beef is done cooking, carefully add the ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the broth. Let them cook for about 5-6 minutes or until they’re soft and tender.

6. Finish and serve: Once the noodles are cooked, drizzle the sesame oil over the ramen for added flavor. Serve the ramen bowls hot, topped with the tender beef, vegetables, and soft-boiled eggs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total time: 6-7 hours (including cooking time)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste to the broth for some heat. You can also sprinkle chili flakes over the noodles for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bok choy, spinach, or carrots to the slow cooker for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Different Noodles: If you don’t have ramen noodles, you can use other types of noodles like udon, soba, or even egg noodles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While the beef and broth can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, the ramen noodles are best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store the noodles separately and add them when reheating the dish.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth if needed to loosen up the soup. You can also microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked beef for this recipe?

While fresh, uncooked beef is best for flavor, you can use pre-cooked beef, like shredded leftover beef, and simply heat it up in the slow cooker for 1-2 hours with the broth and seasonings.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this on the stovetop. Brown the beef in a pot, then add the broth and spices. Simmer on low heat for 1-1.5 hours until the beef is tender. Add the mushrooms, green onions, and noodles about 10 minutes before serving.

Can I use instant ramen noodles?

Yes! Instant ramen noodles are perfect for this recipe. Just discard the seasoning packet that comes with them, as the slow cooker broth is already flavorful enough.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, bok choy, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking to make this dish even more hearty.

How do I make the beef more tender?

Slow cooking on low for the full 6-7 hours allows the beef to become fork-tender. If you’re using a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast, this method is ideal to break down the connective tissue.

Can I freeze this recipe?

You can freeze the beef and broth portion of the recipe, but it’s best to cook the ramen noodles fresh. When freezing, store the beef and broth separately and reheat them with fresh noodles later.

Can I use beef broth from a carton or a cube?

Yes, you can use either beef broth from a carton or beef bouillon cubes dissolved in water. Just make sure the flavor is balanced, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How do I know when the ramen noodles are done cooking?

The noodles should be soft and tender, but be careful not to overcook them. Once they’re submerged in the broth for 5-6 minutes, they should be perfect.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add sriracha, chili paste, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth for an added kick.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with steamed dumplings, a side salad, or crispy egg rolls for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, savory broth, and soft ramen noodles in one delicious, easy-to-make meal. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making it for a family dinner, this recipe will become a go-to favorite

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