Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. This recipe combines tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth with the convenience of a slow cooker, resulting in a delicious, no-fuss meal. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this flavorful dish step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 2 scallions, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop Vegetables: Thinly slice the bell pepper, julienne the carrots, and coarsely chop the scallions. Finely chop the garlic cloves. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef, chicken broth, sliced bell pepper, julienned carrots, chopped scallions, and finely chopped garlic.
- Add Seasonings: Add the brown sugar and soy sauce to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Cook
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Add Ramen Noodles
- Prepare Noodles: About 15-20 minutes before serving, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Discard the seasoning packets.
- Combine Noodles: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and allow the noodles to soak up the flavors for a few minutes before serving.
Serving
- Serve: Serve the Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles hot, garnished with additional chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas for added flavor and nutrition.
- Broth: If you prefer a richer broth, substitute beef broth for the chicken broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the slow cooker portion of the recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cooked noodles just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover beef ramen noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and vegetable mixture (without the noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, then add freshly cooked ramen noodles before serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, follow these modifications:
- Noodles: Substitute the ramen noodles with shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Sugar: Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a lower-carb option.
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious and satisfying homemade meal!
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