Name: Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483882H9M57S
Total time: PT-483882H9M57S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes) – 1 lb (or 2 cups); Onion, diced – 1 medium; Garlic, minced – 3 cloves; Low-sodium soy sauce – 1/4 cup; Beef broth – 4 cups; Sesame oil – 2 tbsp; Brown sugar – 1 tbsp; Ground ginger – 1 tsp; Ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) – 2 packs; Green onions (for garnish) – 2 tbsp, chopped; Optional: Soft-boiled eggs, sesame seeds, or spinach for garnish

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Hey there! If you’re in the mood for a comforting, easy meal that practically makes itself, then this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is going to be your new best friend. Tender beef, flavorful broth, and noodles that soak up all that goodness? Yes, please! This dish is the perfect balance of hearty and comforting, with just a touch of Asian-inspired flavor. It’s great for busy nights, and your slow cooker does all the work while you relax.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The beauty of it lies in how easy it is to throw everything into the slow cooker, and then let it work its magic. The beef becomes super tender, the noodles soak up all the rich broth, and the combination of seasonings brings it all together in the most delicious way. It’s a dish the whole family will love, and it’s perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like spending a ton of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy dish (full list below):

Beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Low-sodium soy sauce
Beef broth
Sesame oil
Brown sugar
Ground ginger
Ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
Green onions (for garnish)
Optional: Soft-boiled eggs, sesame seeds, or spinach for extra flavor and texture

Directions

1. Sear the Beef

Start by searing your beef stew meat in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step adds so much depth of flavor to the dish, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and just add the raw beef directly into the slow cooker.

2. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Once your beef is seared, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Stir everything together so that the beef is coated in all the seasonings. It smells amazing already, doesn’t it?

3. Let it Cook

Cover and cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef will become tender and the flavors will meld together perfectly.

4. Add the Ramen Noodles

About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces and stir them into the slow cooker. They’ll soak up all that delicious broth and become soft and flavorful. Don’t add them too early, or they’ll get too mushy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the noodles are cooked, give everything a good stir and check for seasoning. If you like, you can garnish with some chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a soft-boiled egg. The ramen is ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra flavor: If you have time, you can marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for a couple of hours before cooking. It enhances the flavor even more!
For a thicker broth: You can add a little cornstarch mixed with water in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth to your liking.
Make it spicy: Add some chili paste or red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat in your ramen.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a healthier version: Use low-sodium beef broth and opt for whole wheat ramen noodles or any other type of noodles you prefer.
Vegetarian option: Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh, and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. Add in some extra veggies like mushrooms or bok choy to make it heartier.
Noodle alternatives: If you’re not a fan of ramen noodles, you can swap them out for udon noodles, soba noodles, or rice noodles for a different twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

While this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles dish is a complete meal on its own, here are a few ideas for sides or extras to make it even more special:

Side salad: A light Asian-inspired side salad with cucumbers, carrots, and a sesame dressing would pair perfectly.
Dumplings: Whether steamed or pan-fried, dumplings make an excellent accompaniment to this dish.
Kimchi: If you like a little tang and spice, kimchi is a great side to balance the flavors of the ramen.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the noodles have absorbed a lot of the broth, add a splash of water or extra broth to loosen it up when reheating.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes! If you don’t have stew meat, you can use chuck roast, brisket, or any other cut of beef that becomes tender when slow-cooked. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, carrots, spinach, or bok choy for some extra color and nutrition. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get too soft.

3. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the beef and then simmer everything in a large pot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Add the noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

4. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this recipe freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s simple, satisfying, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening or serving it up for a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try next time you’re craving something cozy, and let me know what you think!

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (on high)
Yield: 5–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian, American

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Description

Tender beef, flavorful broth, and ramen noodles soaked in savory goodness. This easy-to-make slow cooker recipe delivers comfort and convenience, perfect for busy nights when you crave a hearty meal with just a hint of Asian-inspired flavor.

Instructions

Sear the Beef
Heat a skillet with a little oil and sear the beef stew meat for 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds great flavor.
Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
Let it Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Add the Ramen Noodles
About 20 minutes before serving, break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces and stir them into the slow cooker. Let the noodles soak up the broth and cook until soft.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are tender, stir everything and taste for seasoning. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a soft-boiled egg. Serve immediately!

Notes

For a thicker broth, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
To make it spicier, add chili paste or red pepper flakes.
Marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for 1-2 hours to enhance flavor.