Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef simmered with matchstick carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, and garlic in a savory soy and brown sugar broth. Enhanced with chicken stock and cooked low and slow, this dish is completed by tossing in ramen noodles for a hearty, satisfying dinner perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably sirloin 93/7)
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 large scallions, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 14.25 ounces chicken stock (or beef stock)
Pasta and Garnish
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the cooked beef into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker, setting the base for your ramen.
- Add Vegetables: Add the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped scallions into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock until well combined to create the flavorful broth.
- Pour and Stir: Pour the sauce mixture into the slow cooker, stirring gently to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Add Ramen Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker, discarding the seasoning packets. Stir frequently to coat the noodles and ensure even cooking.
- Final Cooking and Serve: When the noodles are tender and fully cooked, ladle the ramen into bowls. Garnish with additional chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles to avoid excessive sodium and flavors that may overpower the broth.
- You can substitute beef stock for chicken stock for a richer flavor if desired.
- To add a spicy kick, consider adding a splash of sriracha or chili oil during serving.
- Make sure to stir the noodles frequently after adding to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- This recipe can be adapted by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion