If you are craving a comforting bowl of noodle soup that is as rich in flavor as it is effortless to prepare, this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, savory ground beef with crisp vegetables and a perfectly seasoned broth, it simmers all day to develop deep, mouth-watering flavors. The moment you add ramen noodles near the end, the soup becomes an irresistible meal that hugs you from the inside out. It’s a fantastic dish for busy days, yet it feels indulgently homemade, making everyone at the table feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds its own unique texture, flavor, or color, giving the finished dish a balanced and satisfying character that’s both hearty and fresh.
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably sirloin, 93/7): Provides lean, flavorful protein that forms the rich base of the soup.
- 1 cup matchstick carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and delightful crunch to the broth.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced: Brings vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 2-3 large scallions, roughly chopped: Delivers a mild onion flavor and freshness that brightens the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, aromatic depth.
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 14.25 ounces chicken stock or beef stock: Forms the rich, savory liquid that ties all components together.
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets): The soft, chewy noodles that soak up all the delicious broth flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A nutty garnish that adds texture and an extra flavor dimension.
- Additional scallions for topping (optional): Fresh green color and light oniony zing for finishing the bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it turns no longer pink. This step builds the meat’s flavor through gentle browning. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease after cooking — it keeps the broth from getting too oily and lets the pure beef taste shine through.
Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Pour the cooked beef into your slow cooker’s basin. Then, toss in the matchstick carrots, the sliced red bell pepper, and the roughly chopped scallions. Layering these fresh vegetables atop the beef not only enhances the stew’s texture but also allows their vibrant colors and natural sugars to slowly infuse the broth as everything simmers.
Step 3: Prepare Broth Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and your choice of chicken or beef stock. This careful blend of salty, sweet, and aromatic ingredients forms the backbone of your Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe’s broth. It ensures every spoonful bursts with balanced, comforting flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine all ingredients without breaking down the veggies too much. Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW, letting it cook for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, all those beautiful flavors meld and deepen, and your beef becomes tender, juicy, and full of taste.
Step 5: Add Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, add the ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir frequently to ensure the noodles are fully covered by the broth and have space to cook evenly. The noodles will absorb the savory liquid and soften just enough — tender but not mushy. This timing is key for that authentic ramen texture you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once your noodles are perfectly cooked, ladle the hot ramen into bowls. Top with freshly chopped scallions for brightness and sprinkle optional sesame seeds over the surface for that final nutty crunch. These garnishes add the perfect pop of color and flavor that makes this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are what turn this dish from delicious to memorable. Additional scallions add crunch and a little sharpness, while toasted sesame seeds provide texture and a lovely toasted flavor. Feel free to experiment with chili flakes or a soft boiled egg for an extra touch of authenticity and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty ramen with light, complementary sides to keep the meal balanced. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing or steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt can provide refreshing contrasts. If you want a more substantial side, consider crispy gyoza or vegetable spring rolls for added layers of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe in individual stone bowls or rustic earthenware to keep it warm longer. You can also present the noodles and broth separately in small serving dishes for a DIY ramen bar experience. This invites guests to customize their bowl with a variety of toppings and garnishes, making the meal interactive and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your ramen, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the ramen noodles slightly undercooked if you plan to refrigerate, as they will soak up more broth overnight, which can change the texture.
Freezing
While it’s best to freeze the broth and beef mixture without the noodles, you absolutely can freeze leftover Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe components for up to 2 months. Freeze in separate containers to maintain the best texture when reheating. Noodles tend to get mushy if frozen, so add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover ramen in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. If the noodles absorbed too much liquid and are soft, consider stirring in freshly cooked ramen noodles for a lively texture boost. Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep the broth clear and the noodles’ texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef in this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great lean option, you can also use ground chuck for a richer flavor or even thinly sliced stew beef if you prefer a chunkier texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for tenderness.
Do I have to use ramen noodles, or are there alternatives?
Ramen noodles are traditional and cook quickly in the broth, but you can substitute with other thin wheat noodles or even rice noodles for a gluten-free version. Just keep an eye on cooking times to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe centers around beef, but you can easily swap it for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead. Keep the soy sauce and aromatics for that umami punch, and add extra veggies to keep it hearty and delicious.
Is it possible to cook the recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for about 2 to 3 hours, but slow cooking on low really allows the flavors to develop fully and gives the vegetables a wonderful texture. The longer low heat is worth it for the best taste.
What toppings work best with this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe?
Classic toppings like sliced scallions and sesame seeds work beautifully. You can also add boiled eggs, nori strips, fresh chili slices, or even a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat. Customize according to your taste preference!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor a truly comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, it’s wonderfully easy to prepare yet remarkably flavorful—making it a staple you’ll want to return to time and time again. Give it a try and discover just how home-cooked ramen should taste!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen recipe combines tender ground beef with fresh vegetables and a savory broth, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal. Ready in just over 4 hours, this dish offers an easy way to enjoy homemade ramen with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy days or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Beef 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
Broth and Seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 14.25 ounces chicken stock or beef stock
Noodles and Toppings
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Additional scallions for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat and ensure a clean base for the soup.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the cooked beef into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and roughly chopped scallions to the slow cooker, layering the fresh vegetables over the beef.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken or beef stock until well combined, creating a flavorful broth base for the ramen.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the broth mixture into the slow cooker over the beef and vegetables. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender.
- Add Noodles: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ramen noodles directly to the slow cooker. Stir frequently to ensure the noodles are fully submerged and absorb the broth evenly, cooking until tender but not mushy.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the ramen into bowls. Garnish with additional chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired, providing a fresh and nutty finish.
Notes
- For leaner beef, use sirloin or drain excess fat after browning to reduce grease in the final dish.
- You can substitute chicken stock with beef stock depending on your flavor preference.
- Do not add the ramen noodles at the beginning to prevent overcooking; add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking instead.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and additional scallions add extra flavor and texture.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the salt level in the dish.
