Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with flavorful broth and chewy ramen noodles. This one-pot recipe is effortless to prepare and perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
This recipe offers many benefits that make it a go-to meal:
- Hands-off cooking with the slow cooker doing the work while you relax.
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with rich, savory broth.
- Chewy, satisfying ramen noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite veggies and toppings.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 4 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, soft-boiled eggs, sesame seeds, chili flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place beef chunks in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add mushrooms on top, cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the spinach or kale and ramen noodles.
- Cook until noodles are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir gently to combine, then serve hot with desired toppings.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Serving this ramen is all about layering flavors and textures. Ladle the noodles, beef, and broth into warm bowls. Garnish with crunchy sliced green onions, sesame seeds for a nice nutty flavor, and soft-boiled eggs for added protein and richness. For spice lovers, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle a little chili oil on top. Pair it with simple sides like pickled vegetables or steamed dumplings to round out the meal. This dish works beautifully for casual family dinners or impressing guests with its depth of flavor and comforting warmth.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, itโs best to keep the broth and noodles separate if possible to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Warm the broth gently on the stove or in the microwave and add freshly cooked noodles or warm the noodles briefly before serving. This method keeps the ramen tasting fresh. For longer storage, freeze the broth and beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then add fresh noodles and greens when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
- Use a well-marbled chuck roast for tender, flavorful beef.
- Brown the beef in a skillet before slow cooking for extra depth.
- Add vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or bean sprouts for added crunch and nutrition.
- Control the salt level by adjusting soy sauce based on your broth.
- Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving for brightness.
- Reserve some broth to adjust noodle texture when reheating leftovers.
Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
- Swap beef for pork shoulder or chicken thighs for different protein options.
- Make it vegetarian by using mushroom broth and tofu instead of beef.
- Use udon or soba noodles for a different noodle texture and flavor.
- Add miso paste to the broth for a richer umami taste.
- Spice it up with Thai chili paste or Sriracha to add heat.
- Include more veggies like corn, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts for variety.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the beef and broth in a heavy pot on the stove for 2-3 hours until tender.
How do I prevent noodles from getting soggy?
Add noodles late in cooking or cook noodles separately and add just before serving.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ramen noodles labeled gluten-free.
What toppings go well with beef ramen?
Popular toppings include soft-boiled eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, nori sheets, and chili flakes.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a comforting, flexible meal that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. Its rich broth, tender beef, and chewy noodles make it a satisfying dish any day of the week. Experimenting with different vegetables, proteins, and toppings can keep this classic fresh and exciting.
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Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a comforting dish with tender beef, savory broth, and chewy ramen noodles cooked to perfection in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 4 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, soft-boiled eggs, sesame seeds, chili flakes
Instructions
1. Place beef chunks in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
4. Add mushrooms on top, cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the spinach or kale and ramen noodles.
6. Cook until noodles are tender, about 15 minutes.
7. Stir gently to combine, then serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Brown the beef beforehand for extra flavor.
Add noodles late to prevent sogginess.
Store leftovers separately with noodles for best texture.
Customize toppings to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg