Why Make This Recipe
Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is no exception. Imagine coming home to a warm, delicious dinner waiting for you, with tender beef and flavorful broth that beckons from the kitchen. Not only is this meal easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. The combination of fall-apart beef, savory broth, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles makes it a favorite among families and friends. Plus, you can customize it to suit your taste!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Making Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is simple! With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Let’s go step by step through the process.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to make this delicious dish:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 4 cups beef broth (960 ml)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (80 ml)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15 ml)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (about 6 grams)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 grams)
- 4 servings ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sriracha or chili paste (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Beef
Place the 2-pound beef chuck roast in the bottom of your slow cooker. This cut of meat is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.Mix the Broth
In a bowl, whisk together 4 cups of beef broth, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and the 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. This mixture will provide a wonderful umami flavor to your dish.Combine
Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Make sure the beef is covered as much as possible.Cook It
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to cook the beef until it’s fork-tender, meaning it easily falls apart when you poke it with a fork.Shred the Beef
Once cooked, use two forks or tongs to shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Stir it well to mix with the broth, which helps the beef soak up all that delicious flavor.Add Ramen Noodles
Break up the ramen noodles and add them to the slow cooker. Stir everything to submerge the noodles in the broth for even cooking.Cook the Noodles
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still have a bit of spring to them. You want them to be chewy, not mushy.Final Touches
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if necessary. Then stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh crunch.Serve
Ladle the beef ramen noodles into bowls. If you like a little heat, you can add Sriracha or chili paste to spice things up.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
When it comes to serving your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles, presentation can make a big difference. Use deep bowls to hold the broth and noodles, and you can add additional toppings or garnishes. Here are a few ideas on how to serve:
- Accompaniments: Serve the ramen with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or nori strips on the side, so everyone can customize their bowls.
- Side Dishes: Pair your ramen with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Drinks: Lightly flavored iced teas or a glass of sparkling water can complement the richness of the ramen.
How to Store Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine), storing them is straightforward:
- Refrigerating: Allow the ramen to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It will last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the beef and broth, but the noodles may become mushy when reheated. If you want to freeze it, consider storing the beef and broth separate from the noodles. The beef and broth can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Tips to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Here are some handy tips to ensure your slow cooker beef ramen turns out perfectly:
- Choosing the Meat: Beef chuck roast is great for shredding, but you can also use brisket or short ribs if you prefer.
- Adjusting the Broth: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or sesame oil according to your taste. A splash of rice vinegar can add a nice tang.
- Ramen Noodles: Start with plain ramen noodles; avoid the flavored packets as they may change the taste of the dish.
- Cooking Time: Don’t rush the cooking process. If you have time, cooking on low is often better for flavor and tenderness.
- Spiciness: Adjust the spiciness using Sriracha or chili paste to your liking. You can even serve extra on the side for those who enjoy a good kick!
Variations
This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to cater to different tastes:
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, or carrots during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
- Different Proteins: Swap the beef for chicken thighs or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices! Adding a dash of five-spice powder or a sprinkle of chili flakes can create a unique twist.
- Rich Broth: For a richer broth, consider adding a bit of miso paste for depth and complexity.
FAQs
Can I use instant ramen noodles instead of traditional ramen noodles?
Yes, you can use instant ramen noodles! Just remember to add them during the last few minutes of cooking, as they cook much faster than traditional ramen.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add Sriracha or chili paste according to your preferences. Feel free to skip those if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and broth a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and then just cook the noodles before serving. This is a great option for meal prep.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may take a bit longer to cook through.
What side dishes go well with ramen?
Ramen pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with edamame, steamed dumplings, or crispy spring rolls for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles — a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender beef and flavorful broth with ramen noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 servings ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sriracha or chili paste (optional)
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, and grated ginger.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the beef in the slow cooker and stir well to mix with the broth.
- Add the broken ramen noodles to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and stir in the sliced green onions before serving.
- Ladle the beef ramen noodles into bowls, adding Sriracha or chili paste if desired.
Notes
Serve with extra green onions or sesame seeds for customization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: slow cooker, beef ramen, comforting meal, easy dinner, family friendly