Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this slow cooker beef ramen noodles recipe, blending tender meat and silky noodles for an unforgettable dinner. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight solution for hungry families craving Japanese-inspired comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 2 packets ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup (150 grams) matchstick carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 scallions, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- 1 can (14.5 ounces or 430 milliliters) chicken stock
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Additional chopped scallions
Instructions
- Sear the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any excess grease for a cleaner flavor profile.
- Transfer the caramelized beef into the slow cooker, creating a robust base for the dish.
- Layer vibrant matchstick carrots, crisp red bell pepper slices, fragrant minced garlic, and delicate chopped scallions atop the beef.
- Craft a harmonious sauce by whisking together low-sodium soy sauce, rich brown sugar, and savory chicken stock until well integrated.
- Cascade the liquid mixture over the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution throughout the slow cooker.
- Secure the lid and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 4-6 hours, enabling the ingredients to develop a deep, complex flavor.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce dry ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker, gently submerging them into the aromatic broth.
- Stir the noodles carefully to prevent clumping and ensure they absorb the surrounding flavors.
- Once the noodles reach a tender consistency, plate the ramen and embellish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and additional scallion garnish for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Boost Flavor by thoroughly browning the ground beef before adding to the slow cooker, creating deeper caramelized notes that enhance overall taste.
- Customize Heat Level by adjusting the amount of garlic or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
- Make It Gluten-Free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari and using gluten-free ramen noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Ahead by chopping vegetables and mixing sauce the night before, making morning slow cooker assembly quick and effortless.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Slow Cooker)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg