Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles

Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, these Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles are the ultimate comfort meal. Tender strips of beef simmer low and slow in a flavorful broth, then tossed with chewy ramen noodles for a cozy and satisfying dinner the whole family will love. With minimal prep and a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It & Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
Flavorful & Tender – Beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious in the savory broth.
Better Than Takeout – Homemade with no mystery ingredients or MSG.
Family Favorite – A meal everyone at the table will devour.
Customizable – Add veggies, spice, or your favorite ramen toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Slow Cooker Beef:

• 1 ½ lbs beef chuck roast or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Noodles & Add-Ins:

• 4 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or fork for shredding beef
Medium pot for boiling noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Toss sliced beef with cornstarch in a bowl to coat.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side.
This adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Add browned beef (or raw beef if skipping browning), onion, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker.
Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, beef broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
Shred or break apart the beef using two forks.

Step 4: Cook the Ramen Noodles
About 15 minutes before serving, cook ramen noodles in boiling water according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes).
Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Noodles & Veggies
Stir shredded carrots and bell pepper into the slow cooker.
Add the cooked ramen noodles and toss gently to coat with the sauce and distribute ingredients evenly.
Let sit for 5 minutes to allow noodles to absorb flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich, savory broth clinging to every noodle and bite of beef.

Tips for the Best Beef Ramen
Slice Beef Thin – For quicker cooking and tender results.
Don’t Overcook Noodles – Cook them separately and add last to avoid sogginess.
Add Greens – Toss in baby spinach or bok choy just before serving for a nutritional boost.
Boost the Heat – Add sriracha or more red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Use Quality Broth – A rich broth brings the dish together, so don’t skimp!

Serving Suggestions
With Soft-Boiled Eggs – Add halved jammy eggs for a ramen shop feel.
Side Salad – Serve with a light Asian cucumber salad or slaw.
Extra Veggies – Top with steamed broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch.
Chili Oil Drizzle – Finish with a drizzle of spicy chili oil for a bold finish.
Serve Family-Style – Place toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Separate the noodles from the broth if possible to prevent sogginess.

Freezing:
Freeze the beef and broth (without noodles) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw and reheat before adding fresh noodles.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! Sirloin, flank, or stew beef also work well. Just make sure to slice thinly.

2. Can I use fresh ramen or other noodles?
Absolutely. Soba, udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti can be substituted.

3. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Simmer on low, covered, for 2–3 hours on the stovetop.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Replace beef with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.

5. How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
Add noodles just before serving and avoid leaving them in the hot broth too long.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles bring together the deep umami flavor of slow-simmered beef with the comforting slurp of tender noodles. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal that satisfies cravings and delivers serious comfort with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is as easy as it is delicious.

Give it a try and enjoy the best of slow-cooked comfort with a ramen twist!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 780mg

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