Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe turns a simple packet of ramen into a gourmet-style meal. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the beef and broth with incredible flavor. It’s easy to customize with vegetables, seasonings, and spice levels to suit your taste. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you crave something cozy and comforting with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast or stew meat
- Soy sauce
- Beef broth
- Brown sugar or honey
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated or ground
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar (optional for tang)
- Ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Green onions, chopped
- Carrots, julienned
- Bok choy or spinach
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional for spice)
Directions
- Place the beef in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar (if using). Pour over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the beef with two forks and stir it back into the broth.
- Add the vegetables—carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms—and let them cook until tender.
- Just before serving, add the ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker. Cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the noodles are soft but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra soy sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and a drizzle of sriracha if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7–8 hours on low (or 4–5 hours on high)
Total time: 7–8 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy ramen: Add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegetable-packed: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn.
- Sweet-savory balance: Use hoisin sauce or a touch of teriyaki sauce for extra depth.
- Noodle swap: Try soba noodles or rice noodles for a different texture.
- Asian fusion twist: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb broth over time, so you can add extra beef broth when reheating. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. For best results, cook noodles fresh if you plan to freeze the beef mixture—frozen noodles tend to lose texture. The beef and broth can be frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast, stew meat, or brisket all work well since they become tender when slow-cooked.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the beef mixture over low heat for about 2 hours, then add noodles and vegetables.
Can I use instant ramen seasoning packets?
You can, but the homemade broth gives a fresher, richer flavor.
How do I keep the noodles from overcooking?
Add them during the last 5–8 minutes of cooking—just until tender.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add sriracha, chili oil, or crushed red pepper to taste.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Substitute beef broth with chicken broth and use boneless chicken thighs.
What type of soy sauce works best?
Regular soy sauce gives a balanced flavor, but low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness.
How do I thicken the broth?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) in the last 15 minutes if you prefer a thicker texture.
Can I add eggs to this dish?
Yes, top each serving with a soft-boiled or fried egg for extra richness.
What toppings go well with Beef Ramen?
Try sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With tender beef, rich broth, and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s a hearty meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Ideal for cold nights, meal prep, or busy days, this dish brings all the cozy umami goodness of ramen—right from your slow cooker.
PrintSlow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal featuring tender shredded beef, savory broth, and slurp-worthy noodles. Cooked low and slow, it’s an effortless dish that delivers deep umami flavor and cozy satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours on low (or 4–5 hours on high)
- Total Time: 7–8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- 3 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 cups bok choy or spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Place the beef in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Pour over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the beef with two forks and stir back into the broth about 30 minutes before serving.
- Add the carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Just before serving, add the ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker. Cook for 5–8 minutes, until noodles are soft but not mushy.
- Season with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sriracha if desired.
Notes
- Add noodles at the end to avoid overcooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or toppings.
- For a thicker broth, stir in a cornstarch slurry in the last 15 minutes.
- Cook noodles separately if planning to freeze the beef mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg