Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those cozy nights when you want something warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. Imagine tender pieces of beef swimming in a rich, aromatic broth, paired with perfectly cooked ramen noodles and a vibrant mix of vegetables. It's the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, offering a taste of home and happiness. Best of all, you can set it and forget it, allowing your slow cooker to work its magic while you enjoy your day.

This dish brings together a medley of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, ideal for a family dinner or meal prep. Its effortless cooking process and tantalizing results make it a go-to recipe you'll want to keep on repeat. Whether you're serving it on a chilly evening or enjoying the leftovers for lunch, this beef ramen is sure to impress anyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional, for heat
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 4 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
• 8 ounces ramen noodles, discard flavor packets
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, for garnish

Preparation Method

Begin by gathering all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother. Having everything prepped and within reach will help you whip up this delicious dish without stress. This method of preparation also ensures you won’t miss any key components.

Start by placing the beef chuck roast pieces directly into your slow cooker. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. The chuck roast is an excellent choice due to its marbling, which results in tender meat when slow-cooked.

Next, you will prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chili flakes if you are opting for a bit of heat. This mixture packs a punch with its assortment of flavors and is the backbone of your ramen's broth. Once well combined, pour this aromatic mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the meat is coated.

Now, it’s time to add some fresh flair to the dish with green onions. Toss in the white parts of the green onions into the slow cooker. These will infuse their sweet and oniony notes into the broth as it cooks. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low, cooking for six to eight hours, or on high for three to four hours. You will know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and bursting with flavors. This hands-off cooking method allows the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting for you.

About thirty minutes before you are ready to serve, it’s time to add in some fresh vegetables for added texture and nutrition. Gently stir in the julienned carrots and sliced red bell pepper into the slow cooker. This will give them just enough time to soften while still retaining a bit of their crunch.

While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the ramen noodles separately according to the package instructions. This typically entails boiling the noodles for about three to four minutes until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside until you are ready to mix everything together.

When the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked, carefully stir in the cooked ramen noodles into the slow cooker. Mix gently to combine everything, letting the noodles soak up some of the delicious broth and flavors from the beef and veggies.

To serve, ladle the beef ramen into bowls, making sure to include plenty of the rich broth, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables. As a final touch, garnish each bowl with the green parts of the onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a bright, refreshing note to the dish.

Tips and Conclusion

For those who like a bit of spice, feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes or even add a dash of sriracha when serving. If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, consider substituting the beef with firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead. This dish is also freezer-friendly! You can prepare the beef and broth mixture without the noodles and freeze it in a sealed container for up to two months, adding freshly cooked noodles when you reheat and serve.
This savory and comforting Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Asia into your kitchen without spending all day in the kitchen. With rich flavors, a hearty blend of ingredients, and the convenience of slow cooking, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up as the weather gets cooler. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or batch-prepared for meal prep, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the slow cooker transform them into a delightful ramen experience that everyone will love!