
This comforting Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is one of those weeknight heroes that fills the house with savory aromas and gets the table buzzing. You get all the cozy flavors of ramen without standing over the stove, and the noodles soak up every bit of the delicious broth. It is simple enough to throw together but delivers takeout flavor, making it a favorite whenever we crave something warm and easy.
My family fell for this recipe during a busy school week and it quickly became our go-to comfort meal for chilly nights. Every time the slow cooker gets going I can count on everyone coming to peek inside.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: One pound makes the dish hearty and satisfying Opt for an 80 to 85 percent lean blend so it stays juicy
- Matchstick carrots: Bring crunch color and mild sweetness Go for pre-shredded to save time and make for even cooking
- Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and sweet pepper flavor Choose one that feels firm and glossy
- Scallions: Chopped both for cooking and for garnish They bring a fresh oniony lift
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the broth with bold flavor Use plump cloves for the best taste
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without being overly salty Choose a naturally brewed soy sauce
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and balances out the savoriness Look for dark brown sugar for richer flavor
- Chicken stock: Rounds out the broth base Go for low sodium to keep salt in check
- Ramen noodle packets: The classic instant kind but only use the noodles Set aside those salty seasoning packets
- Sesame seeds and extra scallions: Optional garnishes that add a lovely finish Look for toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned and crumbly Drain off any excess fat to keep the finished dish from being greasy
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Place the cooked beef into the slow cooker Spread the matchstick carrots red bell pepper slices and rough chopped scallions over the top
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together the minced garlic low sodium soy sauce brown sugar and chicken stock Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved to avoid any gritty bites
- Combine and Cook:
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker Stir gently to combine everything well
- Slow Simmer:
- Set the slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for four to six hours The flavors meld together while the veggies soften and the broth gets rich
- Add the Ramen Noodles:
- About thirty minutes before you are ready to serve open the ramen noodle packets and discard the seasoning Add the dry noodles right into the slow cooker Stir every five to ten minutes so the noodles break up and absorb the broth evenly Be patient so they do not get mushy
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the noodles have softened and become tender it is time to dish up Serve hot with a sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds for that extra finishing touch

For me the star here is that savory sweet broth Every time I add the noodles and taste the first spoonful it brings back memories of casual family dinners and the sound of laughter around our kitchen table
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to containers Ramen noodles soak up liquid as they sit so I sometimes add a splash of chicken stock when reheating Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze in portions for up to one month Just thaw and gently reheat on the stovetop
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground beef for ground turkey chicken or even a plant-based crumble for a lighter version If you have zucchini snow peas or mushrooms on hand toss them in for extra flavor and texture Tamari can replace soy sauce for gluten-free needs
Serving Suggestions
Serve in deep bowls and top with extra scallions a squirt of sriracha or a soft-boiled egg for an elevated touch A side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad adds crunch and keeps things fun
Cultural Touch
While traditional ramen is a labor of love this slow cooker shortcut brings cozy noodle comfort to busy American kitchens The mix of familiar ingredients and approachable prep makes it a bridge between weeknight practical and slurp-worthy indulgence

This slow cooker ramen is comfort food at its easiest and most crowd-pleasing. You will keep coming back to this bowl all season long!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute with udon or egg noodles, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to add snap peas, mushrooms, or baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- → Is it possible to prepare this without a slow cooker?
You can make this on the stovetop using low heat, simmering until the flavors develop and noodles are tender.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Ground turkey works well and offers a lighter flavor while absorbing the savory broth.
- → Do I need to discard the ramen seasoning packets?
Yes, use only the noodles for the best flavor balance; the homemade sauce provides all the seasoning needed.