Name: Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 2–3 scallions, roughly chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken stock; 2 ramen noodle packets (discard seasoning packets); Sesame seeds for garnish (optional); Extra scallions for garnish (optional)

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Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is one of my favorite easy comfort meals — it’s rich, flavorful, and filled with tender beef, fresh veggies, and slurp-worthy noodles. Everything simmers together in a sweet and savory broth, making it the perfect no-fuss dinner that I can set and forget. It’s a crowd-pleaser in my house, and I love how it transforms humble ingredients into something that tastes like a cozy bowl from a ramen shop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I make this slow cooker ramen all the time, and here’s why it works so well for me:

It’s a one-pot meal with meat, veggies, and noodles all in one.
The broth is full of umami thanks to soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar.
It’s easy to prep in the morning and ready by dinner time.
I can customize the veggies and spice level however I like.
It’s budget-friendly and more wholesome than takeout.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2–3 scallions, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken stock
2 ramen noodle packets (discard the seasoning packets)
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Extra scallions for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then I drain the excess grease.
I transfer the cooked beef to my slow cooker.
I add the carrots, bell pepper, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock. I stir everything to combine.
I cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
About 20–30 minutes before serving, I break the ramen noodles into smaller chunks and stir them into the slow cooker. I let them cook until tender.
Once the noodles are cooked, I give everything a good stir and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and more scallions if I have them.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total time: 4–5 hours
Calories per serving: ~500–600
Key nutrients per serving:
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~20g

Variations

I swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork depending on what I have.
I add sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or snap peas for more veggies.
For a spicier version, I mix in sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
A soft-boiled egg on top makes it feel like real ramen shop fare.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles. I don’t recommend freezing this dish once the noodles are added, as they can become mushy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant?

Yes, I sometimes use fresh ramen or even udon. I add them toward the end and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

I prefer to for better flavor and texture, but if I’m short on time, I add it raw and break it up once it’s cooked through in the slow cooker.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. I leave out the beef, use veggie broth, and add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein.

What other vegetables work in this dish?

I’ve used broccoli, zucchini, snow peas, and shredded cabbage — they all work well depending on what I have.

How can I reduce the sweetness?

I reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup or add a splash of rice vinegar to balance it with acidity.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together with little effort and delivers big results. I love how simple it is to make yet how satisfying every bite is. Whether I’m cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is always a winner in my book.