Few things are more comforting than a big bowl of slurp-worthy noodles, especially when they practically cook themselves. This slow cooker ramen noodles recipe brings together tender beef, hearty veggies, and springy ramen in a deeply savory broth. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
If you’ve ever wished ramen night could be less about standing over a stove and more about letting your slow cooker do the work, you’re in luck. This is a low-effort, high-reward dish perfect for cozy nights and busy days.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles
- It’s a one-pot crockpot noodle dish that feeds a crowd.
- Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Customizable, hearty, and ridiculously satisfying.
- The easiest beef ramen recipe you’ll ever make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 9 ounces (255 g) slaw mix (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) brown sugar
To Add at the End:
- 2 packages (3 oz / 85 g each) ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
How to Make This Easy Ramen Dinner
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbly—about 5 minutes.
- Transfer cooked beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add slaw mix, shredded carrots, garlic, tamari (or soy sauce), chicken stock, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–6 hours until the broth is flavorful and veggies are soft.
- Turn the slow cooker to high and stir in ramen noodles, making sure they’re fully submerged.
- Cook for another 5–15 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Noodle Dish
- Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds depth of flavor.
- Check the noodles after 5 minutes; overcooked ramen gets mushy fast.
- Add mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Like it spicy? Add a squirt of sriracha or chili garlic sauce before serving.
Why This Beef Ramen Recipe Works
I created this dish during one of those weeks when everything felt like too much—and dinner needed to be easy. The idea of ramen made in the slow cooker sounded too good to be true, but once I tested it with simple ingredients and ground beef, it became an instant hit.
It’s now one of those dinners I look forward to all day. My family loves the flavor, and I love that I can toss everything in the crockpot and walk away. We call it “lazy ramen,” and it’s just the kind of magic a slow cooker was made for.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles
This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs well with some light sides. Try a cucumber salad, edamame, or quick-pickled veggies to brighten things up.
A side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls makes it feel like takeout night, without the delivery bill.
How to Store This Easy Ramen Dinner
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the noodles, soaking up some liquid as they sit.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Just brown it the same way before adding to the slow cooker.
What type of ramen noodles should I use?
Basic instant ramen works great—just toss the seasoning packets.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use veggie broth, skip the meat, and add tofu or mushrooms.
Will the noodles get soggy?
Not if you keep a close eye and add them near the end—cook just until tender.
A Set-It-and-Forget-It Bowl of Comfort
These slow cooker ramen noodles deliver all the comfort of a noodle bowl with no fuss. It’s the easy ramen dinner you didn’t know you needed—until now. Rich, filling, and full of flavor, this recipe is proof that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
Print
Easiest Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles (with Beef!): The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (or 2 hours 40 minutes on high)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Easiest Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Beef is the ultimate cozy weeknight meal—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly low-effort. This crockpot noodle dish brings bold flavor and comfort with minimal cleanup, featuring ground beef, tender veggies, and springy ramen noodles in a rich soy-infused broth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
-
9 ounces (255 g) slaw mix (about 4 cups)
-
2 cups (200 g) shredded carrots
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
⅓ cup (80 ml) low sodium tamari or soy sauce
-
2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
-
1 teaspoon (5 g) brown sugar
To Add at the End:
-
2 packages (3 oz / 85 g each) ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
Instructions
-
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes.
-
Transfer beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
-
Add slaw mix, shredded carrots, garlic, soy sauce, chicken stock, and brown sugar. Stir well.
-
Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–6 hours, until veggies are tender.
-
Turn the slow cooker to high. Add ramen noodles, making sure they’re submerged.
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Cook 5–15 minutes, or until noodles are just tender.
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Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, or sesame oil if desired.
Notes
Always brown the beef first for best flavor.
Watch noodles closely—overcooking makes them mushy.
Add-ins like mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas boost nutrition.
For spice, stir in chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
Refrigerate leftovers and reheat with extra broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low) or 2.5 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired