Ground Beef Ramen is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings together tender noodles, savory beef, and colorful veggies in one satisfying bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—comfort food at its best.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Ramen Recipe
Ground Beef Ramen is a go-to recipe for many reasons. First and foremost, the preparation is not only straightforward but also quick, making it perfect for busy evenings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a filling dinner in under 30 minutes. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together while delivering a home-cooked meal that feels gourmet.
The use of lean ground beef ensures a satisfying source of protein, while the vegetables add color and nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots not only contribute crunch but also make each bite vibrant and wholesome. Another highlight of the recipe is the lush sauce, which balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements, giving each bowl an irresistible flavor profile.
Moreover, Ground Beef Ramen is a versatile recipe. You can easily tailor it based on what you have available in the kitchen. Have some leftover veggies? Throw them in! Prefer a different sauce or spice level? No problem! This dish adapts to your preferences, ensuring that you never tire of it. It’s an all-around crowd-pleaser that can satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients about Ground Beef Ramen
To create a delightful bowl of Ground Beef Ramen, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided
- 1/2 large red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 2 cups finely diced broccoli
- 3/4 cup matchstick carrots
- 3 (3-ounce) packages instant ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (or 1/8 tsp pepper)
- Optional garnish (green onions or sesame seeds)
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
How to Make Ground Beef Ramen Directions
Creating your delicious Ground Beef Ramen is a straightforward process that yields a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s how you can make it:
Prepare the Sauce: Start by creating the delightful sauce that will coat your ramen. In a small bowl or a wide-mouth jar, whisk together the cornstarch and soy sauce until smooth. Then, add chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and Sriracha (if you like a spicy kick). Whisk well until everything is combined, and set this mixture aside.
Chop Your Ingredients: As you prepare the sauce, take a moment to thinly slice your red onion and bell pepper. Finely chop the broccoli and measure out the matchstick carrots. If you prefer fresh ginger and garlic, mince those as well; otherwise, the ginger and garlic paste will do just fine.
Cook the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large wok or a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and sauté for about four minutes until softened. Push the sautéed onions to the edges of the pan, increase the heat to high, and add another tablespoon of sesame oil in the center. Add the ground beef to the pan and let it sit for 30 seconds without stirring. Then break the beef apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it is no longer pink, about five to seven minutes.
Boil the Noodles: While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to boil. Do not add salt to the water. Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles and add the noodles to the boiling water. Cook them for 1 minute and 30 seconds less than the package instructions recommend. Drain the noodles, toss them in one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, and set them aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Reduce the heat in the pan to medium-high and add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, garlic, and ginger to the beef mixture. Stir-fry these delicious vegetables for about three to four minutes until they turn crisp-tender.
Combine Everything: Give the sauce a good stir and pour it into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the mixture. Using tongs, toss everything together and cook for an additional two to four minutes, allowing the sauce to absorb and thicken slightly.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings. You may add more soy sauce, Sriracha, or ground white pepper according to your preference. Once everything is well-mixed and flavorful, remove the pan from heat.
Garnish and Serve: Top your Ground Beef Ramen with optional garnishes such as sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture. Serve your ramen hot, and enjoy the symphony of flavors that bring this dish to life!
How to Serve Ground Beef Ramen
Serving Ground Beef Ramen is a delightful experience that can enhance your meal. Start by ladling generous portions into bowls. The golden-brown hues from the sesame oil, vibrant colors of the vegetables, and the rich sauce should all shine through, making your dish visually appealing.
Consider adding some texture to your serving. You could sprinkle sesame seeds for an extra crunch or top with fresh herbs for added flavor and freshness. If you enjoy a little heat, offer more Sriracha on the side for those who like it spicier.
This dish can be enjoyed on its own, or you could serve it alongside a simple side of steamed dumplings or a fresh salad to round out the meal. Ground Beef Ramen makes for an impressive dinner for family or friends, showcasing your culinary skills without the complexity of a gourmet meal.
Keep the leftovers in mind; Ground Beef Ramen holds its flavor exceptionally well, making it an ideal candidate for packed lunches or quick meals throughout the week.
Expert Tips: Ground Beef Ramen
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy based on what you enjoy or have on hand. They will lend diverse flavors to your ramen.
- Adjust Sauce Sweetness: The balance of sweetness, saltiness, and heat can be tailored to fit your preference. If you find your sauce overly sweet, add a bit more soy sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer it sweeter, increase the brown sugar or hoisin sauce.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy spicy food, don’t be shy about adding more Sriracha or even a spicy oil to your ramen. This can elevate the dish further and provide an exciting flavor experience.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Keep a close eye on your ramen noodles while they boil. They should be slightly firm as they will continue to cook when combined with the hot beef mixture.
- One-Pan Cleanup: To keep things simple and minimize dishes, try to use all cooking in one pan. Start with sautéing your veggies, remove them while you cook the beef, and then toss everything back together at the end.
- Leftover Storage: Ground Beef Ramen stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be mindful that the noodles may absorb more liquid when stored. You can always add a bit of chicken broth when reheating to loosen everything up.
How to Store Ground Beef Ramen
Storing leftover Ground Beef Ramen is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, you may find that the noodles have absorbed much of the sauce, which is typical. Simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the flavors and heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
If you want to save the dish for a longer duration, you can freeze Ground Beef Ramen. However, note that freezing may affect the texture of the noodles. Once prepared, it can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned.
Variation of Ground Beef Ramen
One of the most exciting aspects of Ground Beef Ramen is how adaptable the recipe is. You can take it in many different directions based on your preferences and dietary needs:
- Protein Alternatives: While ground beef provides hearty protein, you could easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a plant-based version, try using a meat alternative or diced tofu, marinated in soy sauce to enhance flavor.
- Noodle Variety: Instead of instant ramen noodles, try udon or soba noodles for a different texture and taste. You can even use zucchini noodles or rice noodles for a low-carb approach.
- Flavor Infusions: Add varieties of spices such as cumin or paprika for a unique flavor twist. You can also infuse the broth with spices like star anise or fresh herbs for a different aromatic profile.
- Add More Vegetables: Consider incorporating greens like spinach or bok choy, or add mushrooms for that umami flavor. These options increase the nutritional value while diversifying the taste.
- Dress Up Your Dish: You can elevate your Ground Beef Ramen with toppings like soft-boiled eggs, seaweed, or even pickled ginger for a refreshing crunch.
Exploring these variations lets you enjoy Ground Beef Ramen in numerous ways, ensuring it never gets boring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ground Beef Ramen a healthy choice?
Yes, it can be healthy as you control the ingredients. Lean ground beef provides good protein, and adding various vegetables boosts the nutrient content.
How long does it take to prepare Ground Beef Ramen?
The recipe requires about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick meal option for busy nights.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or tofu, and ensure that the sauces used are free from animal products.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Ground Beef Ramen can easily be made in advance. Just follow the storage tips to keep its freshness.
Ground Beef Ramen
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional) Add for extra heat
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper Or 1/8 tsp pepper
Main ingredients
- 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided
- 1/2 large red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 2 cups finely diced broccoli
- 3/4 cup matchstick carrots
- 3 packages instant ramen noodles (3-ounce each, seasoning packets discarded)
Optional garnish
- green onions or sesame seeds Optional for garnishing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl or wide-mouth jar, whisk together cornstarch and soy sauce until smooth. Add chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and Sriracha (if using). Whisk until combined and set aside.
- Thinly slice red onion and bell pepper. Finely chop broccoli and measure matchstick carrots.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onions for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Push the onions to the edges, add another tablespoon of sesame oil in the center, and add ground beef. Let it sit for 30 seconds without stirring, then break apart and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- While beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to boil (do not add salt). Add ramen noodles (after discarding seasoning packets) and cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds less than package instructions state. Drain noodles and toss with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, then set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-high and add bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, garlic, and ginger to beef. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Pour sauce into the pan with beef and vegetables. Add cooked ramen noodles and toss everything together with tongs. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until sauce absorbs and thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more soy sauce, Sriracha, or white pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
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