Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef Ramen Casserole

Yield

4

Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

285 minutes

Rest / chill time

5 minutes

Total time

300 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound 96% lean ground beef
• 2 packages non-fried dry ramen noodles, about 6 ounces total, seasoning packets reserved; use ¼ of one packet
• 3 cups unsalted beef broth
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables without added salt or sauce
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

Method

1. Place the fresh or fully thawed ground beef in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker and break it into small crumbles. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, and ¼ of one reserved ramen seasoning packet. Stir to distribute evenly.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fully cooked and reaches 160°F (71°C). Break up any remaining clumps with a spoon.
3. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are hot throughout.
4. Break the dry ramen noodles into large pieces and scatter them over the mixture. Gently press them beneath the hot liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–25 minutes, checking after 15 minutes, until the noodles are just tender.
5. Turn off the slow cooker, gently stir everything together, and let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

Kitchen notes

Keep the ramen pieces fairly large so they hold their shape during cooking. Once the noodles are tender, turn off the heat and remove the lid for the final rest; the hot broth will continue softening them.
Serving and Storage
Makes 4 servings. Serve warm in bowls. Refrigerate leftovers in shallow, airtight containers within 2 hours and use within 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions with a splash of water, stirring gently, until they reach 165°F (74°C).
Timing guide
Allow approximately 10 minutes for preparation; this is a planning estimate, not a measured test time. The cooking steps total 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes, followed by a 5-minute rest. Total planned time is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours. The time summary above uses the upper end of the stated cooking ranges. Actual timing varies by slow cooker; follow the doneness checks in the method.