Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef: 4 Easy Steps

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If your weeknights feel like a blur of work, errands, and “what’s for dinner?” panic, let me introduce you to your new comfort-food hero: Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef. This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day—savory, slurpable, and unbelievably easy.

I love meals like this because they do the work for you. You brown the beef, toss everything into the slow cooker, and then go live your life. Two hours later, your house smells incredible, dinner is basically done, and you didn’t have to babysit a pot on the stove. That’s my kind of magic.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, cooking for yourself with leftovers in mind, or just craving something cozy without ordering takeout, this Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef

Let’s be honest—ramen already has a special place in our hearts. But when you turn it into a slow cooker meal with ground beef and veggies? That’s when it goes from “college staple” to weeknight superstar.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

Minimal effort, big flavor – The slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
Budget-friendly – Ground beef and simple veggies keep costs down.
Family-approved – Mild, savory, and customizable for picky eaters.
Comforting but not heavy – Cozy without leaving you in a food coma.
Perfect for busy days – Prep takes about 10 minutes. Yes, really.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then mentally file under “save me on chaotic days.”

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how approachable the ingredients are. No specialty store runs. No hard-to-pronounce items. Just simple, wholesome goodness.

Main Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef – Hearty, filling, and full of flavor
9 ounces slaw mix (about 4 cups) – A shortcut that adds crunch and nutrition
2 cups shredded carrots – Sweet, colorful, and kid-friendly
3 garlic cloves, minced – Because garlic makes everything better
⅓ cup low-sodium tamari or soy sauce – Savory umami goodness
2 cups chicken stock – The cozy base of the sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar – Just enough to balance the salt

Add at the End

2 packages ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded) – The star of the show

Optional but highly recommended toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha, or chili crisp.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef

Don’t worry—this is a no-stress recipe. If you can brown ground beef, you’ve already won half the battle.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up into small chunks as it cooks. In about 5 minutes, it should be nicely browned and no longer pink.

Little tip: Draining excess grease keeps the final dish lighter and cleaner tasting.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the slaw mix, shredded carrots, minced garlic, tamari, chicken stock, and brown sugar. Give everything a good stir so the flavors get acquainted.

Step 3: Let It Cook

Cover and cook:

On HIGH: 2–3 hours
On LOW: 4–6 hours

Resist the urge to lift the lid. I know it’s tempting, but that trapped heat is doing important things.

Step 4: Add the Ramen Noodles

Once the veggies are tender and the sauce is bubbling, turn the slow cooker to HIGH (if it’s not already there). Add the ramen noodles, breaking them in half if needed. Stir gently so they’re submerged in the sauce.

Cook for 5–15 minutes, just until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on them—ramen waits for no one.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Ladle into bowls and top however your heart desires. This is where everyone can make it their own.

Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef served in a bowl with cabbage, carrots, and savory sauce — Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef served hot and slurpable, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Cozy Cooking Tips (Because Life Happens)

If the sauce looks thick: Don’t panic. That’s just concentrated comfort. A splash of broth will loosen it right up.
Like it spicy? Add sriracha or chili crisp at the end. Start small—you can always add more.
Cooking for picky eaters? Serve toppings on the side and let everyone customize.
Gluten-free option: Swap in gluten-free ramen and use gluten-free tamari. Brown rice or millet ramen works beautifully—just watch the cooking time.

Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef topped with sesame seeds and green onions in a slow cooker — Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef finished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for extra flavor.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef recipe saved me during one of those weeks where everything felt like too much. You know the kind—laundry piled up, emails unanswered, and dinner needed to magically appear.

I tossed this together, walked away, and came back to a kitchen that smelled like I’d been cooking all day (even though I absolutely had not). That first bite—warm, savory, and comforting—felt like pressing pause on the chaos. That’s the power of a good slow cooker meal.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and veggies ahead, but I recommend adding the ramen noodles right before serving. They’re happiest when fresh.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the noodles will soften more as they sit.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken work well if you want something lighter.

Is this freezer-friendly?

The base (without noodles) freezes well. Add fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture.

Let’s Make Dinner Feel Easier

If you’re craving something cozy, simple, and deeply satisfying, Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s the kind of meal that makes busy days feel manageable and dinner feel like a win.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings you a little calm, a lot of flavor, and maybe even a moment to sit down and breathe. And if you add chili crisp? Trust me—you’ll never go back.

Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef garnished with green onions and sesame seeds — Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef garnished with green onions for a cozy, comforting meal.

If You’re Craving More Cozy, Easy Dinners…

If this Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef hit the spot, there are plenty more comforting, low-effort meals waiting for you. These recipes keep the same cozy, set-it-and-forget-it energy—perfect for busy days when you still want something warm and satisfying on the table.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen – Rich, slurpable, and packed with cozy flavor, this one’s a must if ramen is your love language.
Crockpot Beef Ramen Noodles – A hearty, comforting option that keeps dinner easy while leaning into those savory beef-and-noodle vibes.
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles – Another cozy variation that’s perfect for rotating into your weekly meal plan without extra effort.
Easiest Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Beef – A simple, comforting take that shows just how effortless slow cooker ramen can be.

Think of this as your little collection of “dinner has my back” recipes—warm, filling, and ready to make busy nights feel a whole lot easier.