Ramen and Ground Beef

Looking for a lightning-fast dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This ramen-and-ground-beef stir-fry is your new go-to. It combines cheap, convenient instant noodles with savoury, caramelized beef and a sweet-savory sauce all cooked in just one pan.
Ready in around 15 minutes and with minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simple yet satisfying, this dish transforms humble pantry staples into a slurp-worthy, family-friendly meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Ramen and ground beef is a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe combines the savory richness of ground beef with the satisfying bite of ramen noodles, creating a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families or anyone craving a delicious and satisfying dish.
The contrasting textures of the tender beef and the al dente noodles create a delightful mouthfeel, while the blend of seasonings and sauces infuses the entire dish with a flavor profile that will leave you coming back for more. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your dietary needs or personal preferences with ease.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Ramen and Ground Beef ❓
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
The beauty of this ramen and ground beef recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory ground beef, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates the delicious Asian-inspired flavor profile that has made ramen-based dishes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Ramen and Ground Beef Step-by-Step ❓
Step 1: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. •
Step 2: Add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Add the ramen noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve the ramen and ground beef hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional ramen dishes that can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this ramen and ground beef recipe saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 1,010mg
These ramen and ground beef meals provide approximately 58% of your daily protein requirements and 43% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the ramen noodles with shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb meal.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit any dairy-based ingredients, such as cheese or cream, and use a dairy-free broth.
• Added protein: Incorporate additional protein sources, such as cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu, to boost the nutritional value.
• Boost vegetables: Add in chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the ramen and ground beef dish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp Asian-inspired salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Complement the ramen and ground beef with a simple miso soup or edamame for a more substantial spread.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the ramen and ground beef alongside rice or additional noodles to create a hearty, shared platter.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the noodles: Be mindful of the cooking time, as ramen noodles can quickly become mushy if left in the broth for too long. Aim for al dente texture.
Not draining the fat: Failing to drain the excess fat from the cooked ground beef can result in a greasy, heavy dish. Be sure to drain the beef thoroughly.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the dish with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. The right amount of seasoning can make all the difference.
Overcrowding the pan: Cooking the ground beef in batches, if necessary, will ensure even browning and prevent the meat from steaming instead of searing.
Neglecting the garnish: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime juice can elevate the dish and add a fresh, vibrant touch.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These ramen and ground beef dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the noodles, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the final cooking steps.
Freezing baked: Allow the cooked ramen and ground beef to cool completely, then portion and wrap individual servings in foil or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, remove from the freezer and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the dish to help restore the noodles’ texture and prevent drying.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare this ramen and ground beef dish in advance?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the noodles, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the final cooking steps.
Can I substitute the ground beef with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu or tempeh to suit your dietary preferences. Keep in mind that the cooking time and seasoning may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the protein you choose.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in carbs?
Absolutely! To make a lower-carb version of this ramen and ground beef dish, you can substitute the ramen noodles with shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles. These alternatives provide a similar texture and mouthfeel without the high carbohydrate content of traditional ramen noodles.
What if I accidentally overcook the noodles?
If you’ve overcooked the ramen noodles and they’ve become mushy, don’t worry! Simply drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help restore some of the al dente texture. You can then add the noodles back to the dish and continue with the recipe as usual.
Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This ramen and ground beef dish is highly versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Consider sautéing mushrooms, bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy and incorporating them into the dish. The extra vegetables will not only boost the nutritional value but also add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Conclusion
These ramen and ground beef dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, they’re sure to impress with their savory, Asian-inspired flavors and satisfying texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this ramen and ground beef dish demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So, why not give this delicious fusion a try and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes?
Print
Ramen and Ground Beef
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Add the ramen noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve the ramen and ground beef hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 375
- Sodium: 1,010mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
Keywords: Ramen and Ground Beef