Ground Beef Ramen Skillet

A Quick and Flavor-Packed Meal

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s both delicious and incredibly simple to make, this Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is about to become your new best friend. Imagine a savory, meaty skillet dish that combines hearty ground beef, tender ramen noodles, and a savory sauce that pulls everything together in one pan. It’s the kind of comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this dish is a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Ramen Skillet

Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in no time, making it a great choice for busy nights when you want a meal that feels homemade but doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
Hearty & Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, ramen noodles, and a flavorful sauce creates a comforting, savory meal that hits the spot every time.
One-Pan Wonder: All you need is one skillet, which means easy cleanup! No need to fuss with multiple pots and pans.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to your liking. Want to add more veggies? Toss in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Craving a little heat? Add some chili flakes or sriracha to spice it up!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s the kind of meal that everyone will ask for seconds of.

Ingredients in Ground Beef Ramen Skillet

Here’s what makes this dish so delicious—simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony:

Ground Beef

The hearty base of the dish. Ground beef adds flavor and texture to the skillet, making each bite satisfying and filling.

Ramen Noodles

The classic ingredient that gives this dish its comforting, noodly goodness. You’ll cook the ramen right in the skillet, letting the noodles absorb all the delicious flavors.

Onion

Sweet and savory, the onion adds depth of flavor to the skillet. It caramelizes a bit as it cooks, adding a touch of sweetness.

Garlic

A must-have in almost every savory dish, garlic infuses the skillet with that irresistible fragrance that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing.

Soy Sauce

The star of the sauce! Soy sauce brings the perfect balance of saltiness and umami, making everything in the skillet pop.

Beef Broth

Adds richness and depth, helping to cook the ramen and infuse the noodles with extra flavor.

Brown Sugar

A touch of brown sugar balances out the savory elements, giving the dish a slight sweetness that enhances all the flavors.

Sesame Oil

Adds a nutty flavor and a little richness to the sauce, making everything taste even more amazing.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great way to spice up the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add the Ramen Noodles

Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet. Stir to mix everything together. Don’t worry about the seasoning packets just yet—we’ll make our own sauce!

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the beef and noodles in the skillet, and give it a good stir to coat everything evenly.

Simmer the Dish

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles have softened and absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, give everything a final stir. Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, savory goodness of this one-pan meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Ground Beef Ramen Skillet

• With a Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad is a perfect balance to this hearty dish. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• With Pickled Vegetables: Pickled cucumbers or radishes add a zesty contrast that works wonderfully with the savory beef and noodles.
• With Steamed Veggies: Serve it alongside some steamed broccoli, carrots, or peas for added color and nutrients.
• Top with an Egg: For extra richness, top your ramen skillet with a fried or poached egg. The creamy yolk makes the dish even more indulgent!

Additional Tips

• Customize the Veggies: This dish is easy to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand. Try adding some spinach, shredded carrots, or bell peppers to the skillet along with the onion for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes, or stir in a bit of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The sauce will still bring all the flavor!
• Make It Ahead: If you’re meal prepping for the week, this dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A1: Yes! You can swap out the ramen noodles for any other type of noodle you like, such as udon, soba, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you use.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein, like crumbled tofu or lentils. You can also add more veggies to make it heartier.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet with a bit of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just use gluten-free ramen noodles or any other gluten-free noodle variety. Be sure to check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well, or use tamari as a substitute.

Q5: How do I reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger skillet to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q7: Can I add more protein?
A7: Yes, feel free to add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for an extra protein boost.

Q8: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A8: This recipe is best made on the stovetop for quick cooking, but you could try adding the ingredients to a slow cooker for a longer simmer. Just make sure to cook the ramen separately and add it in toward the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Q9: How spicy is this dish?
A9: The spice level is mild with the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust it to your liking. Add more red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to kick up the heat!

Q10: What’s the best way to serve this dish?
A10: This dish is great on its own, but pairing it with a crunchy salad or pickled vegetables makes for a perfect meal. Top it with a fried egg for an extra indulgent touch!

In Conclusion

This Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a must-try when you’re in the mood for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick, easy, and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s both delicious and filling. So grab your skillet, get cooking, and prepare to enjoy a meal that’ll have you coming back for more!

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