Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and practically cooks itself, then let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef! This comforting meal combines tender beef, rich curry flavors, and slurp-worthy ramen noodles—perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort. The best part? It simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together without you having to do much other than sit back and relax. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. The slow simmer brings out deep, savory flavors, and you’ll have a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
  • Rich, Flavorful Broth: The curry-based broth is the perfect balance of warm spices, savory depth, and just enough heat to keep things exciting.
  • Tender Beef: The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers for hours, soaking up all the aromatic curry flavors.
  • Comforting Yet Exciting: Ramen noodles bring that comforting, familiar texture, while the curry adds a touch of spice and excitement. It’s a match made in heaven.
  • One-Pot Meal: It’s a great meal to serve when you’re hosting, as it’s simple to prepare and only requires one pot—easy cleanup afterward!

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed dish:

For the Beef and Broth:

  • Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking—it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it simmers in the broth.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the broth.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic, savory kick.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zingy, warming flavor that enhances the curry.
  • Curry Powder: This is where the magic happens! A generous amount of curry powder gives the broth its distinctive flavor.
  • Coconut Milk: For a creamy, smooth texture and a hint of sweetness to balance out the curry spices.
  • Beef Broth: Adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Soy Sauce: A dash of soy sauce enhances the umami flavors in the broth.
  • Carrots: Sliced carrots add sweetness and texture to the broth.
  • Bay Leaves: For subtle, earthy flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper: To season the broth.

For the Ramen:

  • Ramen Noodles: You can use your favorite ramen noodles—fresh or dry. Either will work perfectly.
  • Green Onions: Chopped for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness and herby goodness.
  • Lime: A squeeze of lime right before serving gives the dish a tangy lift that brightens everything up.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Broth

In your slow cooker, add the beef chuck roast, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, coconut milk, beef broth, soy sauce, and carrots. Stir everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper, and toss in the bay leaves. Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easy to shred.

Step 2: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir everything together. The beef will continue to soak up the delicious broth.

Step 3: Cook the Ramen

About 10 minutes before serving, add the ramen noodles directly into the slow cooker, stirring them into the broth. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. If you’re using fresh noodles, they might cook even quicker, so keep an eye on them!

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the noodles are cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add a little more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if desired. Ladle the ramen into bowls, making sure to get plenty of that fragrant broth, beef, and vegetables. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of green onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 5: Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this flavorful, aromatic ramen dish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef

  • With Side Dishes: This ramen can be paired with a light Asian-style salad or steamed edamame for a well-rounded meal.
  • Garnish Options: If you want to take it up a notch, you can garnish with sliced chili peppers for an extra kick or a drizzle of sesame oil for added richness.
  • Serve with Bread: If you’re craving a carb fix, serve the ramen with crusty bread or naan to soak up the delicious broth.

Additional Tips

  • Beef Alternatives: You can use other cuts of beef, like brisket or short ribs, but the chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking since it becomes tender and juicy.
  • Noodle Alternatives: While ramen is the traditional choice, you could use udon noodles or soba noodles for a different texture.
  • Make It Spicy: If you like spice, add some chili flakes or sriracha to the broth. It’ll give the curry a fiery kick!
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can still use the same flavorful broth and enjoy a plant-based twist.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 32g

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (in the slow cooker)
  • Total Time: 6-8 hours, 15 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the beef and broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat and add the noodles.

Q2: Can I use instant ramen noodles?
A2: Yes! Instant noodles can work in this recipe, but be sure to add them near the end of the cooking time so they don’t get too soft.

Q3: How can I make this spicier?
A3: Add chili paste, sriracha, or cayenne pepper to the broth to give it more heat.

Q4: Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
A4: Yes! Coconut cream will give the broth a thicker, creamier texture. Just make sure to adjust the consistency by adding a little more broth if needed.

Q5: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use gluten-free ramen noodles or another gluten-free noodle option, and make sure the soy sauce is tamari, which is gluten-free.

Q6: What can I use instead of beef?
A6: You can use chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu for a lighter version of this dish.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a little broth if the soup thickens too much.

Q8: Can I freeze this?
A8: Yes! Freeze the broth and beef separately from the noodles. When ready to serve, thaw and cook fresh noodles.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the broth?
A9: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bok choy, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q10: How can I thicken the broth?
A10: If you prefer a thicker broth, add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef is comfort food at its best. The tender beef, aromatic curry broth, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles combine to make a bowl of goodness that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a rich, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to be wowed by the bold, warming flavors in every bite!

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Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef Recipe


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings together tender beef, aromatic curry spices, and soft ramen noodles. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the beef with deep flavors while creating a savory broth that’s perfect for slurping up. This dish is perfect for busy days and makes an incredibly satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Curry Broth:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)

For the Ramen:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 packages ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef:
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the beef and the broth.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
    • Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, curry powder, ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, beef broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
    • Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  4. Cook the Ramen:
    • About 15 minutes before serving, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
  5. Assemble the Dish:
    • Divide the cooked ramen noodles into bowls. Ladle the beef curry broth and chunks of beef over the noodles. Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor, if desired.
  6. Serve:
    • Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or chopped fresh chilies to the broth.
  • You can substitute the beef chuck roast with beef stew meat if desired.
  • If you prefer, you can make this dish ahead of time and store the broth and beef separately. Simply reheat before serving and cook the ramen fresh.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker), 15 minutes (ramen)
  • Category: Main Course, Soup, Slow Cooker
  • Method: Slow Cooking, Boiling
  • Cuisine: Asian, Japanese-inspired, Curry

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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