If you’ve ever found yourself craving a comforting, no-fuss dinner that burst with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes, look no further than this Ground Beef Ramen Skillet. With hearty noodles, juicy ground beef, and a savory sauce that soaks into every bite, this one-pan wonder hits all the high notes for busy nights. It’s got the craveable elements of takeout, but it’s made easily at home—the best of both worlds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is how effortlessly the ingredients work together to build layers of texture and taste. Every component brings its own welcome attribute, from rich umami to fresh crunch, making this simple recipe feel special.
- Ground beef: The star protein, providing flavor and a hearty texture; opt for lean beef to avoid excess grease.
- Olive oil (if needed): Just a splash is necessary if your beef is especially lean, ensuring nothing sticks to the pan.
- Onion: Diced onion gives a sweet aromatic base to the entire skillet.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes the flavor go from good to can’t-stop-eating.
- Instant ramen noodles: Discard the seasoning packets; these noodles soak up the homemade sauce beautifully.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and keeps the noodles happy and hydrated in the pan.
- Soy sauce: This brings that salty umami punch everyone loves in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Hoisin sauce: For a touch of sweetness and extra body in the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (optional): An optional layer of concentrated savory flavor—worth including if you have it.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon gives a toasty aroma that’s irresistible.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional): If you love heat, don’t skip this—add to taste!
- Shredded carrots: A pop of color and gentle crunch that keeps things fresh.
- Chopped green cabbage or coleslaw mix: Brings texture and soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Green onions: Stirred in at the end, their flavor stays bright and vibrant.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For garnish, giving you that final touch of nutty crunch!
How to Make Ground Beef Ramen Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and use a spoon or spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks. You’re aiming for the meat to lose its pinkness and get beautifully browned all the way through—this is where a lot of the savory flavor comes from. If your beef isn’t very fatty, drizzle in a bit of olive oil to help it along and keep it from sticking. Any excess fat can be drained off once the beef is cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic next. These are your skillet’s flavor builders, releasing incredible scents after just a few minutes. Sauté everything together until the onion softens and turns translucent, and the garlic smells roasted and delicious (usually just 2 to 3 minutes).
Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, then add your soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce if you’re using it. For extra richness, stir in the sesame oil and add as much sriracha or chili garlic sauce as you like for a little gentle heat. Stir everything well so the liquids mingle and bring the mixture to a lively simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Add the uncooked ramen noodles straight into the skillet—no need to boil separately! Let them soak in the bubbling sauce, stirring now and then to help them cook evenly. After about 3 to 4 minutes, the noodles should be soft and have absorbed most of the magic in the pan.
Step 5: Add Veggies for Crunch and Color
It’s time for the veggies! Stir in your shredded carrots and chopped cabbage or coleslaw mix. These only need a short toss—2 to 3 minutes on the heat—so they stay tender yet crisp, adding freshness and beautiful color.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Take the skillet off the heat and scatter in your sliced green onions. Give everything a final toss so the green onions stay bright and aromatic. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’d like that finishing touch of nutty crunch. Serve your Ground Beef Ramen Skillet piping hot and enjoy every savory, slurpy bite!
How to Serve Ground Beef Ramen Skillet
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle! Scatter fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds over your Ground Beef Ramen Skillet for a pop of color and a little extra crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick drizzle of sriracha zigzagged over the top is a sure way to win hearts (and add a little extra spice).
Side Dishes
While this skillet is a one-and-done main course, you can round out dinner with a crisp cucumber salad, simple miso soup, or steamed edamame. For a little extra indulgence, garlic bread or even spring rolls pair surprisingly well and soak up any saucy bits left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why settle for the same presentation every time? Try serving this skillet in big bowls with extra fresh veggies on top, or pile it onto a platter and let everyone help themselves family-style. Kids love it with chopsticks, while adults might appreciate a wedge of lime and a sprinkle of chili flakes for customizable flavor at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your Ground Beef Ramen Skillet even more savory the next day! It’ll keep well for up to three days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions of this dish. For best results, let the Ground Beef Ramen Skillet cool fully, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for about two months—perfect for make-ahead meal planning. Just know the noodle texture may soften a bit after reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, a quick spin in the microwave works great (cover to avoid splatters), or use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Stir gently to keep the noodles from breaking apart, and add fresh green onions or sesame seeds to revive that just-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I make Ground Beef Ramen Skillet with other meats?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you prefer. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor, but the dish remains hearty and delicious.
Do I have to use both hoisin and oyster sauce?
No worries if you’re missing one; the recipe is very forgiving. Both sauces add rich umami, but if you only have one, simply double up or add a touch more soy sauce to balance flavors.
How spicy is this skillet meal?
It’s completely customizable! The base recipe is quite mild, and the spice comes from sriracha or chili garlic sauce, which you can increase or skip depending on your heat tolerance.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
Shredded bell peppers, snap peas, baby spinach, or mushrooms are all perfect here. This recipe is a great clean-out-the-fridge option for any quick-cooking veggies you enjoy.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While ramen is the classic base, feel free to swap for udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch—just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a delicious upgrade to your weeknight dinner game, this Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is the answer. It’s flavorful, filling, and comes together so quickly, making it a repeat-worthy favorite in any busy kitchen. Give it a try and let it become your go-to comfort food!
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Ground Beef Ramen Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Ground Beef Ramen Skillet recipe that combines the heartiness of ground beef with the beloved flavors of ramen noodles, all cooked together in a single skillet for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound ground beef;
Onion Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced);
Ramen Base:
2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets), 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional);
Veggies and Garnish:
1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup chopped green cabbage or coleslaw mix, 2 green onions (sliced), Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion Mixture: Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Prepare Ramen Base: Stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and sriracha. Bring to a simmer. Add ramen noodles to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
- Add Veggies: Mix in shredded carrots and cabbage. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in green onions, and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- For added veggies, consider including bell peppers or snap peas.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
