Name: Ground Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 ounces ramen noodles; 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili paste (such as sambal oelek); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 green onions (sliced thin); 1 cup matchstick cut carrots; 1 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/2 cup shelled edamame; Sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If weeknight dinners ever felt dull, Ground Beef Ramen Noodles are the quick fix you didn’t know you needed. Imagine silky ramen noodles tossed with savory, slightly sweet, spicy beef and crisp, colorful veggies, all tied together in an umami-packed sauce that hugs every bite. This dish brings restaurant-style flair right to your kitchen, and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again for its explosive flavors and comforting simplicity.

Ground Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straight-forward ingredients, but each one brings something special to the party—whether it’s a pop of color, a punch of flavor, or pure comfort. Gather everything ahead, and you’ll have Ground Beef Ramen Noodles steaming on the table before you know it!

Ramen noodles: The classic wavy noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite slurp-worthy and satisfying.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering, and helps meld all the flavors together.
Low sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami flavor; using low sodium gives you control over seasoning.
Maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally and adds complexity you’ll taste in every forkful.
Rice vinegar: Offers brightness that balances the richer notes of beef and soy.
Chili paste (such as sambal oelek): Brings as much heat as you like and a tangy depth to the final dish.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds irresistible nutty aroma that makes the finished ramen taste so authentic.
Grated fresh ginger: Lends a peppery zing that keeps the sauce vibrant and exciting.
Garlic powder: Delivers great flavor quickly and evenly throughout the dish.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings to the noodles and beef.
Lean ground beef: The heart of ground beef ramen noodles, bringing protein and hearty flavor.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, adds moisture and helps meld flavors.
Green onions (sliced thin): Fresh, sharp, and bright—both in the skillet and as a finishing touch.
Matchstick cut carrots: For sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Diced red bell pepper: Bursts of juicy sweetness and gorgeous red accents.
Shelled edamame: Tender green bites for extra protein and color.
Sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions for garnish: Give the final dish that restaurant-worthy look and pop of flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef Ramen Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Bring a big pot of salted water to a lively boil. Simply discard the seasoning packets (you won’t need them) and let the ramen noodles dance in the water according to package directions. Once they’re springy and tender, drain and set aside. No need to stress—they’ll finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet (about 12 inches is perfect) over medium-high with a drizzle of olive oil. Crumble in the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, and cook it until it’s browned all over and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. As soon as it’s ready, scoop the beef onto a plate and set aside so it stays juicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Fresh Veggies

In the same skillet, add another spoonful of olive oil. Toss in the green onions, red bell pepper, and carrot matchsticks. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are crisp-tender and their colors pop. The kitchen will smell fantastic at this point—trust me.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce

While the veggies and beef are sizzling, whisk up your homemade sauce magic. In a bowl or glass measuring cup, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, chili paste, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Stir well until the cornstarch vanishes. This makes your sauce glossy and thick, ready to bring everything together.

Step 5: Toss, Sauce, and Serve

Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet, along with the cooked noodles and shelled edamame. Pour in your whisked sauce and toss everything together, letting the sauce bubble and thicken until it’s glossy and coats everything beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then shower with sesame seeds and extra green onions right before serving. Your Ground Beef Ramen Noodles are officially ready to wow!

How to Serve Ground Beef Ramen Noodles

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! Sprinkle on a generous pinch of sesame seeds and extra green onions for crunch and pop. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chili oil or a handful of fresh cilantro can take each bowl to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish stands boldly on its own, but you can make it a feast by serving it with simple sides. Try a snappy cucumber salad, a side of steamed dumplings, or some roasted broccoli for extra color and crunch alongside your Ground Beef Ramen Noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve Ground Beef Ramen Noodles in deep bowls for an inviting, cozy feel. Or, for a fancy touch, use tongs to twirl a portion into a neat nest and top with a beautiful tangle of garnishes. For parties, set out the toppings and let guests dress up their bowls just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep marvelously! Transfer cooled Ground Beef Ramen Noodles to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors only deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion the cooled noodles and beef mixture (without garnishes) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture—ramen noodles are surprisingly freezer-friendly!

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the noodles from drying out. Stir frequently and garnish again with fresh green onions for a just-cooked finish.

FAQs

Can I use different ground meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork all work beautifully with the same sauce and veggie combo. Just adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy your unique twist.

Are these Ground Beef Ramen Noodles spicy?

They have a touch of heat from the chili paste, but nothing overwhelming. If you prefer a milder dish, use less or skip it entirely—your noodles will still be packed with flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat, and use vegetable broth. The sauce and veggies shine regardless.

Do I have to use instant ramen noodles?

Not at all! You can use fresh ramen or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just cook according to the package and continue with the recipe—you’ll still get that irresistible flavor.

What’s the best way to meal-prep Ground Beef Ramen Noodles?

Prepare the sauce, cook your beef, and chop veggies in advance. Store everything separately, then toss together and heat just before serving for the freshest taste and perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching for a speedy, vibrant dinner that’s anything but boring, give Ground Beef Ramen Noodles a go. With how easy, customizable, and flat-out delicious they are, you’ll be adding this dish to your regular rotation in no time!

Ground Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and satisfying recipe for Ground Beef Ramen Noodles that combines the umami richness of beef with the comforting slurp of noodles in a delicious stir-fry sauce.

Instructions

Cook Ramen Noodles: Boil salted water, cook noodles according to package instructions, and drain.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, season, and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Sauté green onions, pepper, and carrots until tender.
Prepare Stir-Fry Sauce: Combine sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add beef, edamame, noodles, and sauce to skillet, toss to combine and thicken sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

This recipe is customizable with additional vegetables like broccoli or snow peas.
Adjust the chili paste to control the spice level based on preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian