Easy Beef and Ramen Noodles
This Easy Beef and Ramen Noodles is a healthier and satisfying version of a classic Asian noodle bowl filled with beef, amazing spices and bold flavors. Tossed with cooked noodles and topped with a spice-filled chili oil, this quick and easy beef and noodle recipe will surely be a new family favorite that can be made in less than 30 minutes. 
I think many of us could say that we grew up eating instant ramen noodles, and we probably all have our favorite ramen flavors that we nostalgically eat to this day. Well, this beef and ramen takes dinner time to the next level. Imagine having a meal from Chinatown, but in the comfort of your own home. It’s not exactly a true ramen bowl because it doesn’t sit in a bowl of broth, but the flavors are so incredible I would bet the whole family will love it and want it on the regular rotation for an easy and quick dinner. The best part is that this is so versatile because you can use leftover steak or sliced chicken instead of ground beef. You can also use a different type of ground meat and add vegetables. This is one of my favorite meals because I love the simplicity of this recipe, but it really is a delicious way to use up some veggies or meat you may have around.
Why You Will Love This Beef and Ramen Noodle Recipe
- This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy nights and can be ready in 30 minutes or less.
- This beef and ramen dish is super versatile. You can change the meat, add vegetables, top it with soft-boiled eggs, use different noodles and more!
- It can be as spicy, or kid friendly as you want! There is no spice in this ramen dish, but for kick add chili crunch or chili oil which gives this beef and ramen wonderful warmth.
- The leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container to enjoy for several days.
- This is the perfect meal prep dish that is the best comfort food!
- Nostalgia will take over in this high-protein adult version of classic beef ramen noodles with little cooking time.
Ingredients You Need For This Beef Ramen Noodle Recipe
- Oils: Sesame oil is used to saute the onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Onion: I like using finely chopped yellow onion in this recipe, but if you want a milder onion flavor or a more sweet flavor, you can use a white onion and it will still be delicious. Shallots are also a great option.
- Aromatics: I recommend using fresh ginger and garlic to create a sweet-tangy balance. Be sure to chop them really finely! You could use ground ginger or garlic powder if you don’t have fresh on hand.
- Ground beef: I like to use lean ground beef in this recipe for a good, strong flavor, but you could also use ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken if you prefer.
- Honey: Honey will give the perfect sweet balance to all the spice that goes into this Beef Ramen recipe. You could use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.
- Soy sauce: This is used to give a classic Asian rich, umami flavor. You can ease up on the soy sauce or use low-sodium soy sauce if you want it to be less salty. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free option.
- Beef broth: Beef broth makes a delicious, salty, and savory ramen noodles bowl. You can also use beef stock, especially if you have some homemade. Feel free to swap for chicken broth if you prefer.
- Ramen noodles: For this twist on beef ramen noodles, you will use the noodles from an instant ramen noodles packet. Save the seasoning packet to add to a soup or stir fry.
- Garnishes: Scallions and sesame seeds are tossed in at the end to give a classic end to this dreamy bowl of beef and noodles.
Find a full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
How To Make This Easy Beef and Ramen Noodles Recipe
- Heat the sesame oil on medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok on the stove top. Saute onion, garlic and ginger and saute for 4 minutes before adding the ground beef and using a wooden spoon to break the meat up into a crumbly texture as it cooks. Cook for 4 minutes before adding in the honey and soy sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until it begins to caramelize.
- While the beef is cooking, add enough water to the pot to cover the ramen noodles, (discard the seasoning packet), and cook according to the package directions. Drain once cooked and add the beef stock to the ground beef along with the ramen noodles. Toss everything with tongs to ensure that the beef is well mixed in with the noodles. Add in the sesame seeds and chopped scallions and toss one more time. You can toss everything in a large bowl or divide the beef and ramen between bowls and spoon the chili oil or chili crunch overtop.
Ways To Modify This Beef & Ramen Noodles Recipe
You can modify this simple recipe to your own liking and make it a classic comfort food.
- You can use any type of tender meat, like ground pork, chicken, or turkey, and tender chunks of beef, like thinly sliced top sirloin, skirt steak, or flank steak. I suggest using chicken broth if you use ground turkey, chicken, or even sliced chicken breast.
- Adding thinly sliced red bell peppers, green peppers, sliced mushrooms, matchstick carrots, bean sprouts, or broccoli would also be a great addition.
- If you want to get creative with the noodles and make it gluten-free or, you can use glass noodles, rice noodles, sauteed zucchini, or cold cucumber noodles, or any type of gluten-free pasta.
You can definitely get creative with simple ingredients to create the ultimate comfort food for your personal consumption. You may need to adjust the cooking process some and give the vegetables ample time to cook properly.
Is This Beef Ramen Spicy?
No not at all! This beef ramen doesn’t contain any spice so its very child friendly. The chili oil (or chili crunch) is what gives this dish and authentic spice, so if you don’t like spice, simply leave it off or use less. If you want it extra spicy, feel free to add more of the chili crunch or chili oil to give it a real kick.
What About Leftovers?
You can store these Beef and Ramen leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Be sure to let everything cool to room temperature before storing. To reheat, warm in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave. Add a splash of sesame oil, chili oil or chili crunch to rehydrate as it will likely dry out some.
Here are a few more noodle recipes that you might enjoy:
- Creamy Peanut Noodles with Chicken
- Spicy Sesame Noodles
- Thai Curry Noodle Soup
- Creamy Gochujang Pasta
- Cucumber and Sesame Noodle Salad
If you make this beef and noodle recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!
Easy Beef & Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp chopped ginger
- 4 cloves garlic finely diced
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari or coconut aminos
- ½ cup beef broth
- 6 oz ramen noodles from a packet (or your favorite gluten free noodles of choise)
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- 3 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 2-3 tbsp Chili Oil or Chili Crunch (either homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok heat the sesame oil on medium high heat. Once hot add in the onion, garlic and ginger and saute for 4 minutes before adding the ground beef and using a wooden spoon to break the meat up into a crumbly texture as it cooks.
- Leave the beef to cook for 4 minutes before adding in the honey and soy sauce. Leave the beef to cook for an additional 5 minutes until it begins to caramelize.
- While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and add in the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain once cooked
- Add the beef stock to the ground beef along with the ramen noodles. Toss everything with tongs to ensure that the beef is well mixed in with the noodles. Finally add in the sesame seeds and chopped scallions and toss one more time.
- Divide the beef and ramen between bowls and then spoon the chili oil or chili crunch overtop.
This was a great recipe! It is easy to customize. I added mushrooms to it and added a little more broth so I could add more noodles which made it perfect for a family dinner. The chili crisp oil really added a lot of flavor and I recommend making it (In the chili oil I used less chili flakes since my family doesn’t like it super spicy and I took out the cinnamon and anise to keep it more savory). It was an easy recipe to make and I will make it again.