Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Ramen: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Beef Broccoli Ramen is one of those soulful, one-pot wonders that makes a busy weeknight feel like a slow Sunday afternoon. Hello! I’m Amelia, welcome to Ritzy recipes. My love for cooking started from a very personal journey when my first child was ill, and I had to find nourishing ways to feed my family.

Next, you are going to see why this specific Beef Broccoli Ramen recipe is a game changer for your kitchen routine. This dish promises tender beef, a savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles every single time. Also, it delivers all that deep, ginger-garlic flavor without the stress of standing over a hot stove.

Grab a glass of sweet tea and let’s get started. This crockpot beef ramen is a soulful, cottage-style meal that your whole family will crave. It is simple, delicious, and full of heart.

What You Need for Crockpot Beef Ramen

Before we start, let’s gather our supplies. You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. Also, using fresh ingredients makes a world of difference in the final taste.

  • Beef: 1.5 lbs of flank steak or top sirloin, sliced thin.
  • Broccoli: 3 cups of fresh or frozen florets.
  • Ramen Noodles: 3 to 4 packs of dried ramen (discard the seasoning).
  • Liquid Base: 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth.
  • The Sauce: Soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger.
  • Thickener: A little cornstarch mixed with water.

Then, make sure you have your favorite slow cooker ready. I love using my large 6-quart crockpot for this beef and broccoli with ramen noodles. It gives the meat plenty of room to get tender.

Selecting and Prepping Your Beef

Slicing raw flank steak against the grain on a wooden cutting board for crockpot beef ramen.

First, let’s talk about the star of the show. For a great slow cooker Chinese beef and broccoli, the cut of meat matters. I always suggest flank steak because it stays juicy while it cooks low and slow.

Also, remember to slice your beef against the grain. This shortens the fibers and ensures every bite melts in your mouth. If you want a more shredded feel, you can try an ultimate bottom round roast recipe technique here too.

Next, place your sliced beef into the bottom of the slow cooker. Don’t worry about browning it first if you are in a rush. The slow cooker does a beautiful job of developing flavor on its own.

Mixing the Savory Asian-Inspired Sauce

Then, it is time to build that signature flavor. In a medium bowl, whisk together your beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This creates a base that is salty, sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Also, add in plenty of minced garlic and fresh ginger. These aromatics are essential for easy slow cooker ramen recipes. They provide that “zing” that makes the dish pop.

Next, pour this liquid gold right over your beef. Give it a quick toss so every piece of meat is coated. If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some Southern sass.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooking Guide

Now, we let the magic happen. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours. You can also cook it on high for 2 to 3 hours if you started a bit late.

Then, just walk away and enjoy your day. Your house will start smelling like a professional kitchen in no time. This method is much easier than making a mongolian ground beef noodles recipe on the stovetop.

Also, about 30 minutes before the time is up, check the liquid. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in your cornstarch slurry now. This helps the sauce cling to the beef and broccoli with ramen noodles later.

The Noodle and Broccoli Finale

Adding dry ramen noodles and fresh broccoli to a slow cooker with savory beef.

Next comes the part where timing is everything. To avoid a mushy mess, do not add your noodles too early. Drop those dry ramen bricks into the pot during the last 20 minutes.

Also, toss in your broccoli florets at this same time. Whether they are fresh or frozen, they only need a short stint in the heat to stay bright green. This keeps the dish looking as good as it tastes.

Then, gently submerge the noodles into the bubbling sauce. Close the lid and wait just a few more minutes. When the noodles are tender, you are ready to serve this slow cooker beef and broccoli ramen.

FAQs

Can you put dry ramen noodles in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add dry ramen noodles directly to the slow cooker, but timing is crucial. To avoid them becoming mushy, add the dry noodle bricks during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid and stir occasionally.

What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker ramen?

For this recipe, flank steak or top sirloin are the best choices. When sliced thinly against the grain, these cuts become incredibly tender. You can also use beef chuck roast if you prefer a more “shredded” texture. It is similar to how I prep my slow cooker beef and noodles.

Can I use frozen broccoli in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets. If using frozen, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they heat through without becoming too soft. Fresh broccoli should also be added at the end to maintain a bit of “snap.”

Do I need to use the ramen seasoning packets?

No, you should discard the seasoning packets. The flavor for this dish comes from the homemade sauce. Using the packets would make the dish excessively salty. For more savory ideas, check out my easy beef stir fry recipe.

A close-up portrait of finished beef broccoli ramen with glossy sauce and bright green broccoli.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it, a big bowl of comfort that didn’t require all day in the kitchen. This slow cooker beef and broccoli ramen is proof that real food doesn’t have to be hard. It is a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table.

Also, if you enjoyed this, you might love my honey garlic chicken recipe for another easy weeknight win. Or, if you want something even faster, try these 10 minute sesame garlic ramen noodles.

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A soulful bowl of slow cooker beef and broccoli ramen with wavy noodles and tender steak.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Ramen: Easy Crockpot Dinner


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A soulful, easy slow cooker beef and broccoli ramen that features tender flank steak and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight!


Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thin against the grain

2 cups low-sodium beef broth

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

34 packs dried ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)

2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water


Instructions

1. Place the sliced beef into the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

3. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir gently to ensure every piece is coated.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.

5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch and water slurry to thicken the sauce.

6. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, add the dry ramen noodle bricks and the broccoli florets.

7. Ensure the noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid, cover, and cook until tender.

8. Stir one last time to break up the noodles and serve warm!

Notes

Always discard the ramen seasoning packets to prevent the dish from becoming too salty. If using frozen broccoli, add it in the final 30 minutes to prevent it from getting too soft.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 1150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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