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If you’re looking for the simplest and easiest way to take pre-packaged ramen to the next level, then you need to try my 15 Minute Ground Beef Ramen Bowls. Made from the same nostalgic ramen noodles that you know and love, this recipe comes together with a flavorful beef broth, chunks of ground beef, and a topping of fresh scallions, sesame seeds, and chili crunch, for a delicious dinner made in minutes!
Friends, did you ever go through the phase of eating copious amounts of ramen noodles? Back when I was in college, I certainly did! I remember the days of making a big bowl of ramen in my dorm room after a late night out. The rich, salty broth, paired with the chewy noodles was the perfect post-party meal. But these days, since I’m not living in a dorm room anymore nor am I in college, the classic packet ramen just won’t do. We’re adults now, we can do better than that. 😉
My Ground Beef Ramen Bowls are an elevated and delicious take on the classic comforting recipe. It comes together with classic packaged ramen noodles, as well as a hearty beef broth that is seasoned to perfection. For this recipe, I’m using Mike’s Mighty Good Beef Ramen, which is rich in protein, not too salty, and is a better-for-you alternative to traditional ramen noodles. However, if you can’t find Mike’s at your local grocery store, use what you have on hand! Even the classic Maruchan Ramen works well, in this recipe. For those days when you just don’t know what to make for dinner, or you’re craving a classic bowl of comfort food, this recipe does the trick.
Plus, this recipe is perfect for kids. Since my kids are getting older, they’re at the age where they’re starting to become more independent in the kitchen, which means that they’re able to prepare simple and easy recipes themselves! When they were craving ramen after school the other day, I challenged my older son, Gavyn, to make this recipe by himself, and lo and behold – he could do it! If you are looking for a simple after-school recipe to teach your kids, this is a great one. It only requires a few ingredients, minimal prep, no crazy chopping (you can use jarred minced garlic) and is so easy!
What You Need to Make These Hearty Beef Ramen Bowls
- 🥩 Ground Beef: Of course, it wouldn’t be Ground Beef Ramen Bowls without the beef! I recommend using a leaner ground beef, such as 80/20 ground beef.
- 🧄 Garlic & Ginger: I recommend using both fresh garlic and fresh ginger, in order to add the best flavor to these ramen bowls.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, delicious, nutty flavor to this recipe.
- Soy Sauce: I recommend using low sodium soy sauce, so that these ramen bowls don’t become too salty.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add the right amount of heat to this recipe.
- 🍜 Beef Broth: Hearty beef broth adds a rich and delicious flavor to these ramen bowls that perfectly enhances the flavor of the ground beef. You can also opt to use beef bone broth, if desired, for some extra protein.
- Brown Sugar: A pinch of brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the broth – don’t skip this!
- Ramen Noodles: Of course, it wouldn’t be ramen without the noodles! Pick your favorite packaged noodles and use them in this recipe – I like using Mike’s Mighty Good Beef Ramen.
- Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds the perfect amount of acidity to these beef bowls.
- Green Onions: In my opinion, green onions are essential for finishing off any ramen recipe, and these Ground Beef Ramen Bowls are no exception!
- 🥜 Peanuts: Crushed peanuts not only add a delicious saltiness to these ramen bowls, but also add the perfect texture!
- Chili Crunch: This is optional, but I love topping off these ramen bowls with a spoonful of chili crunch for a crunchy and spicy kick!
How to Make This Simple & Easy Dinner Recipe
To make this ramen, start by preparing the beef. Heat a large pan, on the stove, over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add in the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Sauté the meat until it’s almost cooked through. Then, mash the garlic, grate the ginger, and add them to the pan alongside the sesame oil, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, beef broth, and brown sugar.
Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and allow them to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Next, add the ramen noodles to the pan, alongside of one of the seasoning packets. Stir the noodles into the soup and allow them to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the noodles have softened.
Once the noodles are cooked, divide the ramen evenly amongst four bowls. Garnish the ramen with green onions, chopped peanuts, and chili crunch, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! While this recipe calls for ramen noodles, you could also substitute soba noodles or vermicelli rice noodles, instead.
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a leaner ground beef. I personally use 80/20, but 90/10 ground beef also works well. As always though, use what you already have on-hand!
I like my ramen broth spicy. Can I add some heat?
Definitely! While this recipe gets its heat from the crushed red pepper flakes and (optional) garnish of chili crunch, you can always add some more chili crunch into the broth itself, for some extra heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
I recommend serving this recipe right away, so that the noodles don’t get soggy. However, if you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time, you can certainly prepare the ground beef and broth. Store them in separate containers, in the fridge, until you’re ready to enjoy them. Then, add in the ramen noodles and warm on the stove, until the noodles are fully cooked through. That’s it!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
If you're looking for the simplest and easiest way to take pre-packaged ramen to the next level, then you need to try my 15 Minute Ground Beef Ramen Bowls. Made from the same nostalgic ramen noodles that you know and love, this recipe comes together with a flavorful beef broth, chunks of ground beef, and a topping of fresh scallions, sesame seeds, and chili crunch, for a delicious dinner made in minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Beef I recommend using 80/20 ground beef!
- 5 Cloves Garlic mashed
- 1 Tablespoon Ginger grated
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
- ½ Cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- ½ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Cups Beef Broth
- ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
- 4 Packages Ramen Noodles you'll only need ONE of the seasoning packets!
- 1 Lime juiced
- 1 Bunch Green Onions thinly sliced
- ½ Cup Peanuts chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Chili Crunch Topping optional – you can buy it at Trader Joe's or make your own!
Instructions
- To make this ramen, start by preparing the beef. Heat a large pan, on the stove, over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add in the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Sauté the meat until it's almost cooked through.
- Then, mash the garlic, grate the ginger, and add them to the pan alongside the sesame oil, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, beef broth, and brown sugar.
- Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and allow them to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the ramen noodles to the pan, alongside of one of the seasoning packets.
- Stir the noodles into the soup and allow them to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the noodles have softened.
- Once the noodles are cooked, divide the ramen evenly amongst four bowls.
- Garnish the ramen with green onions, chopped peanuts, and chili crunch, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see what you made – tag @kalejunkie
in your posts and I’ll re-share!
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WHAT DID YOU THINK?
Rate + Review
I buy brown rice ramen that doesn’t come with seasonings. What would you recommend as a substitute?
Hi Liz! Try this instead: 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and black pepper.