Ground Beef Ramen Skillet

Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that brings together tender beef, fresh vegetables, and ramen noodles in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Packed with delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, sliced
• Instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• Black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
   In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
   Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Prepare the Ramen Noodles
   In a separate pot, cook the instant ramen noodles for 1.5 minutes less than package directions. Drain and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Sauté the Vegetables
   Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Combine Everything
   Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the drained ramen noodles and toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
7. Serve
   Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. The prep time is around 15 minutes, while the cooking time is about 20 minutes, making the total time approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a different protein source.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy based on your preference.
• Spice It Up: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the noodles.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat ramen noodles?
   Yes, whole wheat or gluten-free ramen noodles can be used as a healthier alternative.
2. What can I substitute for ground beef?
   Ground turkey or chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute, work well.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Use tofu or tempeh instead of meat, and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Increase the amount of sriracha or add fresh chili peppers for extra heat.
5. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
   You can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey for sweetness.
6. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
7. What should I serve with this dish?
   It can be served alone, or paired with a light salad for a complete meal.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
   While you can freeze it, the texture of the noodles may change upon reheating.
9. What type of vegetables can I add?
   Any quick-cooking vegetables, such as snow peas, zucchini, or bell peppers, are great options.
10. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
    Tossing the cooked noodles with a bit of oil immediately after draining will help prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a versatile and delicious meal that brings together wholesome ingredients in a quick and easy way. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, offering comforting flavors and a colorful presentation. Try this recipe for a satisfying dish that the whole family will love! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Print