If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is the perfect recipe for you. This easy one-pan dish combines ground beef, ramen noodles, and a savory sauce for a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. Whether you’re craving something comforting for dinner or need a last-minute meal, this skillet dish will hit the spot.
What makes this recipe so special is how versatile and simple it is. Ground beef adds protein and richness, while the ramen noodles soak up the savory sauce, creating a deliciously satisfying dish. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, spice it up, or even add a fried egg on top for an extra touch. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on classic ramen that’s sure to become a go-to meal.
I first made Ground Beef Ramen Skillet when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned ground beef, soft ramen noodles, and a simple sauce was a total hit, and it quickly became a weeknight staple. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick meal, this skillet is sure to please.
Why This Ground Beef Ramen Skillet Will Be Your New Favorite
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something satisfying in a flash.
- One-pan meal: Everything comes together in a single skillet, making clean-up a breeze.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
- Comforting and hearty: The combination of ground beef and ramen noodles makes this a filling meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Kid-friendly: The familiar flavors of ramen and beef are perfect for picky eaters, making it a great option for families.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 egg (optional, for topping)
How to Make Ground Beef Ramen Skillet
- Cook the ground beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. - Sauté the aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Prepare the sauce:
Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add 2 cups of water to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. - Cook the ramen noodles:
Add the ramen noodles to the skillet, breaking them up into smaller pieces. Cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 3-4 minutes, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the sauce. - Combine with the beef:
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, mixing it into the noodles and sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld. - Fry the egg (optional):
For an extra touch, you can fry an egg in a separate pan. Top each serving of the ramen skillet with a fried egg for added richness. - Serve and garnish:
Serve the Ground Beef Ramen Skillet hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and flavor. - Enjoy:
Your Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is now ready to enjoy! This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious and satisfying.
Tips
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the skillet for extra nutrients and color.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha for an extra kick of heat.
- Use different noodles: While ramen noodles work perfectly, you can also substitute them with other types of noodles, like udon or rice noodles, for a different texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegan option: Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute for the ground beef, and make sure to use soy sauce and vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce.
- Add an egg: For extra richness, top the dish with a fried egg, soft-boiled egg, or scrambled egg.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole wheat ramen: For a healthier version, use whole wheat ramen noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add more vegetables: To make the dish more nutritious, toss in some leafy greens like kale, spinach, or bok choy, and additional veggies like mushrooms, peas, or broccoli.
Closing
And there you have it! Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a simple, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and is packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to please. Don’t forget to let us know how your ramen skillet turns out, and be sure to check out more of our easy, flavorful recipes for more dinner inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life. - Can I use instant ramen?
Yes! Instant ramen works great for this recipe. Just discard the seasoning packet and use the noodles in the same way as the ramen noodles. - How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want more heat, you can add sriracha, chili paste, or more red pepper flakes to the dish. - Can I use ground pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground pork works just as well in this dish. You can also mix it with ground beef for a richer flavor. - Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add any vegetables you like! Carrots, bell peppers, peas, or bok choy all make great additions. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water. - Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. - What can I serve with this ramen skillet?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or even some crispy spring rolls. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure that the soy sauce and other sauces you use are gluten-free to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.