Ground Beef Ramen Skillet:
Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal that brings together the comforting elements of ramen noodles and the savory richness of ground beef. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
With its combination of tender noodles, seasoned beef, and vibrant vegetables, Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that is sure to please the whole family.
The foundation of this dish begins with ground beef, which is known for its versatility and ability to absorb flavors. Typically, lean ground beef is used, providing a rich and meaty base for the dish. To prepare the skillet, the ground beef is first browned in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
As it cooks, it is broken up into small pieces, allowing it to brown evenly and develop a delicious caramelized flavor. The aroma of sizzling beef fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a comforting meal.
Once the ground beef is cooked through, a medley of aromatics is added to enhance the flavor profile. Common additions include minced garlic, diced onions, and grated ginger, which infuse the dish with their fragrant and savory notes.
These ingredients are sautéed until they become tender and aromatic, creating a flavorful base that complements the beef beautifully.
along with enough broth or water to cook them. The broth can be homemade or store-bought, and it adds depth and richness to the dish. As the noodles cook, they absorb the flavors of the beef and broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
To elevate the dish further, a variety of vegetables can be added to the skillet. Common choices include sliced bell peppers, carrots, and green onions, which not only add color and texture but also provide a nutritional boost.
The vegetables are added to the skillet and cooked until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant colors and fresh flavors. This combination of beef, noodles, and vegetables creates a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Seasoning is key to achieving the perfect flavor in Ground Beef Ramen Skillet. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of chili paste or sriracha can be added to enhance the umami flavor and provide a hint of heat.
These seasonings are stirred into the skillet, coating the noodles and beef with a savory glaze that ties all the elements together. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and aroma, making it hard to resist.
Once everything is cooked and well combined, the Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is ready to be served. It can be plated directly from the skillet, showcasing the colorful medley of beef, noodles, and vegetables. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions on top adds a finishing touch, enhancing the presentation and providing a bit of crunch.
Each bite of Ground Beef Ramen Skillet offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender noodles are coated in a savory sauce, while the ground beef provides a rich and hearty element. The crisp vegetables add freshness and color, creating a well-balanced dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, additional chili flakes or hot sauce can be added for an extra kick. Alternatively, different proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or tofu can be used in place of beef, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is perfect for serving as a quick weeknight dinner, and it can easily be made ahead of time for meal prep. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a delicious lunch or dinner the next day.
In summary, Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal that combines the comforting elements of ramen noodles with the savory richness of ground beef and vibrant vegetables. With its delicious combination of flavors and textures, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion when you crave a satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed by the family or served at a casual gathering, Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is sure to become a favorite in any recipe collection.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 large white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 2 cups broccoli florets, diced
- 3/4 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 3 packages instant ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FOR SERVING:
- Green onion, minced
- Sesame seeds
PREPARATION
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: the cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and black pepper. Set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onion and cook until soft, 4-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium, then stir in ginger and garlic. Stir briefly, 15 seconds, then push to the side of the skillet.
Increase heat to high, then add ground beef to pan. Let sit undisturbed for 30 seconds, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart meat and cook until no longer pink.
While beef cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ramen noodles and cook 1 1/2 minutes less than package directions indicate. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon oil. Set aside.
Reduce skillet heat to medium-high, then add in bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Let cook until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, 3-4 minutes.
Stir sauce one more time, then add to skillet along with ramen noodles. Cook and toss everything together with tongs until sauce has thickened and coated everything, 2-4 minutes.
To serve, sprinkle green onion and sesame seeds over. Enjoy!