When you want dinner to be quick, comforting, and full of flavor, this Ground Beef Ramen Skillet hits the spot every time. Think savory, stir-fried beef, tender ramen noodles, and pops of veggie color—all cooked in one skillet with pantry staples.
It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, student-friendly meals, or when you’re craving takeout but want something homemade and budget-friendly.
Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner. Drawing from your love for savory, quick meals (like the Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry ) and flavorful skillet dishes (like the Vibrant Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl ), this ramen skillet is a delicious, budget-friendly must-try. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 25 Minutes: From stovetop to table in less than half an hour.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like ramen noodles.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic—need we say more?
- Family-Friendly: Customizable to picky or adventurous palates.
- Great for Meal Prep: Heats up beautifully the next day.
What you will need + Substitution Options
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 🥩 Ground Beef | 1 lb | Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumble |
| 🍜 Ramen Noodles | 2 packs (no flavor pkt) | Udon, soba, or rice noodles |
| 🥕 Frozen Peas & Carrots | 1 cup | Fresh chopped veggies or frozen stir-fry mix |
| 🧄 Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Garlic powder (½ tsp) or shallots |
| 🥄 Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp | Tamari (GF), coconut aminos |
| 🧂 Salt | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste—soy sauce adds some saltiness |
| 🌶️ Black Pepper | ½ tsp | Red pepper flakes or white pepper |
| 🥄 Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp | Olive oil (for less flavor), or chili oil (for heat) |
| 🌿 Green Onions | 2 tbsp, chopped | Chives, scallions, or cilantro |
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Tip: For extra flavor, let the beef sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring.
Add Garlic
Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Add Veggies
Mix in 1 cup frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until heated through and softened.
Tip: You can use any frozen stir-fry veggie blend or even shredded cabbage.
Add Noodles & Sauce
Break 2 packs of ramen noodles in half and place over the mixture. Add:
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Cover and simmer for 4–5 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook or the noodles may get mushy—remove from heat once tender.
Season & Serve
Stir in:
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Optional Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, chili oil, or a fried egg on top!
Optional Add-Ins & Customizations
- Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or gochujang.
- Umami Boost – Stir in 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach.
- Creamy Twist – Mix in 1 tbsp peanut butter or a splash of coconut milk.
- Protein Boost – Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Based on 4 servings using standard ground beef and instant noodles.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen noodles.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner protein alternative.
- Ramen Noodles → Rice Noodles: Gluten-free noodle swap.
- Peas and Carrots → Broccoli: Colorful veggie substitute.
- Soy Sauce → Tamari: Gluten-free umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil → Olive Oil: Milder cooking oil.
What to Serve with Flavorful Ground Beef Ramen Skillet
- Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing with rice vinegar dressing.
- Edamame: Steamed and salted for a protein boost.
- Iced Green Tea: Crisp and complementary to Asian flavors.
- Kimchi: Spicy and tangy for a fermented kick.
- Miso Soup: Warm and savory for a cozy pairing.
FAQs
Can I make ground beef ramen spicy?
Absolutely! Add chili oil, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.
What type of ramen should I use?
Any instant ramen without flavor packets will work. You can also use shelf-stable udon or rice noodles.
What’s the best meat substitute?
Ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled tofu work great. For a vegan option, try lentils or a meat-free crumble.
How do I keep noodles from getting soggy?
Cook noodles just until tender and serve immediately. For leftovers, store noodles separately or reheat with a splash of water to loosen.
Ground Beef Ramen Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Knife and cutting board (for garlic and green onions)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for measuring ingredients)
- Serving bowls or plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles flavor packets discarded
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp green onions chopped
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in frozen peas and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ramen noodles and soy sauce, then pour in 2 cups of water, cover, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
This Flavorful Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is the dinner solution you’ve been looking for—quick, tasty, and endlessly customizable. With hearty beef, chewy noodles, and a garlicky soy-sesame finish, it’s like comfort food with an upgrade.
Perfect for last-minute meals, budget-conscious cooking, or just a weeknight pick-me-up, this dish delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite. So grab that skillet and let’s make ramen magic happen!
