Ground Beef Ramen Skillet

Look, instant ramen is a delight. It’s super quick, it’s super cheap, and it also manages to be super tasty, so there’s absolutely nothing wrong with making it just as the package intends you to. But! There are tons of ways you can use that ramen packet that are a little more elevated than how you cooked it in your college dorm room. Case in point, this Ground Beef Ramen Skillet. It takes that very same packet of quick-cooking noodles and uses them in a salty, savory stir fry that still makes for a super quick meal, but feels a little more well-rounded and unique. (Thanks beef and veggies!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is not just a meal; it’s an experience! You’ll love how it transforms humble instant noodles into a hearty, satisfying dish packed with protein and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet delicious. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to switch up your ramen game.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs
• Large pot

Ingredients

Main 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in ginger and garlic. Stir briefly for 15 seconds, then push to the side of the skillet.
4. Increase heat to high, then add ground beef to the pan. Let sit undisturbed for 30 seconds, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the meat and cook until no longer pink.
5. While the 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 of olive oil. Set aside.
6. Reduce skillet heat to medium-high, then add in bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Let cook until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes.
7. Stir the sauce one more time, then add to the skillet along with the ramen noodles. Cook and toss everything together with tongs until the sauce has thickened and coated everything, about 2-4 minutes.
8. To serve, sprinkle green onion and sesame seeds over the dish. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. This stir fry moves quickly!
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.
• Ensure the noodles are slightly undercooked before adding them to the skillet, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the beef for chicken or tofu. You can also add a splash of lime juice for an extra zesty flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While this dish is rich in flavor, it also provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables. It’s a well-rounded meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different noodles?

Absolutely! While instant ramen noodles are convenient, you can substitute them with soba or udon noodles if you prefer.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from the Sriracha. Adjust the amount to your taste or omit it for a non-spicy version.

Conclusion

Ready to transform your instant ramen into something spectacular? Give this Ground Beef Ramen Skillet a try and experience the magic of a well-crafted stir fry. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!