Ramen Noodles With Ground Beef And Vegetables
This easy-to-make dish combines the ground beef with colorful vegetables, all nestled in a bowl of ramen noodles.
Ingredients
For the beef and vegetable mix:
- 1 lb ground beef lean or regular
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 1 medium carrot peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen peas or fresh, if you prefer
- 1 cup corn kernels optional, frozen or fresh
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil for added flavor, optional
For the ramen:
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles discard the seasoning packets
- 4 cups water or low-sodium broth for extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
For garnishing:
- 1-2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a small drizzle of oil (vegetable or olive oil) over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain any excess fat, leaving about 1-2 teaspoons in the pan for flavor.
Add Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
- Stir-fry the vegetables with the beef for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the peas and corn (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes.
Prepare the Ramen:
- While the beef and veggies are cooking, bring a separate pot of water to a boil (about 4 cups of water for 2 packs of noodles).
- Add the ramen noodles to the boiling water, cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes), and then drain the noodles.
Combine the Ramen and Beef Mixture:
- Once the noodles are cooked and drained, add them to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional). Stir everything together until well combined and the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve:
- Stir everything thoroughly so that the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or sesame oil, if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes for an added touch of flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For a more vibrant, crunchy texture, feel free to use fresh vegetables. You can replace frozen peas and corn with fresh versions if preferred.
- Add Protein Variations: If you want to change things up, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a different flavor or a lighter option.
- Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding a pinch of ginger, chili flakes, or garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Broth for Extra Flavor: If you're looking for a richer flavor, use chicken or beef broth instead of water to cook the ramen noodles. This will add depth to the dish.