This Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a fun and tasty one-pan meal. With juicy ground beef, tender ramen noodles, and colorful veggies, it’s quick to make and easy to love!
I enjoy how everything cooks together nicely, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can throw in any veggies you have on hand. It’s like a party for your taste buds! 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of the dish! Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Plant-based ground meat is also a great choice for vegetarians.
Ramen Noodles: Traditional ramen works great here, but you can also use any type of instant noodles. Whole grain or egg noodles serve as tasty alternatives. Just remember to discard those seasoning packets!
Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch. If you don’t have it, snap peas or green beans can substitute well. Frozen broccoli works too if you’re in a hurry.
Bell Peppers: I love the color and sweetness of red and yellow peppers, but feel free to use green or even other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring an amazing flavor. If you can’t find fresh, garlic powder (1/4 tsp) and ground ginger (1/8 tsp) can work in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to to keep the dish flavorful without too much salt. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste.
How Do I Get the Vegetables Just Right?
Cooking your veggies is key to getting that perfect texture. Start with the beef first, and then follow with the garlic and ginger. When adding vegetables, aim for vibrant and slightly tender but still crunchy veggies.
- After adding the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, stir-fry for just 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat. This keeps them colorful and tasty!
- If you like them softer, you can cover the skillet for a minute to help them steam a bit, but keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness.
How to Make Ground Beef Ramen Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 packs of ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Ramen Skillet takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and 15 minutes cooking everything in the skillet. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor! If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir it all together for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant. This will give your dish a wonderful aroma!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Cook everything for about 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to be colorful and slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Prepare the Ramen Noodles:
While the veggies are cooking, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, but aim to undercook them by about 1-2 minutes. Once they’re done, drain and set them aside.
5. Combine Everything:
Now that your vegetables are tender, add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet along with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha if you like some heat. Toss everything together well until it’s heated through and nicely combined. If it seems a bit too dry, just splash in a little water to loosen it up.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. Now, dig in and enjoy your flavorful Ground Beef Ramen Skillet!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as leaner meats may cook faster, and if using tofu, dice it and sauté until golden before adding the vegetables.
What if I Don’t Have Broccoli or Bell Peppers?
No worries! You can easily swap in other vegetables such as snap peas, spinach, or zucchini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s tenderness. Add softer veggies, like spinach, towards the end to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish can be prepared in advance. Just cook the ground beef and veggies, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, heat it in a skillet and add the undercooked ramen noodles with a splash of water to rehydrate them.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. A little extra splash of water while reheating will help bring back moisture!
