Are you craving a quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious dinner? Look no further! This ground beef and ramen noodle stir-fry is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is easily customizable to your liking. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, making it an ideal addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's one of the best recipes for satisfying those ramen cravings in a more substantial and flavorful way.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (3-ounce) package ramen noodles, flavor packet reserved
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved ramen seasoning packet, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then add the ramen noodles. Stir to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and easy ground beef and ramen noodle stir-fry!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Protein boost: Include cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or cream cheese for a richer flavor.
- Different noodles: Substitute the ramen noodles with other types of noodles like spaghetti or udon.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is calculated for 4 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
This ground beef and ramen noodle stir-fry recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and customize it to your own taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious and easy meal!