Description
This Crock Pot Taco Ramen is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Asian flavors, combining savory taco-seasoned beef with tender ramen noodles in a slow-cooked broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this hearty dish features ground beef, black beans, corn, and a blend of vegetables simmered to perfection in a crock pot, topped with melted cheddar cheese and customizable garnishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
Beans and Corn
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
Pasta and Cheese
- 3 packs ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content and ensure a cleaner flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add the taco seasoning, diced onion, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables become tender and aromatic.
- Transfer to Crock Pot and Add Ingredients: Move the beef and vegetable mixture into the crock pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice), beef broth, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Mixture: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften.
- Add Ramen Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, break the ramen noodles into smaller chunks and stir them into the crock pot. Replace the cover and continue cooking until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate Cheese and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to make a leaner version.
- For a spicier dish, use hot diced tomatoes or add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- The ramen noodles tend to absorb broth over time; add extra beef broth if the soup becomes too thick before serving.
