Oh, you guys, this Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef is about to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender beef simmered in a rich, fragrant curry broth, then poured over perfectly cooked ramen noodles. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, so you can just sit back, relax, and let the flavors meld together in the most comforting way. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s cozy, spicy, and has all the umami you could ever dream of. Ready to dive in?
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef
This recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a moment of pure comfort, the kind that makes you want to curl up with a big bowl and just savor each bite. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a busy day or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this dish fits every occasion. And the best part? It’s just as tasty when made ahead, so it’s great for meal prep.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe proves that you can make something hearty and flavorful without breaking the bank. Plus, the beef is so tender after slow-cooking that it feels like a luxurious dish.
Quick and Easy: The slow cooker does all the hard work, so you don’t have to hover over the stove. Just prep the ingredients, toss them in, and let the magic happen.
Customizable: Love extra heat? Add some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Prefer a milder version? Skip the spice and enjoy the curry’s rich, aromatic flavors. You can adjust it however you like!
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving guests, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering curry ramen. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor:
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in the curry broth. The beef adds rich, savory depth to the dish.
Ramen Noodles: The star of the dish! You’ll want to use fresh or dried ramen noodles that will soak up all that curry goodness. They become perfectly tender and flavorful as they cook in the broth.
Curry Powder: The magic ingredient that infuses the broth with warmth and spice. The curry powder gives this dish its signature flavor without being overpowering.
Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to balance out the spices in the curry. It helps create a smooth, silky broth that coats the noodles perfectly.
Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: These aromatics form the foundation of the curry’s deep flavor. The onion softens and sweetens in the slow cooker, while the garlic and ginger add fragrant, zesty notes.
Beef Broth: The liquid that ties everything together, enriching the curry with savory depth.
Soy Sauce: For a savory umami punch. The soy sauce adds a touch of saltiness that enhances all the flavors.
Vegetables (Carrots, Mushrooms, and Spinach): A mix of hearty vegetables to complement the beef and noodles. The carrots and mushrooms soak up the curry flavors, while the spinach wilts perfectly into the soup.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now let’s break down how to make this delicious curry ramen with minimal effort:
Prep the Beef: Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into large chunks. This will allow the meat to become tender faster and soak up all that curry goodness.
Prepare the Aromatics: Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. These three ingredients will bring the flavor to life when they simmer in the slow cooker.
Load the Slow Cooker: Place the beef, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, mushrooms, soy sauce, curry powder, beef broth, and coconut milk into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover the slow cooker.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender. This is where the magic happens—the beef becomes so tender and the broth so rich and flavorful.
Prepare the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: Once the beef is tender and the broth is bubbling with flavor, remove the beef chunks and shred them with two forks. Add the shredded beef back into the slow cooker. Toss in the spinach and let it wilt into the broth.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the curry beef mixture over the cooked ramen noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired. Then dive in and enjoy the comforting, spicy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef
This curry ramen is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some perfect pairings to take it up a notch:
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the curry and add some freshness to the meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: A small side of pickled vegetables (like kimchi or pickled cucumbers) provides a nice contrast to the warm curry and noodles.
- Crusty Bread: A chunk of crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the flavorful curry broth, soaking up every drop of goodness.
- Steamed Rice: For a more filling option, serve the ramen alongside steamed rice to really make it a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the beef and vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This will make the morning prep even easier!
- Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, add some chili paste or fresh chili slices to the broth for an extra kick.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and the noodles will soak up even more of the curry broth.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the broth and beef mixture separately from the noodles. Reheat the broth and beef, then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes! You can use other cuts like beef stew meat or short ribs, but chuck roast is the best for slow cooking because it becomes so tender.
Q2: Can I make this dish spicier?
A2: Absolutely! Add extra curry powder, chili flakes, or even a dash of sriracha to the broth for more heat.
Q3: Can I use instant noodles instead of ramen?
A3: While ramen noodles give the best texture, instant noodles will work in a pinch. Just be careful not to overcook them!
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store the cooked curry beef mixture in the fridge, and cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove for the best texture.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes! The curry beef mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Just freeze the broth and beef separately from the noodles.
Q7: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A7: Absolutely! Replace the beef with tofu, tempeh, or even extra mushrooms, and use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Q8: What kind of curry powder should I use?
A8: Use a good quality yellow curry powder, which has a mild and slightly sweet flavor. If you prefer a stronger spice profile, you can use a hot curry powder or add some garam masala.
Q9: Can I make this dish in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
A9: Yes! You can cook the beef on the stove over low heat, but it will take a bit more attention to make sure the beef doesn’t dry out.
Q10: Can I add other vegetables?
A10: Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, flavorful hug. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any day when you need something hearty and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing it with friends, this dish is sure to impress. So, toss those ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the hard work for you. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
PrintSlow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef
This Slow Cooker Curry Ramen with Beef is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender beef, a fragrant coconut curry broth, and soft ramen noodles. Topped with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and a soft-boiled egg, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (Slow Cooker) / 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (Slow Cooker) / 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broth:
- 2½ to 3-pound chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 (12.5-ounce) can coconut milk, shaken
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Add-ins:
- 3 heads baby bok choy, halved
- 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup sliced green onions, plus more for serving
- 2 (4-ounce) packages dried ramen noodles
- 6 soft-boiled eggs, halved, for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
- Prepare the Beef: Season the chuck roast pieces with kosher salt. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, sear the beef in batches, browning all sides (about 15 minutes total).
- Prepare the Broth: In a slow cooker, whisk together chicken stock, coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
- Cook the Beef: Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker, ensuring it is submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker using tongs. Shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Add Vegetables and Noodles: Add bok choy, mushrooms, and green onions to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes until the bok choy is almost tender. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and add ramen noodles. Cook for another 15 minutes, or until the ramen is tender.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the ramen into six bowls. Top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg, additional green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Method:
- Sauté the Beef: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Season the beef with salt, then brown all sides in hot oil in batches. This will take about 15 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Prepare the Broth: Discard excess fat from the Instant Pot. Add chicken stock, coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until combined.
- Pressure Cook: Return the beef to the Instant Pot, ensuring it is submerged. Secure the lid and set to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining steam.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef and shred with two forks, discarding any fat.
- Cook the Vegetables and Noodles: Set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add bok choy, mushrooms, and green onions, simmering for 3-5 minutes until the bok choy is almost tender. Add the shredded beef and ramen. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Divide the ramen into bowls. Top with soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red curry paste depending on your desired spice level.
- You can substitute other vegetables like spinach or napa cabbage for the bok choy.
- This recipe can also be made on the stovetop, though cooking times will vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 526kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 175mg