Easy One-Pan Skillet Ramen with Ground Beef, Corn & Peas: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal
Discover the ultimate solution for busy weeknights with this incredibly easy and flavorful one-pan skillet ramen. Combining hearty ground beef with vibrant diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and tender peas, this dish transforms simple ramen noodles into a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and promises minimal cleanup, making it a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Skillet Ramen Recipe
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding a meal that is both delicious and requires minimal effort can feel like a culinary quest. This Easy Skillet Ramen checks all the boxes, offering a fantastic blend of convenience and taste. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a household favorite:
- Unbeatable Speed: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this is the ideal meal for those evenings when time is of the essence. No lengthy prep or simmering required, just quick cooking in a single pan.
- Effortless One-Pan Cleanup: The magic of a one-pan meal cannot be overstated. All the cooking happens in a single skillet, which means less washing up afterwards. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Featuring common pantry staples like ground beef, canned vegetables, and instant ramen noodles, this recipe is incredibly economical. It’s a smart choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Rich & Satisfying Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, the umami kick from the ramen seasoning, and the fresh sweetness of corn and peas creates a balanced and deeply satisfying flavor profile. The diced tomatoes add a tangy depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Highly Customizable: While the core recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a blank canvas for customization. Add your favorite vegetables, switch up the protein, or experiment with different seasonings to make it uniquely yours.
- Kid-Friendly Approval: This dish is a hit with kids! The familiar taste of ramen noodles, combined with tender ground beef and colorful vegetables, makes it an appealing option for even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student looking for a quick and nutritious meal, or simply someone who appreciates a fuss-free dinner, this Skillet Ramen recipe is designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier. It’s comfort food redefined, offering warmth, flavor, and convenience in every spoonful.
Ingredients for Your Skillet Ramen: Simple & Savory
This recipe shines with its simplicity, relying on readily available ingredients that come together to create a harmonious and flavorful dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:
- 1 pound Ground Beef: The foundation of our skillet ramen, ground beef provides a rich, savory base. Opt for a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess fat, or drain thoroughly after browning. You could also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative, or a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist.
- 6 ounces Ramen Noodles (any flavor, with seasoning packet): Instant ramen noodles are the star of this dish, offering quick-cooking convenience and that unmistakable chewy texture. While the recipe calls for “any flavor,” the included seasoning packet is crucial for the dish’s distinct umami profile. Feel free to use your favorite brand or flavor. If you’re concerned about sodium, you can use half of the seasoning packet or supplement with your own blend of garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of sugar, and soy sauce.
- 15 ounces can Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Diced tomatoes bring a lovely acidity and moisture to the dish, preventing it from being too heavy. Using them undrained adds valuable liquid for cooking the noodles and infusing flavor. If you prefer a smoother sauce, crushed tomatoes can be used.
- 15 ounces can Corn (undrained): Sweet corn adds bursts of natural sweetness and a pleasant texture. Like the tomatoes, using it undrained contributes to the liquid base. Fresh or frozen corn can also be used; just ensure enough liquid is available for the noodles.
- 1 cup Frozen Peas: Peas introduce a pop of green color and tender sweetness. They cook quickly, making them a perfect addition towards the end of the cooking process. No need to thaw beforehand.
Essential Pantry Staples You Might Need:
While not explicitly listed in the main ingredients, you’ll likely need a splash of water to ensure the ramen noodles cook perfectly, especially if your canned goods don’t provide enough liquid to fully submerge them. A little oil for browning the beef is also recommended if your pan isn’t non-stick or your beef isn’t very fatty.
How to Make Skillet Ramen: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this skillet ramen is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal in no time:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add your 1 pound of ground beef to the hot pan. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step ensures your final dish isn’t too oily.
- Combine & Cook: With the beef browned and drained, it’s time to bring all the flavors together. To the skillet, add the 15 ounces can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Next, take your 6 ounces of ramen noodles. Break the dry noodle blocks into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inches) to help them cook evenly and mix well with the other ingredients. Add the broken ramen noodles along with their seasoning packet to the beef and tomatoes. Follow with the 15 ounces can of corn (undrained) and the 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Add Liquid (if needed) & Simmer: Check the liquid level in your skillet. The ramen noodles need to be mostly submerged to cook properly. If the liquid from the tomatoes and corn isn’t enough to cover the noodles, add a splash of water (about 1/2 to 1 cup) until the noodles are just covered. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the noodles to cook through and absorb the delicious flavors from the broth and vegetables.
- Serve and Enjoy: After 10 minutes, check the noodles. They should be tender and fully cooked. If they’re still a bit firm, add a little more water and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until desired tenderness is reached. Remove from heat, give it a final stir, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dash of sriracha if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Ramen
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few tips can elevate your skillet ramen from good to absolutely great:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Ramen noodles cook quickly. Keep an eye on them during the simmering phase to ensure they don’t become mushy. They should be tender with a slight chew.
- Adjust Liquid to Your Liking: If you prefer a saucier ramen, add a little more water than suggested. For a drier, more stir-fry like consistency, use less liquid or cook uncovered for the last few minutes to allow some to evaporate.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: The ramen seasoning packet provides a good base, but don’t hesitate to taste and adjust. You might want to add a pinch of salt, a dash of soy sauce, a hint of garlic powder, or a sprinkle of black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Drain Beef Thoroughly: For a less greasy dish, make sure to properly drain the fat from the ground beef after browning. This keeps the dish lighter and prevents an oily residue.
Customize Your Skillet Ramen: Endless Possibilities
One of the best aspects of this skillet ramen is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences or whatever you have on hand:
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating other quick-cooking vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, shredded carrots, spinach (stir in at the very end), or even chopped broccoli florets would be excellent additions.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other ingredients, or drizzle with sriracha or chili oil before serving.
- Alternative Proteins: As mentioned, ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based ground meat work wonderfully. You could also add cooked, shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Flavor Boosters: A tablespoon of soy sauce, a dash of rice vinegar, or a teaspoon of ginger paste can add layers of authentic Asian flavor. A swirl of sesame oil at the end provides a nutty aroma.
- Garnishes Galore: Top your finished ramen with chopped green onions (scallions), a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a soft-boiled egg, or even a handful of crushed peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Cheese Please? For a unique fusion twist, some enjoy stirring in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese after cooking until melted. It creates a creamy, indulgent version.
Serving Suggestions and Leftovers
This skillet ramen is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, if you want to complement it, consider serving it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry, or microwave until heated through.
This Easy One-Pan Skillet Ramen is more than just a quick meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, adaptable to your taste, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a new family favorite!
Recipe: Easy Skillet Ramen
Easy Skillet Ramen
Mary Ann
20
mins
20
mins
Main Dish
Asian
4
servings
467
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 ounces Ramen noodles, any flavor (with seasoning packet)
- 15 ounces can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 15 ounces can corn, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Water (as needed, to cover noodles)
Instructions
- Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- To the skillet, add the 15 ounces can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Break up the 6 ounces of ramen noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the beef along with the ramen seasoning packet, 15 ounces can of corn (undrained), and 1 cup of frozen peas. Add water if needed to just cover the noodles.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the noodles are fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your quick and delicious one-pan meal!
Nutrition per serving
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 14 g
Sodium: 1268 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Net Carbohydrates: 46 g
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