My Three Favorite Ramen Noodle Recipes

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

For years I've heard of how college students subsisted on Ramen noodles in order to stay within tight budgets. I was fortunate enough to live at home during my college years, so I ate well without having to give thought to a food budget. A couple of years ago, though, my husband introduced me to Ramen noodles, and I've been hooked ever since. I'd like to share my three favorite Ramen noodle recipes with you.

Noodle soup has never appealed so me, so we got creative and made up our own recipes. They are all fast, easy, and only require a few inexpensive ingredients.

Ramen and Meat Sauce

Serving size: For one person

This one is great for whenever we have a taste for spaghetti. Most of the time we make it this way -- with the meat sauce; other times we use meatballs.

What's needed:
1 pack Ramen noodles
1 pound ground beef
Tomato sauce
Chili powder
Seasoned salt
Garlic powder
Pepper
Parmesan cheese

Brown ground beef over medium heat. Add tomato sauce, chili powder, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper to taste.

Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Stir frequently.

Boil Ramen noodles for three minutes. Strain.

Put strained Ramen noodles on plate.

Ladle chili mixture over the top.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!


Ramen Fettuccine

Serving size: For one person

This is my favorite Ramen recipe. I could eat it every day and not get tired of it. It's rich and creamy and satisfying to the palate.

What's needed:
2 tablespoons real butter
1/2 cup canned milk
1/4 cup water
Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder

In a nonstick sauce pan combine the butter, canned milk, and water.

Cover and simmer on medium-high heat until it begins to thicken (about 20 minutes or so). Stir frequently.

Add garlic powder to taste and blend in.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Boil one pack of Ramen noodles for three minutes. Strain.

Add Ramen noodles to plate.

Cover with fettuccine sauce.

Eat and enjoy.

This recipe is also delicious as a side dish to grilled chicken breasts.


Ramen and Veggies

Serving size: For one person

A great recipe for meatless day. Tasty, medium caloric value, and filling.

What's needed:
2 tablespoons chopped red pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons chopped yellow pepper
A handful of washed torn kale pieces
Olive oil
Canola oil
Butter
Seasoned salt
Garlic powder
Pepper
1 Ramen seasoning packet
Parmesan cheese

Add enough olive oil, canola oil, and butter to cover the bottom of a nonstick sauté pan over medium heat.

Add the peppers and kale to the oil. Saute for 10 to 15 minutes or until peppers caramelize slightly.
Add all seasonings to taste.

Cover and let sit for five minutes on low heat.

Boil one pack of Ramen noodles for three minutes. Strain.

Add noodles to sautéed mixture and toss.

Cover and let sit for 10 minutes on low heat. Stir frequently.

Add meal to dish.

Bon appetit!
 

Sources:
Maruchan.com
Personal experience

*Photo: yoppy via Flickr

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices (no longer published there).]