There’s something deeply nostalgic about a hearty plate of American Chop Suey, and this Easy American Chop Suey Recipe brings that beloved comfort to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you grew up calling it American Goulash, beefaroni, or simply “that pasta and beef dish,” this one-pot wonder is a weeknight lifesaver and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family, this dish is a no-fuss classic that tastes like home. Imagine tender elbow macaroni swimming in a rich, savory tomato sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef and a medley of sautéed onions and peppers. It’s cozy, satisfying, and comes together in under 45 minutes.
If you’re after a meal that marries convenience with comfort, this Easy American Chop Suey Recipe is the one you’ll want to pin, print, and keep on repeat.
Table of contents
Recipe card
American Chop Suey
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes320
kcalAmerican chop suey is a comforting pasta dish combining elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a savory tomato sauce, making it an easy, hearty meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato base: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy your American chop suey!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce to the tomato mixture.
- You can make this recipe in advance and reheat it, as the flavors deepen over time.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition.
Why This Easy American Chop Suey Recipe Works
What sets this American Chop Suey Recipe apart from the rest is its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity. First, let’s talk about the sauce, it’s rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, thanks to a touch of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. These small additions elevate the flavor without complicating the cooking process.
Next, the vegetable base, we use onions, garlic, and green bell peppers for classic flavor, but you can always swap in mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini if you prefer. This flexibility makes the recipe great for using up leftovers or sneaking in extra veggies for picky eaters.
Then there’s the beef. Browning it with a pinch of Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) ensures the meat is packed with flavor before it ever hits the sauce.
Customization is key here:
- Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF pasta.
- Vegetarian? Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils.
- Low-carb? Skip the pasta and serve the sauce over roasted spaghetti squash or steamed veggies.
Finally, it’s a one-pot meal (or nearly so, if you cook pasta separately), making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, this recipe scales beautifully and stores even better.
Additional Tips
- Choose Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85% lean) to avoid excessive fat while still retaining flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey works well too.
- Al Dente Pasta: Be sure to cook your macaroni until just al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
- Enhance the Sauce: Adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce can bring out rich, tangy undertones.
- Cheese Finish: While cheddar is the most common choice, try mozzarella for a gooey finish, or Parmesan for a sharper, nuttier flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: American chop suey stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
- One-Pot Version: To minimize cleanup, you can cook everything in one large pot by boiling the pasta, draining it, and then using the same pot for the sauce and beef.
American Chop Suey Recipe Variants:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with plant-based ground meat or simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Add Italian sausage or chorizo instead of ground beef for a spicier and heartier version.
- Cheesy Baked Chop Suey: Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap the elbow macaroni for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Serving Suggestions for Easy American Chop Suey Recipe
Make your Easy American Chop Suey Recipe meal even better with these simple serving ideas:
- Bread: Serve with garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, or soft dinner rolls.
- Salads: Pair with a green garden salad, Caesar salad, or cucumber-tomato salad for freshness.
- Garnishes: Top with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, or red pepper flakes.
- Extras: Add a bowl of soup on the side, like this Crock Pot Celery and Carrot Soup.
- Drinks: Complement with iced tea, sparkling water, or red wine for adults.
These easy sides and toppings make it a complete and balanced meal.
FAQ about the recipe for American chop suey:
American chop suey is a pasta-based dish popular in the northeastern U.S., made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce. Despite the name, it has no connection to the Chinese dish “chop suey.”
Yes! This dish freezes very well. Simply store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
You can make a healthier version by using whole-wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and adding more vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Easy American Chop Suey Recipe is simple, cozy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s comfort food at its best. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour and perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
If you enjoyed this dish, try the Easy Beefaroni Recipe for a similar one-pot favorite. Craving more baked pasta? This Baked Spaghetti Recipe is just as satisfying. Want something with a Southern twist? Check out this flavorful Dirty Rice Recipe with Ground Beef.
With recipes like these, dinner will always be delicious and stress-free.
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