American chop suey is a classic comfort food, combining tender elbow macaroni with flavorful ground beef and a rich tomato-based sauce. This American chop suey recipe is a favorite for busy weeknights because it’s simple to prepare, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re searching for a straightforward and delicious recipe for American chop suey, this version is sure to hit the spot!
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.
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.
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.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this American Chop Suey Recipe brings a taste of nostalgic comfort with each bite. It’s one of those dishes that gets even better as leftovers, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, it’s no wonder why American chop suey recipes remain a beloved staple in homes across the country.
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