Name: American Chop Suey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

American Chop Suey is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and comes together in one pot for easy cleanup. The balance of flavorful meat sauce and tender pasta makes it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s also a great make-ahead meal, perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Elbow macaroni
Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Green bell pepper, chopped
Garlic, minced
Crushed or diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste (optional, for a richer flavor)
Worcestershire sauce
Italian seasoning
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)

Directions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
If desired, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Cheesy American Chop Suey: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetable-packed: Include diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Italian twist: Use marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce for a deeper flavor.
Turkey version: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Why is it called American Chop Suey?

The name reflects a mix of ingredients—similar to Chinese “chop suey”—but this version is purely American, featuring pasta, beef, and tomato sauce.

Can I bake this dish?

Yes! Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

What pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce?

Absolutely—it saves time and adds extra flavor.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Add Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of sugar, or a splash of red wine for depth.

Is American Chop Suey the same as goulash?

They’re very similar—American Chop Suey is essentially the New England version of American goulash.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered until it reduces, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

What side dishes go with it?

Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Conclusion

American Chop Suey is a timeless, comforting classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. With its simple ingredients, hearty flavor, and one-pot convenience, it’s a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this flavorful pasta dish will always hit the spot.

American Chop Suey

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American Chop Suey is a classic New England comfort dish made with elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or nostalgic family dinners.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
If desired, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to the sauce.
To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Bake topped with cheese for a bubbly casserole-style version.
Freezes well for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 65mg