If you’re craving a soul-soothing meal that brings together the heartiness of ground beef, the comforting chew of elbow macaroni, and a tangy, rich tomato sauce, then this American Chop Suey Recipe is exactly what you need. A beloved classic in New England homes, this dish delivers simple ingredients with maximum flavor, wrapping you up in a warm, satisfying hug with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you want a reliable, tasty comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this American Chop Suey Recipe lies in how approachable the ingredients are, each bringing something special to the table. From the tender elbow macaroni that holds the sauce spectacularly, to the savory ground beef that adds richness, every component plays a vital role in creating a balanced, flavorful dish.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for cradling sauce and ensuring every forkful is saucy and delicious.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a meaty depth that makes this dish super satisfying.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and subtle sharpness once sautéed, balancing the richness of the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant warmth and adds complexity to the sauce.
- 2 cups tomato sauce: Delivers that luscious, tangy base that ties the dish together with a vibrant red color.
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh crunch and slight sweetness, brightening the overall flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance and pull all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make American Chop Suey Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, make sure to drain the pasta well and set it aside. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta forms the foundation of a great American Chop Suey that isn’t mushy but holds texture beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This caramelization adds layers of savory flavor that make the dish irresistibly good. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
To the skillet with the beef, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook everything until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step develops those subtle yet essential flavors that make the sauce more dynamic and fresh.
Step 4: Simmer in Tomato Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring everything together, then let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Simmering helps the sauce thicken slightly and marry with the beef and vegetables, creating a rich, hearty base that’s just bursting with comforting flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix everything evenly. This is where the magic happens, as the sauce clings to every piece of pasta, ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of meat, sauce, and tender noodles. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve American Chop Suey Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top makes a delightful finish, melting slightly into the hot pasta for an extra layer of richness. Fresh chopped parsley adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceous brightness that balances the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
American Chop Suey is a hearty stew-like pasta, so it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while garlic bread or soft dinner rolls offer a perfect vehicle for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering American Chop Suey in a casserole dish topped with cheese and bake it until bubbly and golden on top. Alternatively, serve it stuffed inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful and creative presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover American Chop Suey stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, so the next-day taste can be even better.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for American Chop Suey Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap in small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. The key is using a shape that holds the sauce well for that comforting texture.
Is American Chop Suey the same as Asian chop suey?
Not at all. Despite the name, American Chop Suey is a classic New England dish with Italian-American roots, centered around pasta and tomato sauce, unlike the stir-fried vegetable and meat dish called chop suey in Chinese cuisine.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or simply increase the veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version of this hearty dish.
How spicy is this dish?
This American Chop Suey Recipe is naturally mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you crave a bit of heat.
What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce can deepen the flavor profile without complicating the simple charm of the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that comforts and satisfies every time, and this American Chop Suey Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s simple, hearty, and delicious, making it a go-to for busy evenings or any day you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace. I can’t wait for you to try making it and to hear how it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
American Chop Suey Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
American Chop Suey is a classic New England comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni combined with savory ground beef and a flavorful tomato sauce, enhanced with aromatic onions, garlic, and green bell peppers. This hearty and easy-to-make dish delivers satisfying homestyle flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté the vegetables: To the browned beef in the skillet, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook the mixture while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, taking care to not burn the garlic.
- Add the tomato sauce and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop flavors and thicken slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained cooked macaroni to the skillet with the simmered sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta in the rich tomato and beef mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Serve the American Chop Suey hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese for added richness.
Notes
- American Chop Suey is sometimes called “goulash” in various parts of the United States, though the dishes differ regionally.
- For extra richness and flavor, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top just before serving.
- You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or diced tomatoes for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
