The American chop suey recipe is a delicious, simple, and hearty meal that has been a comforting favorite in American households for decades. It combines ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce for a dish that is not only filling but also easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals ahead for the week, this American chop suey recipe is an absolute must-try.
What is American Chop Suey?
American chop suey is a pasta dish made with elbow macaroni, ground beef or turkey, and a tomato-based sauce that typically includes onions and bell peppers. Unlike traditional Chinese chop suey, which involves stir-frying, American chop suey is a one-pot pasta meal that’s rich, hearty, and full of comfort. Moreover, it’s a dish with strong roots in New England, often found in diners and at family gatherings. This simple yet satisfying dish has stood the test of time because of its ease of preparation and versatility.
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Why Is American Chop Suey So Popular?
There are many reasons why American chop suey has remained so beloved. First of all, it is incredibly simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients, many of which are already pantry staples. Additionally, it’s a meal that can easily be customized depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you opt for ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian version, American chop suey always satisfies.
Furthermore, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it for later, making it ideal for families or individuals with busy schedules. For more tips on how to cook ground beef perfectly, check out this helpful guide.
Ingredients for the Perfect American Chop Suey Recipe
To create a delicious American chop suey recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Ingredient Variations for Your American Chop Suey Recipe
- Meat alternatives: Use ground turkey for a lighter version, or substitute with plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- Extra vegetables: Add chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value.
- Spicy twist: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
If you’re interested in trying another savory homemade recipe, check out our Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a comforting, sweet dish perfect for snacks or breakfast.
How to Make American Chop Suey: Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta for American Chop Suey
The first step in creating your American chop suey recipe is cooking the pasta. Follow these simple instructions:
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside: Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Browning the Ground Beef for a Flavorful Base
Next, you will prepare the flavorful base for your American chop suey recipe by browning the ground beef.
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
- Drain the fat: Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Flavor
For added depth of flavor, you’ll cook the vegetables alongside the ground beef.
- Cook the onion and bell pepper: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Simmering the Tomato Sauce for Richness
The heart of any good American chop suey recipe is the sauce. Here’s how to make it:
- Add the tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer: Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combining the Pasta and Sauce for the Perfect American Chop Suey
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine everything:
- Mix pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Your American chop suey is now ready to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Variations on American Chop Suey
The beauty of the American chop suey recipe lies in its adaptability. There are countless ways to modify this dish to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with a plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or even extra vegetables.
- Low-carb variation: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Gluten-free version: Simply use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add a spicy kick: Include more red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce for a spicy variation.
For more creative ideas on using leftovers or discarded ingredients, check out our Sourdough Discard Breakfast Recipes for sustainable meal ideas.
Tips for Making the Best American Chop Suey
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your American chop suey recipe turns out perfect every time:
- Cook the pasta al dente: Make sure to cook your macaroni just until al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep the vegetables slightly firm to add texture to the dish.
- Balance the sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out slightly and help it coat the pasta evenly.
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Storing and Freezing Your American Chop Suey Recipe
American chop suey is a great dish to prepare in advance and store for later. Here’s how you can store and freeze it:
- Refrigerating leftovers: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, portion the chop suey into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop. Add a little water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
For more tips on how to properly freeze and reheat meals, check out our guide on Best Frozen Chicken Tenders.
What to Serve with American Chop Suey
Wondering what sides pair well with this comforting dish? Here are some perfect accompaniments:
- Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the rich sauce of American chop suey.
- Caesar salad: A refreshing Caesar salad adds crunch and balances the heaviness of the pasta dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli or carrots provide additional nutrients and texture.
FAQs About American Chop Suey
What’s the Difference Between American Chop Suey and Goulash?
Although both are pasta-based, American chop suey uses a tomato sauce and elbow macaroni, while goulash often includes paprika and can feature a variety of pasta or even potatoes. The sauces also differ, with chop suey being more tomato-focused.
Can You Make American Chop Suey in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! You can easily prepare American chop suey in a slow cooker by browning the meat and vegetables first, then transferring everything into the slow cooker. Add the pasta during the last hour to avoid overcooking.
For more slow cooker meals, check out our Slow Cooker Recipes Guide.
Is There a Meat-Free Version of American Chop
Suey?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with a vegetarian alternative like tofu, lentils, or even extra vegetables. The dish remains hearty and flavorful without the meat.
Conclusion: Savoring the Simplicity of American Chop Suey
Enjoy the Simplicity of American Chop Suey
Making American chop suey at home is not only easy, but also rewarding. From start to finish, you can have a delicious, comforting meal ready in no time. With just a few basic ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce, you can create a dish that’s both filling and satisfying. Moreover, the flexibility of this recipe means you can adapt it to suit your tastes, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. Once you try it, you’ll see why this American chop suey recipe remains a family favorite across generations.
Experiment with New Flavors and Ingredients
One of the best things about this American chop suey recipe is how customizable it can be. Whether you prefer adding extra vegetables for a healthy twist or swapping out ground beef for turkey, you have endless options. Additionally, you can change up the pasta, use different seasonings, or add a little spice for a bolder flavor. As you experiment with various ingredients, you’ll discover new combinations that bring fresh flavors to this classic dish, making each meal unique and enjoyable.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
When it comes to meal prep, American chop suey is an ideal dish. Not only does it store well in the refrigerator, but it also freezes perfectly, making it a great option for busy weeks when you need a quick meal. Reheating it is simple, and the flavors only get better over time. Plus, because it’s a one-pot dish, cleaning up after making this recipe is a breeze, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
A Comfort Food Favorite for All Ages
Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just for yourself, this American chop suey recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Its comforting flavors, simple preparation, and endless variations make it a dish that people of all ages can enjoy. From children to adults, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and fuss-free meal, remember that American chop suey is always a great choice. Happy cooking!