American Chop Suey Recipe

Introduction

American Chop Suey is a comforting, classic pasta dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, flavorful tomato and beef sauce. It’s a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes
• 5.5 ounces 100% tomato juice
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside, or leave in the colander if you plan to use the same pot for the sauce.
2. Step 2: In a separate pot or the same one used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. To reduce fat, you can cook beef separately in another pan and then add it to the onion mixture.
5. Step 5: Stir in diced green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato paste, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Stir well and cook until the sauce is heated through and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Mix the cooked macaroni into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add mushrooms or zucchini to boost vegetable content and flavor.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover American Chop Suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make American Chop Suey ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Reheat thoroughly before serving for best flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

American Chop Suey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food dish featuring elbow macaroni tossed in a savory tomato sauce with ground beef, onions, green bell peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices. This hearty, one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, combining pasta and a rich meat sauce for satisfying flavors everyone will enjoy.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

Sauce and Meat

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes
• 5.5 ounces 100% tomato juice
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. You can use the same pot for the sauce if preferred.
2. Sauté Onions: In the same or a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent, about 4 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. For less fat, the beef can be browned separately and then combined with the sauce later.
5. Add Green Bell Pepper: Stir in the diced green bell pepper and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Add Tomato Ingredients and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire Sauce if using. Stir everything together and cook until heated through and flavors meld, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the sauce and stir well to coat the pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes

• For a leaner version, brown the ground beef in a separate pan and drain excess fat before adding it to the sauce.
• You can easily double or halve this recipe depending on serving needs.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely on the stove or microwave.
• Optional Worcestershire Sauce adds depth of flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
• Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving enhances the flavor.

Keywords: American Chop Suey, elbow macaroni recipe, ground beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner