American Chop Suey Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, satisfying dinner that reminds you of classic comfort food, I’ve got something you’ll adore. This American Chop Suey Recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights or when I just want that nostalgic, cozy feeling on a plate. It’s a one-pot magic dish packed with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich, tomatoey sauce that your whole family will gobble up. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips so your dinner turns out fan-freaking-tastic every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends, creating that classic American Chop Suey taste. Once you master this base, you can experiment with little tweaks to make it your own.

• Ground beef: I use 85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and fat content without excess grease.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a warm herb punch that feels homemade.
• Seasoned salt: This brings some extra depth – replace with kosher salt and a pinch of pepper if you prefer.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
• Tomato paste: That concentrated tomatoey richness is key for an authentic flavor.
• Onion: Fresh diced onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, building the flavor base.
• Green pepper: I love the subtle crunch and brightness it adds.
• Celery: Gives a mild but important freshness and texture contrast.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic makes all the difference – so aromatic!
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for a tangy umami boost you won’t want to skip.
• Diced tomatoes (undrained): They bring juicy chunks that balance the sauce perfectly.
• Tomato sauce: For that smooth, comforting tomato base.
• Chicken broth: Or beef broth if you want a deeper beefy flavor in your sauce.
• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice – cooks right in the sauce for creamy, hearty bites.
• Cheddar cheese (optional): I prefer shredding my own from a block for melty goodness.

Variations

I like to keep this American Chop Suey Recipe pretty classic, but honestly, it’s a great canvas for your creativity. Don’t be afraid to swap or add ingredients to match your mood or what’s in your fridge.

• Vegetarian version: I swapped the beef for cooked lentils once, and it didn’t miss a beat – hearty and comforting.
• Veggie boost: Toss in mushrooms or carrots if you want extra nutrients and textures.
• Cheese variations: Try mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack for a different melty finish.
• Spicier twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat flair.

How to Make American Chop Suey Recipe

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—this usually takes about 8 minutes. Once done, drain off the excess grease. I like to get a nice crust on the beef bits for maximum flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Add seasonings and veggies

To the browned beef, stir in Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Let those cook together for a minute so the tomato paste caramelizes slightly—that deepens the flavor wonderfully. Then add diced onion, green pepper, and celery; cook for about 4 minutes until they soften. Finally, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute—don’t let it burn!

Step 3: Build the sauce and add pasta

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine everything evenly. Add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth next. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni until it’s all mixed well. Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil—this is where the magic happens as the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up flavor.

Step 4: Simmer to perfection

Cover the pot and let it cook for 4 minutes. Then uncover and carefully run a silicone spatula along the bottom, gently lifting any bits stuck there—it helps prevent burning and keeps that delicious browned flavor in the mix. Cover partially and simmer another 4 minutes, then do the spatula trick again. Finish by cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes more or until your pasta is tender but not mushy. Taste test a noodle; if it’s just right, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Add cheese if desired

If you want cheesy American Chop Suey, now’s the time to gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar and stir until melted and gooey. I swear by shredding cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded—it melts so much better without that weird, powdery coating.

How to Serve American Chop Suey Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top to add a pop of color and mild heat. Sometimes a dusting of extra shredded cheddar works if you want to dial up the cheese factor. You might also love a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun twist.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like serving this with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for some crunch and nutrition. Crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up that flavorful sauce—it never goes to waste in my house!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served American Chop Suey in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with cheese, then broiled until bubbly and golden—so fancy but easy! Another fun idea is layering it in a casserole dish with extra cheese and baked till bubbling for a cozy gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover American Chop Suey in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for 3-4 days. When it cools completely before sealing, the flavors even meld together for tastier leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a few times with success. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers before it’s cheesed (add cheese fresh when reheating). It’ll last up to 3 months, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but stirring every minute helps it heat evenly and keeps the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This American Chop Suey Recipe has truly become a kitchen classic for me—one that I turn to when I want hearty comfort without fuss. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and offers just the right balance of nostalgia and flavor. I hope when you make it, you find it as warming and crowd-pleasing as I do. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will be on your regular rotation too. Happy cooking, friend!

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