Classic American Chop Suey Recipe: A Heartwarming Family Favorite

Comfort food like classic american chop suey brings back memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Childhood dinners often featured this hearty pasta dish that feels like a warm hug.

Tender ground beef mingles with soft macaroni in a rich tomato sauce.

Familiar ingredients create a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone loves.

Regional kitchens across new england have their own special twist on this beloved recipe.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this one-pot wonder comes together.

This delicious dish promises to become your new favorite weeknight dinner companion.

Why Classic American Chop Suey Is a Comfort Food Favorite

• Craft a Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy households, this American chop suey delivers a hearty meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its classic comfort food appeal.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Minimal dishes and simple cooking steps make this recipe a go-to solution for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding extra cheese, adjusting spice levels, or incorporating different vegetables to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner Champion: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and common seasonings, making it an economical choice for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Classic American Chop Suey

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that adds depth and complexity to the chop suey's flavor profile.

• Elbow Macaroni: A traditional pasta shape that perfectly catches and holds the savory sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Ketchup: These tomato-based ingredients create a tangy and robust sauce base.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex umami and slightly tangy flavor to the dish.

• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that provide traditional and aromatic seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that introduces a subtle heat to the recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A creamy and sharp cheese that adds richness when melted on top.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that provides a fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Classic American Chop Suey

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Use a wooden spoon to separate meat chunks. Cook until beef turns completely brown and releases its delicious meaty flavor. Drain away any extra fat using a colander.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and savory aromas. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create A Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce

• Oregano
• Basil

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and intensify.

Step 4: Marry Pasta With Sauce

Add cooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet. Gently fold pasta into the sauce, ensuring every noodle gets perfectly coated. Continue cooking for additional 5 minutes to warm through.

Step 5: Optional Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Let cheese melt naturally from the heat of the dish.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Pro Tips for Classic American Chop Suey

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Select lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing taste and texture.
• Experiment with whole wheat elbow macaroni for added nutrition and a nutty undertone.
• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth during simmering to enhance the sauce's depth and complexity.
• Consider vegetarian alternatives by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms for protein.

Variations to Try with Classic American Chop Suey

• Vegetarian Chop Suey: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meat substitute. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini for robust flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Chop Suey: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap ketchup for salsa. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chop Suey: Use ground lamb instead of beef. Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme. Replace traditional pasta with orzo for authentic regional flair.
• Gluten-Free Chop Suey: Substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.

Best Pairings for Classic American Chop Suey

• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light, tangy mixed green salad with vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish and add fresh crunch.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to complement the rich tomato and beef flavors, cutting through the dish's richness.
• Cool Craft Beer Option: Choose an amber ale or pale lager that provides a refreshing contrast to the robust chop suey, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and provide a delicious textural counterpoint to the pasta dish.

Guidelines to Keep Classic American Chop Suey Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chop suey to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic American Chop Suey

• What are the key ingredients in Classic American Chop Suey?

The key ingredients include ground beef, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of herbs like oregano and basil.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

While delicious, it’s a comfort food with moderate nutritional value. The recipe contains protein from beef and vegetables, but it’s relatively high in carbohydrates and calories.

• What's the origin of American Chop Suey?

Despite its name, it’s not a traditional Chinese dish. It’s a New England regional recipe developed by Italian-American immigrants, combining pasta with a meat sauce similar to Bolognese.

Classic American Chop Suey Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty classic American chop suey delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce into a nostalgic one-pot wonder. Satisfying home cooking from New England kitchens brings simple ingredients together for a filling meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, crumbling it with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking. Carefully drain any accumulated fat to maintain a lean dish.
2. Incorporate the finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the beef. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and softened.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to intensify and blend harmoniously.
4. Fold the pre-cooked elbow macaroni into the robust sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Continue heating for an additional 5 minutes, guaranteeing the pasta is thoroughly warmed and absorbs the rich sauce.
5. Optional: Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top, letting it melt smoothly and create a creamy, indulgent layer.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that reduces saturated fat and calories.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal.
• Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium tomato sauce and skipping added salt, making it heart-friendly without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg