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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate the finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the beef. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and softened.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional: Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top, letting it melt smoothly and create a creamy, indulgent layer.
- 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