Introduction
Recipe American Chop Suey is one of the most popular comfort foods in the United States. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with Chinese cuisine. Instead, it is a pasta-based dish cooked with ground beef, tomato sauce, onions, and seasonings. For decades, it has been a family favorite, often served at dinner tables, cafeterias, and potlucks.
If you are searching for the recipe American chop suey, you’ll find that it is simple, affordable, and versatile. You can prepare it in under an hour, and it makes enough servings to feed a family. Let’s explore the history, ingredients, variations, and step-by-step cooking process.
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What is American Chop Suey?
American chop suey is a baked or stovetop pasta dish made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, onions, and a tomato-based sauce. In New England, it is a classic comfort dish served in school lunches and family dinners.
The dish is also called goulash in some regions. It is loved because it is filling, inexpensive, and easy to prepare in large batches.
Ingredients Needed for American Chop Suey
To make an authentic recipe for American chop suey, you need simple ingredients that are already in most kitchens:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Recipe for American Chop Suey
Here is a simple recipe American chop suey you can follow at home:
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until it is tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add tomato base
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce
Mix cooked macaroni into the sauce. Stir well to coat each piece.
Step 5: Optional cheese topping
For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden.
Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
Recipe American Chop Suey | Ultimate Comfort Food Guide
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook beef: Heat olive oil in skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add vegetables: Stir in bell peppers and cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Prepare sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked macaroni with the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and sprinkle cheddar cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap elbow macaroni with penne or rotini.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a lighter version, use lean beef or ground turkey.
Variations of American Chop Suey Recipes
Like most comfort foods, American chop suey recipes vary by family tradition and region. Here are popular variations:
- Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, or soy protein.
- Spicy version: Add red chili flakes or jalapeños for heat.
- Cheesy version: Stir in extra cheese for a creamier texture.
- Healthier version: Use whole wheat pasta and lean turkey.
Nutritional Value of American Chop Suey
One serving (about 1 ½ cups) contains:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
It is a well-balanced meal with protein, carbs, and some vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best American Chop Suey
- Always undercook pasta slightly before mixing with sauce, as it will cook more in the mixture.
- Add Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresher taste.
- Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Why People Love American Chop Suey
This dish has remained popular for generations because:
- It is budget-friendly.
- It feeds a large family.
- It uses pantry staples.
- It is customizable.
Conclusion
The recipe for American chop suey is a true comfort food that brings nostalgia and flavor to the table. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, it is always satisfying.
For more authentic variations, visit Sugar and Soul’s American Chop Suey guide:
