Okay, friends, let’s talk about Comfort Food. Specifically, lets talk of comfort foods.American Chop Suey (American Cho. This isn’t your fancy, authentic Chinese takeout; it’s a Chinese restaurant. What is the kind of dish that warms my soul on chilly weeknights growing up? Is it similar to Hamburger Helper but made in Italy? What is your humble opinion? Think of it as a comforting hug in the bowl, perfect after saturday. My grandma used to make this, and the smell alone takes me right back to her kitchen.
What is American Chop Suey?
What exactly is the meaning of “whatisWhat is American Chop Suey? What’s a hearty one-pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, macaroni (usually elbow) and cheese? What are tomatoes, onions, peppers, all simmered together in a savory sauce? What is a cross between pasta and chili? It’s essentially a deconstructed Meat Sauce, but with tangier edge. The name “chop suey” is a bit misleading because it doesn’t really resemble the traditional Chinese. It’s more of an American adaptation, born from a desire for quick, satisfying, and fun. What are some of the
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I begin? Is it a symphony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that just dance on your tongue? The GROUND BEEF gives it a rich, meaty base, while the tomatoes and peppers add another touch of sweetness. What I love about this book is the fact that I can’t wait to read it.American Chop Suey is a is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof! You basically throw everything into one pot and let it simmer until it’s thick and bubbly. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Another win? It’s super cost-effective. Ground beef is usually pretty budget-friendly, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. Plus, it makes a big batch, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day (which, honestly, tastes even better!). It’s also versatile. Don’t have elbow macaroni? Use rotini or penne. Prefer ground turkey? Go for it! It’s so adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. This recipe is my go-to when I need a comforting, fuss-free meal that everyone will love. I honestly think it’s better than any boxed pasta meal you can get.
How do I make American Chop Suey?
Quick Overview
Making American Chop Suey is aIs it as simple as browning Ground Beef, sautéing some veggies, adding tomatoes and spices, and then adding a few more spices? What is the best way to cook macaroni? Is it really that easy? What is the best thing to do on a weeknight? What is the secret of simmering time? What’s the best way to create a comforting taste? What is so simple that it tastes so good? I’ve been making this for years and it’s always a hit!
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (I prefer lean, but you can use whatever you have on hand)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (the good quality ones really make a difference!)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth (or water, if you’re in a pinch)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (don’t skip this! It adds a lovely depth of flavor)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions (cook it al dente!)
* Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like to kick! ) and a bay leaf (remember to remove it before serving! ).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. If you’re using a spoon to break up the meat, drain off any excess grease. I always do this step first – it sets the stage for all the flavors to come!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic! What is the key to a good dish?
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Sauce
What are the ingredients for Worcestershire sauce, crushed tomatoes, and onion? Stir to combine. Where does the aroma of a grape make your mouth water?
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. If you’re using red pepper flakes or bay leaf, add them now. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes. Or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more flavors will meld together. I always taste and adjust the seasonings at this point. It’s crucial!
Step 5: Stir in the Macaroni
Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni until it’s well combined with the sauce. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the macaroni is heated through. This is the final stretch – you’re almost there!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
How do you remove a bay leaf? I usually top mine with Parmesan cheese, but that’s totally optional. What is the best part of this video?
What should I serve it with?
American Chop Suey is aWhat are some good ways to round out a meal?
For a simple side:A side salad with vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. I like a simple mixed greens salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.
What is a hearty meal?Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. My kids love this!
For a Comforting Combo:What’s better than a grilled cheese sandwich? What is a good cold winter night to make?
For a Lighter Option: Steam some green beans or broccoli to add some extra veggies to your meal. I always try to sneak in some extra greens when I can.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your American Chop Suey
Want to take your American Chop Suey to the next level? Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
Beef Quality: Using a good quality ground beef makes a huge difference in the flavor of the dish. I prefer using lean ground beef, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
Veggie Prep: Dice the onion and green bell pepper into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. I like to use a food processor to save time, but it’s not necessary.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Or, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier flavor profile. My husband loves it when I do this!
Simmer Time: Don’t rush the simmering process! The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the more tender the beef will become. I usually let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, but sometimes longer.
Tomato Choice: Using good quality crushed tomatoes makes a big difference. I prefer the San Marzano variety, but any good quality crushed tomatoes will work.
Macaroni Matters: Cook the elbow macaroni al dente. It will continue to cook in the sauce, so you don’t want it to get mushy. I always set a timer to make sure I don’t overcook it.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover American Chop Suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches.
Freezing: You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If it seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water. My kids actually prefer it reheated – they say the flavors are even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it! My family’s favorite American Chop Suey recipe. It’s a comforting, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other one-pot wonders, like my Creamy Tomato Pasta and my One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below with your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
American Chop Suey: 5 Reasons It's Your Next Comfort Food Hit!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef is recommended
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 28 oz can, undrained
- 1 can Tomato Sauce 15 oz can
- 1 cup Elbow Macaroni Uncooked
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt Or to taste
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
