This one pot meal is sure to take you back to your childhood…
What is American Chop Suey?
American Chop Suey is a delicious blend of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, with a variety of herbs and spices. Despite its name, American Chop Suey doesn’t have much in common with the traditional Chinese chop suey, apart from being a mixture of ingredients. Originating in the Northeastern United States, American Chop Suey has become a beloved staple in American cuisine. It is a close cousin to both American Goulash and Johnny Marzetti, which are popular in the Midwest.
Ingredient Notes
Ground beef – We use 85/15 lean. You can also try the same recipe with Italian sausage. Veggies and aromatics – Onion, bell pepper and garlic. Tomato components – Tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste. Beef broth – You may wish to use low-sodium to give you more control over the salt levels. Seasonings – Italian seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Pasta – Elbow macaroni is traditional. You could also use other small shapes like shells, rotini or orecchiette. Cheddar cheese – Freshly grated.
How to Make American Chop Suey
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and bell peppers until they start to get soft. Add garlic and cook for a minute.
- Brown Beef: Add in ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is no longer pink. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, salt and pepper. Cook for a minute or two.
- Create the Sauce: Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Remove bay leaves. Return the sauce to a boil, then stir in macaroni, and cook to al dente.
- Complete the Dish: Stir in cheese. Cook for a couple minutes, until it has melted and mixed in well.
Variations
Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use sausage for more flavors. Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat substitutes or add extra vegetables like mushrooms. Additional Veggies: Use carrots, celery, or zucchini. Spicy Version: Increase red chili flakes or add diced jalapeños. Make it a Bake: Rather than stirring in the cheese, place the chop suey in a baking dish after cook, then top with the cheese. Bake at 400°F until the cheese has melted.
Leftovers and Storage
American chop suey is great as leftovers. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. If the pasta has absorbed too much of the sauce, simply add a little water to regain the consistency. It also freezes well, so makes a great meal prep option. Store in individual portion sized freezer safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
A Few Tips
Al Dente Pasta: Cook the macaroni until it’s just shy of al dente. It will continue to cook in the sauce, absorbing flavors without becoming too soft. Simmering Time: Don’t rush the simmering process. It allows flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more cohesive and rich dish. Cheese Quality: If adding cheese, use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Resting the Dish: Let the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This helps everything settle and distributes flavors more evenly.
Take your taste buds back in time with this American classic. It’s been a favorite for generations, and with good reason! Pin or bookmark this easy recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you. For more delicious meals, check out our hand-picked collection of Dinner Ideas for Tonight. Until next time, happy cooking!
American Chop Suey, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
More great pasta dishes to try:TikTok SpaghettiPasta e PiselliLouisiana Chicken PastaOrecchiette with SausageCreamy Sausage PastaGigi Hadid PastaPastalaya
