American Chop Suey Recipe

This classic American Chop Suey is comfort food at its finest – a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal that brings together tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce that simmers to perfection. Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep work, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that’ll please everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground beef: The star protein that adds richness and substance – choose 80/20 for the best flavor.
• Yellow onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base that builds incredible depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that unmistakable punch that makes everything taste better.
• Water and beef bouillon cubes: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta – much more flavor than just using water alone.
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: The foundation of our sauce – the petite diced tomatoes add texture while the sauce brings smooth consistency.
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that saves you from measuring multiple spice jars.
• Seasoned salt: Adds complex flavor beyond regular salt – it’s a secret weapon for depth.
• Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder: These seasonings work together to build layers of flavor throughout the dish.
• Bay leaves: These might seem optional, but they add a subtle complexity that you’d miss if they weren’t there.
• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for this dish – its curved tubes capture the sauce perfectly.
• Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese: This cheese duo brings the perfect melt factor and savory richness to finish the dish.

Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you prefer some heat.
• Meat Swap: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
• Pasta Options: While elbow macaroni is traditional, rotini or shells work beautifully too.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for extra stretch factor.

How to Make American Chop Suey

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the excess grease, return to the stove, and add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Pour in the water and add beef bouillon cubes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaves. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Remove the cover and give everything a good stir. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot and stir well to ensure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover again and simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and cook right in the sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

Once the pasta is tender, fish out and discard the bay leaves. Add the Monterey Jack cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated throughout the dish. For the finishing touch, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and cover for a few minutes until it melts beautifully. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

How to Serve

Main Event

Serve this hearty dish in wide bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness.

Side Options

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Topping Bar

Set out additional toppings like extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chop suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making day-two chop suey sometimes even better than the first day!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you know when you made this delicious meal.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce, or warm slowly on the stovetop. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This American Chop Suey brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition – hearty, satisfying, and adaptable to your family’s taste preferences. There’s something magical about a dish where the pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors along the way. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, prepping meals for the week ahead, or feeding a hungry crowd, this one-pot wonder delivers every time. Give it a try tonight, and I’m confident it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

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