Can I make American Chop Suey ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and simply reheat when ready to serve. You might need to add a splash of water when reheating if it's thickened up too much.

My pasta is still too firm after the cooking time. What should I do?

Different brands of pasta may require different cooking times. If your pasta isn't tender enough, simply continue simmering with the lid on, checking every 5 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness. You may need to add a bit more water if the sauce has reduced too much.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding my own?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the creamiest, meltiest results, I recommend buying blocks of cheese and shredding them yourself. The extra few minutes of effort makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Is American Chop Suey the same as goulash?

These dishes are close cousins! American Chop Suey is sometimes called American Goulash, especially in the Midwest. The main difference from traditional Hungarian goulash is the use of pasta instead of potatoes and the addition of cheese. Regional variations across America mean the names are often used interchangeably for similar pasta-beef-tomato combinations.

American Chop Suey Recipe

Name: American Chop Suey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 3 cups water; 3 beef bouillon cubes; 30 ounces tomato sauce; 30 ounces petite diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 3 bay leaves; 2 cups large elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Description

American Chop Suey is a hearty, comforting dish packed with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato flavors. Topped with melted cheese, it’s the perfect one-pot meal ideal for family dinners or make-ahead meals. It’s simple to prepare and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat & Vegetables

2 pounds ground beef
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasoning

3 cups water
3 beef bouillon cubes
30 ounces tomato sauce
30 ounces petite diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
3 bay leaves

Pasta & Cheese

2 cups large elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, then drain the grease. Return the beef to the stovetop, and add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the water and add the beef bouillon cubes. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaves. Mix everything together thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Pasta
Remove the cover and stir the sauce. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring to make sure it is fully incorporated into the sauce. Cover the pot again and let it simmer on low for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish and Serve
Once the pasta is cooked and tender, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted into the dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover for a few minutes to allow it to melt, then serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

This dish freezes wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Save time by cooking the ground beef in advance and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
There’s no need to cook the macaroni separately—let it simmer and absorb the flavorful sauce for a perfectly cooked taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 65mg