American Chop Suey: A Comfort Food Classic You Can Make at Home

American Chop Suey, also known as American Goulash, is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Despite its name, it has little to do with traditional Chinese chop suey. This version is a distinctly American creation, a delicious blend of ground beef, macaroni pasta, tomatoes, and seasonings, all simmered together into a flavorful and satisfying stew. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and customize to your liking.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know to make the perfect American Chop Suey at home, from ingredient selection to detailed step-by-step instructions. We’ll also explore variations and tips to elevate your dish to new heights.

What is American Chop Suey?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what American Chop Suey actually is. It’s a dish born from American ingenuity, likely created as an adaptation of various immigrant cuisines. The name “chop suey” was probably used simply to appeal to the popularity of Chinese-American food at the time.

It is characterized by the following:

* Ground Beef: The primary source of protein, providing a rich and savory flavor.
* Macaroni Pasta: Typically elbow macaroni, acting as the carbohydrate base and absorbing the delicious sauce.
* Tomato Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, providing a tangy and sweet flavor.
* Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor, adding depth and richness to the sauce.
* Onions and Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that contribute to the overall flavor profile.
* Seasonings: A blend of spices that bring the dish to life, often including Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in a single pot, reducing cleanup.
* Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and affordable, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
* Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
* Comforting: The combination of ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce creates a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold day.
* Freezer-Friendly: American Chop Suey freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make American Chop Suey. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking.

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 cup water or beef broth
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
* Olive oil for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect American Chop Suey.

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
* Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the pot with the ground beef.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add the Tomato Products and Seasonings**

* Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

**Step 4: Simmer the Sauce**

* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
* Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

**Step 5: Cook the Macaroni**

* While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions.
* Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

**Step 6: Combine and Serve**

* Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the tomato sauce and ground beef mixture.
* Stir well to combine.
* Heat through, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best American Chop Suey

* Use Good Quality Ground Beef: Choose ground beef with a good amount of fat for the best flavor and texture. 80/20 ground beef is a good option.
* Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to develop and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
* Cook the Macaroni Al Dente: Overcooked macaroni will become mushy in the sauce. Cook it al dente, so it retains its shape and texture.
* Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or Worcestershire sauce.
* Add a Touch of Sugar: If the sauce is too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
* Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Variations and Additions

* Vegetarian American Chop Suey: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
* Spicy American Chop Suey: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* Cheesy American Chop Suey: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
* Add Different Vegetables: Experiment with adding other vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or corn.
* Use Different Types of Pasta: While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
* Add Beans: Add kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans for added protein and fiber.
* Slow Cooker American Chop Suey: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Serving Suggestions

American Chop Suey is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with the following:

* Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* Side Salad: A fresh salad provides a contrast to the richness of the dish.
* Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy side.
* Coleslaw: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of American Chop Suey.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* Store leftover American Chop Suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Reheating:**

* Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

**Freezing:**

* American Chop Suey freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Card

**American Chop Suey Recipe**

A comforting one-pot meal with ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 cup water or beef broth
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
* Olive oil for cooking

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
5. While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the tomato sauce and ground beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
7. Heat through, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

Conclusion

American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. With its hearty combination of ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

Enjoy!