American Chop Suey II: A Comforting Classic with a Twist!

American Chop Suey, a dish with a somewhat misleading name, holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many Americans, particularly those from the Northeast. While its name might suggest Chinese origins, it’s a purely American invention, a hearty and comforting pasta dish that often evokes memories of childhood dinners. This recipe, which we’re calling “American Chop Suey II,” is a slight variation on the traditional, building upon the classic flavors and textures while adding a few enhancements for a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Think of it as American Chop Suey, but even better! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you need a simple yet crowd-pleasing dish.

What is American Chop Suey?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what American Chop Suey actually is. It’s essentially a ground beef and macaroni casserole, simmered in a tomato-based sauce, often featuring onions, peppers, and sometimes celery. It’s a one-pot wonder, making it incredibly convenient for busy cooks. The beauty of American Chop Suey lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it to your liking, adding different vegetables, spices, or even cheeses.

Why “American Chop Suey II”?

This recipe builds upon the foundational elements of classic American Chop Suey, but with a few key improvements. We’re adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor, a hint of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning to enhance the overall aroma and taste. These small additions elevate the dish from simple comfort food to something truly special. We’re also focusing on achieving a rich and flavorful sauce through careful browning of the beef and proper simmering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make our delicious American Chop Suey II:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound (lean ground beef is recommended, but you can use your preferred fat content)
* **Elbow Macaroni:** 1 pound (you can substitute other small pasta shapes if desired, such as ditalini or small shells)
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Green Bell Pepper:** 1 medium, chopped (you can substitute other bell peppers for different colors and flavors)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces (one large can)
* **Tomato Sauce:** 15 ounces (one can)
* **Beef Broth:** 1 cup (chicken broth can be substituted if needed)
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 teaspoon (packed)
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Optional Garnishes:** Shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own amazing American Chop Suey II:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Chop the onion and green bell pepper into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic.
* Measure out all of your spices and sauces so they are ready to go.

**2. Brown the Ground Beef:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, making sure to crumble it well.
* Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**4. Add the Sauce Ingredients:**

* Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
* Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

**5. 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 richer and more flavorful the sauce will become. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

**6. Cook the Pasta:**

* While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
* Drain the pasta well.

**7. Combine and Finish:**

* Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the pot with the sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
* Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and become tender.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.

**8. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the American Chop Suey II hot. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or hot sauce, if desired.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t skip the browning:** Browning the ground beef is essential for developing a rich and flavorful base for the sauce. Make sure to get a good sear on the beef before adding the vegetables.
* **Simmer, simmer, simmer:** Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and create a deeper, more complex taste. Don’t rush this step!
* **Cook the pasta al dente:** Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce. Cook the pasta al dente so it holds its shape and texture.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your American Chop Suey. Diced carrots, celery, or even mushrooms would be great additions.
* **Cheese it up:** A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese adds a creamy and cheesy element to the dish.
* **Spice it up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Make it ahead:** American Chop Suey is a great dish to make ahead of time. The flavors will only improve as it sits.
* **Freezing:** This dish freezes incredibly well. Allow to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations and Additions

The beauty of American Chop Suey is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and additions:

* **Meat Variations:** Try using ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a combination of meats.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Goodness:** Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.
* **Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or pinto beans for added protein and fiber.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or thyme.
* **Wine:** Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
* **Creamy Chop Suey:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

American Chop Suey II is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a side dish or two. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chop Suey.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

American Chop Suey II is a dish that’s easy to love for several reasons:

* **Comfort Food Classic:** It’s a nostalgic and comforting dish that evokes memories of childhood.
* **Simple and Easy:** It’s a one-pot meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** It uses inexpensive ingredients that are readily available.
* **Versatile:** It’s easily customizable to your liking, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, spices, and cheeses.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** It freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers.

American Chop Suey II Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for American Chop Suey II:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
* 15 ounces tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon brown sugar (packed)
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Optional garnishes: Shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, hot sauce

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Chop the onion and green bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
2. **Brown the Ground Beef:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. **Add the Sauce Ingredients:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. **Simmer the Sauce:** 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.
6. **Cook the Pasta:** While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
7. **Combine and Finish:** Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the sauce. Stir to combine. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve hot. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or hot sauce, if desired.

Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic American comfort food! We hope you and your family love it as much as we do!