Canadian-Style Chop Suey: A Comforting Classic Recipe

Canadian-style chop suey, a far cry from its purported Chinese origins, is a beloved comfort food dish in Canada. It’s a savory, often slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying one-pot meal featuring ground beef, celery, onions, and a unique tomato-based sauce, usually served over rice or chow mein noodles. While the exact history of this dish is debated (with some claiming a Chinese-American or even solely American derivation and significant evolution through localized adaptation), its place in Canadian culinary heritage is undeniable. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a delicious and authentic Canadian-style chop suey at home.

What is Canadian Chop Suey?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what distinguishes Canadian chop suey from other chop suey variations. Authentic Chinese chop suey, if it truly exists as a standardized dish (which is itself a point of contention), typically involves stir-fried vegetables and meat in a light sauce. Canadian chop suey, however, is more of a braised dish, simmered in a tomato-based sauce, and often features ground beef as the primary protein. It’s known for its relatively simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, making it a popular weeknight meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed to be both easy to follow and deeply flavorful. It incorporates several key elements that contribute to the dish’s characteristic taste and texture:

* **Browning the Ground Beef:** Properly browning the ground beef is crucial for developing a rich, savory base for the sauce. This step releases umami and adds depth of flavor.
* **Sautéing the Vegetables:** Sautéing the onions and celery softens them and brings out their sweetness, contributing to the overall complexity of the dish.
* **The Tomato-Based Sauce:** The combination of tomato sauce, tomato soup, and Worcestershire sauce creates a tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory sauce that is characteristic of Canadian chop suey.
* **Simmering:** Allowing the chop suey to simmer for an extended period allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
* **Optional Sweetness:** A touch of brown sugar or molasses (optional) enhances the sweetness of the sauce and adds a subtle caramel note.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Canadian-style chop suey. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; the recipe is quite forgiving, and substitutions can often be made.

* **1 pound Ground Beef:** Lean or medium ground beef works best. You can also use ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **1 medium Onion, chopped:** Yellow or white onion is recommended.
* **2-3 Celery Stalks, chopped:** Celery adds a subtle crunch and freshness.
* **1 (28 ounce) can Tomato Sauce:** Use a good-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
* **1 (10.75 ounce) can Condensed Tomato Soup:** This adds sweetness and thickens the sauce. Campbell’s is a common choice.
* **1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce:** This adds a savory, umami-rich flavor.
* **1-2 tablespoons Brown Sugar or Molasses (optional):** Adjust to your preference for sweetness.
* **1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Enhances the onion flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper is preferred.
* **Salt to taste:** Adjust the salt according to your preference.
* **2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil:** For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables. Canola or olive oil are also suitable.
* **Cooked Rice or Chow Mein Noodles:** For serving.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Green onions, soy sauce, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Spatula or Wooden Spoon
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Cutting Board
* Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and comforting Canadian-style chop suey:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.
3. Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink.
4. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

*Why This Step is Important: Browning the ground beef creates a rich, savory flavor base for the entire dish. Don’t skip this step!*

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet with the browned ground beef.
2. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

*Tip: If the vegetables start to stick to the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to deglaze the pan.*

**Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients**

1. Stir in the tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. Add the brown sugar or molasses (if using).
3. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

*Flavor Check: Taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more Worcestershire sauce for a tangier flavor, or more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.*

**Step 4: Simmer the Chop Suey**

1. Bring the chop suey to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.

*Why Simmering is Key: Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the chop suey will be.*

**Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve**

1. After simmering, taste the chop suey and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
2. Serve the chop suey hot over cooked rice or chow mein noodles.
3. Garnish with green onions, soy sauce, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.

*Serving Suggestions: Canadian chop suey is often served with a side of buttered bread or toast for soaking up the delicious sauce.*

Tips for the Best Canadian Chop Suey

* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good-quality tomato sauce and fresh vegetables for the best results.
* **Don’t Skip the Browning Step:** Browning the ground beef is essential for developing a rich, savory flavor.
* **Simmer for as Long as Possible:** Simmering the chop suey for an extended period allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
* **Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking:** The amount of brown sugar or molasses you add is a matter of personal preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the chop suey, such as diced carrots, green peppers, or mushrooms. Add them along with the onions and celery.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Make it Ahead:** Chop suey is a great make-ahead dish. It can be made a day or two in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
* **Freezing:** Chop suey freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Variations

While this recipe provides a classic foundation, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Spicy Chop Suey:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Vegetarian Chop Suey:** Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Chicken Chop Suey:** Use ground chicken instead of ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
* **Mushroom Chop Suey:** Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions and celery for an earthy flavor.
* **Sweet and Sour Chop Suey:** Add a splash of vinegar and a little extra brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet and sour flavor.
* **Slow Cooker Chop Suey:** 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

Canadian chop suey is traditionally served over cooked rice or chow mein noodles. However, it can also be served with other sides, such as:

* Buttered bread or toast
* Mashed potatoes
* Green salad
* Steamed vegetables

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on a recipe yielding 6 servings):

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g

*Note: This is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.*

Troubleshooting

* **Sauce is too thin:** Simmer the chop suey for a longer period to allow the sauce to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
* **Sauce is too thick:** Add a little water or broth to the sauce to thin it out.
* **Chop suey is too bland:** Add more salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic powder to taste.
* **Chop suey is too sweet:** Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Ground beef is tough:** Be sure to use lean or medium ground beef and avoid overcooking it. Draining off excess grease will also help.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Canadian-style chop suey is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home for many Canadians. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a delicious and authentic version of this classic dish, ensuring that you can enjoy a taste of Canadian culinary heritage no matter where you are.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a warm and satisfying meal that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy your Canadian-style chop suey!