There’s something about American Chop Suey that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine a delightful mix of tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and ground beef swimming in a rich, savory sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, instantly transporting you back to family gatherings where seconds were not just encouraged but practically mandatory.

This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. With its colorful presentation and comforting flavors, American Chop Suey promises to be the star of your dinner table, leaving everyone eagerly asking for the recipe (which you’ll gladly provide while wearing an exaggeratedly humble smile).

Ingredients for American Chop Suey

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Elbow Macaroni: This small pasta shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. You can substitute with any short pasta you fancy.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef; it provides excellent flavor without too much grease.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. Dice it finely for even cooking.

• Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for a crunchy texture and visual appeal; green, red, or yellow all work well.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: They add juiciness and acidity to the dish; choose ones with herbs added for extra flavor.

For the Seasoning:

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; it’s convenient and gives that classic garlic kick without fresh prep.

• Italian Seasoning: This blend brings warmth and herbal notes; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make American Chop Suey

Start by cooking the macaroni. Boil salted water in a large pot; add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about eight minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Next up is browning the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook until browned—about five minutes—breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Now, let’s add those onions and peppers! Toss diced onion and chopped bell peppers into the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally for about five minutes.

Time to bring in some tang! Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices into the skillet. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning; stir everything together until well combined.

Let it simmer away! Reduce heat to low and let your mixture bubble gently for at least ten minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully together.

Finally, combine everything! Fold cooked macaroni into your delicious meat sauce mixture until evenly coated. Allow everything to heat through for another three minutes before serving hot!

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of American Chop Suey ready to impress family or friends alike! Serve it up with crusty bread or a side salad for one unforgettable meal that tastes like home. Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet while simultaneously cooking the pasta in salted water. Once the meat is nicely browned, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers before incorporating the tomatoes and spices for a rich sauce that mingles perfectly with the pasta.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even plant-based meat for a lighter twist. You can also add in veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to boost nutrition. Top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs to elevate the dish even further.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover American Chop Suey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

My aunt once made American Chop Suey for our family reunion, and we all fought over who could take home the leftovers. It was such a hit that I had to learn how to make it myself!

FAQs :

What is American Chop Suey?

American Chop Suey is a classic comfort dish that features a blend of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. This hearty meal often includes bell peppers and onions, offering a savory flavor profile that many families enjoy. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, making it a favorite in many American households. Though it shares its name with traditional Chinese chop suey, this dish has distinctly American roots and flavors.

How do I make American Chop Suey?

To make American Chop Suey, start by browning ground beef in a skillet. Once cooked, add chopped onions and bell peppers until soft. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like garlic powder and oregano. Cook the mixture while boiling elbow macaroni separately. Combine the pasta with the meat sauce and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together. Serve warm for a delightful family meal.

Can I make American Chop Suey vegetarian?

Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version of American Chop Suey, substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock to enhance the flavor without meat. Proceed with the same recipe steps as you would for traditional American Chop Suey, incorporating your choice of vegetables for added texture. This way, you can enjoy this comforting dish while adhering to vegetarian dietary preferences.

What side dishes pair well with American Chop Suey?

When serving American Chop Suey, consider pairing it with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for balance. The crispness of the salad complements the hearty flavors in the dish. Alternatively, coleslaw adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the pasta. For an extra touch, serve some grated cheese on top for added richness and flavor.

Conclusion for American Chop Suey :

In summary, American Chop Suey is an easy-to-make comfort food that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and zesty tomato sauce into one satisfying dish. Its adaptability makes it suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Whether enjoyed on busy weeknights or during family gatherings, this recipe ensures everyone leaves satisfied. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, you can bring this classic meal to your table effortlessly. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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American Chop Suey

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

American Chop Suey is a beloved one-pot dish that combines tender elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce enriched with colorful vegetables. This comforting meal is not only quick to prepare but also easily customizable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its savory flavor and hearty texture, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces.
3. Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet; sauté for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in canned diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Fold cooked macaroni into the sauce mixture until evenly coated; heat through for an additional 3 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg