Garden Vegetable American Chop Suey brings together the comforting flavors of a classic dish with a fresh, veggie-packed twist. It's a hearty meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining savory ground turkey and vibrant vegetables in a luscious tomato sauce.
The star of this dish is the savory ground turkey, which offers a leaner protein option compared to beef. The onion and garlic create a flavorful base, while the green and red bell peppers add a sweet, crisp contrast. Fresh spinach not only boosts color but also adds nutrients. Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce form the rich, tangy sauce. Olive oil brings it all together, and a mix of oregano and basil infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors. Finally, the elbow macaroni soaks up all the goodness, and mozzarella cheese adds a creamy topping.
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce. A glass of light red wine, like Pinot Noir, complements the flavors nicely.
Start by cooking your macaroni according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and set it aside. You'll want it to be ready to mix in later without any delay.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and both chopped bell peppers. Sauté these until the onion turns translucent, which should take about five minutes. This step releases their flavors and softens them up.
Now, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it until it's browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. This should take about another five to seven minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chopped spinach. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about ten minutes. This will give the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Once your sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Mix everything well so that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and vegetables.
Finally, sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt before serving, creating a gooey, cheesy finish.
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