This Traditional American Chop Suey is a comforting, one-pot meal that brings together hearty ingredients for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make, perfect for when you want a cozy, no-fuss meal.
The backbone of this dish is the hearty ground beef, which brings protein and flavor as it browns. A large onion and bell pepper add sweetness and texture, while garlic infuses the mix with its aromatic depth. The combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste creates a rich, tangy base, complemented by Italian seasoning for an herbaceous kick. A dash of salt and pepper heightens all the flavors. Elbow macaroni is the pasta of choice, providing the perfect chewy bite. Finally, shredded cheddar cheese melts over the top, adding a creamy finish.
This American Chop Suey pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. A glass of light red wine or even a cold beer complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir them around until the onion turns translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon or spatula, cooking until it’s browned and crumbled, making sure there’s no pink left.
With the beef browned, pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
While the sauce simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well. Once the sauce has simmered, fold in the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.
Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Let it melt slightly, creating a creamy, gooey crown on your dish. Serve hot and enjoy!