Traditional American Chop Suey

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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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.

Ingredients for Traditional American Chop Suey

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • Try using ground turkey for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Make sure to drain the macaroni well to avoid watering down the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze American Chop Suey?
Absolutely. Freeze it in individual portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to substitute with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Traditional American Chop Suey Recipe Walkthrough

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!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.
  • Ready in under an hour, making it a great weeknight option.
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. In a separate pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
7. Add cooked macaroni to the beef and sauce mixture, stir to combine.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

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