Hearty American Chop Suey

Introduction

Hearty American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food that many families love. It is a simple one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and vegetables. The ingredients cook together to create a warm and flavorful dish that is both filling and easy to prepare.

Despite its name, American Chop Suey is not the same as the traditional Chinese dish. In the United States, this recipe became popular because it uses simple pantry ingredients and can feed a whole family. It is especially common in home kitchens because it is affordable, quick to make, and very satisfying.

One of the best things about American Chop Suey is how flexible the recipe is. You can adjust the vegetables, spices, or pasta depending on what you have at home. Many people also enjoy making it ahead of time because it tastes even better the next day.

If you are looking for a warm and comforting dinner that is easy to cook, this recipe is a great choice. Even beginner cooks can follow the steps and create a delicious homemade meal.

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Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings

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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Helpful Tip: Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for this dish, but other small pasta shapes work well too.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it is tender.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Small Tip: Do not overcook the pasta. Slightly firm pasta works best when mixed with the sauce later.

2. Cook the ground beef

Place a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.

Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. If there is too much grease, carefully drain it.

3. Add the vegetables

Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and bell pepper to the pot.

Cook for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds while stirring.

4. Add the tomato ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

Mix everything well so the ingredients combine evenly.

5. Add the broth and seasonings

Pour in the beef broth or water. Then add the oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.

6. Let the sauce cook

Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to cook for about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally.

This helps the flavors blend together and thickens the sauce.

7. Add the cooked pasta

Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the sauce.

Stir everything together so the pasta becomes coated with the flavorful sauce.

Let it cook for 2–3 more minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.

8. Add cheese (optional)

If you like a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the dish.

Stir gently until the cheese melts into the mixture.

9. Garnish and serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and flavor.

Serve the dish warm and enjoy.

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Tips & Variations

This recipe is very flexible and easy to customize.

Make it vegetarian

Replace the ground beef with lentils, beans, or plant-based meat.

Add more vegetables

Carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can add extra flavor and nutrition.

Use different pasta

Small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well.

Make it spicy

Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce.

Cheesy baked version

Place the finished dish in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly.

Gluten-free option

Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular macaroni.

Extra flavor tip:
A small splash of Worcestershire sauce can add a deeper savory flavor.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Based on 6 servings.

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 540 mg

Values may vary depending on the ingredients used.

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Health Benefits

Hearty American Chop Suey includes a variety of ingredients that offer nutritional benefits.

Protein from ground beef

Ground beef provides protein that helps build and repair muscles.

Energy from pasta

Pasta contains carbohydrates, which give the body energy for daily activities.

Vegetables provide vitamins

Onions, peppers, and tomatoes contain vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.

Fiber from vegetables and pasta

Fiber helps support digestion and can help you feel full longer.

Customizable nutrition

Adding more vegetables or using whole-grain pasta can increase the nutritional value.

Helpful Tip: Using lean ground beef can reduce the fat content of the dish.

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Serving Suggestions

American Chop Suey is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a few simple sides.

Serve with salad

A fresh green salad balances the rich flavors of the dish.

Add garlic bread

Warm garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce.

Top with cheese

Extra Parmesan or cheddar cheese adds extra flavor.

Storing leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Add a small splash of water or broth if the pasta becomes dry.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool before placing it in freezer-safe containers.

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Conclusion

Hearty American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food that is simple, filling, and full of flavor. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, it creates a warm and satisfying meal that many families enjoy.

The recipe uses everyday ingredients and easy cooking steps, making it perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknights. It is also easy to customize, so you can add vegetables, change the pasta, or adjust the seasonings to match your taste.

Whether you are cooking for family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this dish is a reliable and delicious option.

Give this Hearty American Chop Suey recipe a try and enjoy a comforting homemade meal. And if you like it, share the recipe with friends and family so they can enjoy it too!