If you’ve been looking for a comforting, nostalgic dish that hits all the right notes of savory flavor and cozy vibes, then you’re going to adore this American Chop Suey Recipe. It’s a classic, no-fuss American comfort meal that comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner—it’s hearty, full of delicious veggies, and that cheesy finish? Absolutely dreamy. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail it every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: With just one pot and straightforward ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights.
- Built-in Veggies: Diced onions, peppers, and celery add flavor and nutrition without extra effort.
- Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of this saucy, cheesy pasta wonder that feels like a warm hug.
- Flexible & Customizable: Feel free to swap veggies, meats, or cheese to fit your taste or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This American Chop Suey Recipe comes together with familiar ingredients you probably already have on hand. I love how the Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce bring a subtle depth to the beef and tomato base. Plus, the elbow macaroni soaks up all those flavors in the best way.
- Ground beef: Go for 85% lean for the best flavor-to-fat ratio; it stays juicy without being greasy.
- Italian seasoning: Adds an herby brightness that helps tie all the flavors together.
- Seasoned salt: A nice shortcut for balanced seasoning—you can adjust to taste.
- Garlic powder: A handy way to build garlic flavor without the extra prep.
- Tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and gives it that rich, concentrated tomato taste.
- Onion: Diced for sweetness and savory aroma.
- Green pepper: Adds a little crunch and color, plus a mild peppery flavor.
- Celery: Surprising in this dish but brings a subtle herbaceous note and texture.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts all the savory notes beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce: My secret umami weapon; it really deepens the flavor profile.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Juicy chunks that add freshness and texture to the sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Smooth and saucy, it forms the base of this comforting dish.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful as the pasta cooks; beef broth works well too.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice—small and curly, perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): My go-to finishing touch for melty, cheesy goodness—shred from a block if you can for best melt.
Variations
One of the things I love about this American Chop Suey Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to put your own spin on it depending on what you have in your fridge or your family’s preferences. I often adjust the veggies or add a little heat for a twist.
- Use different meats: I’ve swapped half the ground beef for Italian sausage before, and it adds such a fantastic flavor depth.
- Extra veggies: Frozen peas, carrots, or corn work great if you want more color and texture.
- Spicy kick: Adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce wakes up the dish without overpowering.
- Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative to keep it allergy-friendly.
- Crock Pot version: For an even easier method, you can slow cook it—check the notes below for details.
How to Make American Chop Suey Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking 1.5 pounds of ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. I like to break it up with a wooden spoon to get nice crumbles. Once cooked, drain the excess grease to keep the sauce from getting too oily—unless you like it extra rich, then feel free to skip draining!
Step 2: Flavor Boost with Seasonings and Tomato Paste
Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook everything together for a couple of minutes to let those flavors get cozy and the tomato paste caramelize slightly. It makes a big difference in that rich tomato flavor. Don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add in 1 cup each of diced onions and green peppers, plus 1 stick of diced celery. Cook for about 4 minutes until the veggies are softened but still have a bit of bite. Then toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—this fresh garlic aroma fills the kitchen and is just irresistible.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in 16 ounces of tomato sauce and stir thoroughly to combine everything evenly in the pot. Next, add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), and 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. This mix makes the sauce wonderfully flavorful and just the right consistency.
Step 5: Add the Pasta and Simmer
Stir in 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the pot gently to a boil, then cover and cook for 4 minutes. After that, uncover and scrape the bottom gently with a silicone spatula to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cover partially and boil gently for another 4 minutes, then scrape again. Finally, cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until pasta is tender but not mushy—taste-test is your best guide! Once done, turn off the heat and let it sit; the pasta will soak up extra liquid as it rests.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese (Optional but So Worth It!)
If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar gradually while gently stirring. I always recommend shredding from a block and making sure the cheese isn’t cold to get that perfect creamy melt. Packaged shredded cheeses sometimes use additives that affect melting, so fresh shredded is my tip here.
Pro Tips for Making American Chop Suey Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef properly adds layers of flavor you can’t get otherwise.
- Scrape the Pot Bottom: Running your spatula on the bottom after partial cooking prevents sticking and burning—this step saved me from so many ruined batches!
- Cheese Timing: Add cheese off the heat and let it melt gently to avoid it becoming stringy or oily.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on your broth and tomato brands, you might want to add a splash more broth if it thickens too quickly.
How to Serve American Chop Suey Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my serving with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or a little chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce on the side can also elevate things, especially if you like a creamy or spicy counterpoint.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this hearty dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette to balance all that richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make great companions too—this meal just begs for some bread to soak up every last bite of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, I’ve served American Chop Suey in individual mini cast-iron skillets at family gatherings. It makes it feel special but still homey. Another time, I layered it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and baked it until bubbly for a cozy baked American chop suey casserole that everyone went crazy for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it cools, the sauce thickens, so I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back the saucy goodness.
Freezing
This American Chop Suey Recipe freezes well! I portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just leave out the cheese if you plan to freeze—we add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. If you added cheese, stir it in during the last few minutes of reheating for a melty finish. Avoid overheating—it can make the pasta mushy.
FAQs
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Can I make American Chop Suey Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Browning the ground beef first, then transferring all the ingredients (except the macaroni and cheese) to the slow cooker works beautifully. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, add pasta and cheese near the end, and cook until pasta is tender—about 30-45 minutes. Just watch the pasta closely so it doesn’t get mushy.
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What pasta works best for American Chop Suey Recipe?
Elbow macaroni is classic and perfect because its small shape holds the sauce well, but penne or shells also work if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times slightly and keep an eye on pasta texture.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the Worcestershire sauce or substitute it with a vegetarian version.
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How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
If your sauce seems thin, stir in a tablespoon of flour while cooking the ground beef, or cook uncovered for a few extra minutes to let excess liquid evaporate. Adding a dab of cream cheese at the end can also help create a thicker, creamier texture.
Final Thoughts
This American Chop Suey Recipe has been one of my go-to comfort meals for years because it’s forgiving, flavorful, and genuinely satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or making ahead for easy leftovers. I love how approachable it is—no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps, just good, honest food that warms you up inside. I hope you give it a try and that it becomes a favorite in your home too. Let me know how yours turns out—I’m always here with more tips and tweaks!
Print
American Chop Suey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
American Chop Suey is a comforting and hearty one-pot American classic featuring ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni simmered together in a flavorful tomato sauce. This easy stovetop dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a rich combination of savory seasonings and optional melted cheddar cheese for added creaminess.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef, 85% lean
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth, or beef broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: If using cheese, shred it from a block beforehand and set aside to come to room temperature for better melting. Avoid packaged shredded cheese as it contains cellulose, which hinders melting.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pot.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste with the browned beef, mixing well to combine flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, green pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook and stir for 4 minutes until vegetables soften. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until fully incorporated with the meat and vegetables.
- Combine Remaining Liquids and Tomatoes: Add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to blend all ingredients.
- Incorporate Macaroni and Bring to Boil: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the pot completely and let cook for 4 minutes. Uncover and use a silicone spatula to gently lift and stir any pasta or sauce stuck to the bottom.
- Partial Cover Simmer: Cover the pot partially and simmer gently for another 4 minutes. Again, lift and stir along the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Finish Cooking Pasta: Continue to cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes or until macaroni is tender but not mushy. Test a noodle for doneness. Once ready, turn off the heat. The pasta will absorb remaining liquid as it rests.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese if desired, stirring gently until melted and combined.
- Serve: Spoon the American Chop Suey into bowls and enjoy the warm, hearty dish.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of flour into the ground beef and cook for 1 extra minute before adding vegetables.
- Stir in a small amount of softened cream cheese at the end for a creamy texture.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
- Mixing ground beef with Italian sausage enhances the depth of flavor.
- You can incorporate frozen vegetables such as carrots, peas, corn, or jalapenos for added nutrition and texture.
- Crock Pot Method: Use half the broth initially. Brown ground beef separately, then combine all ingredients except macaroni and cheese in the crock pot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Add macaroni and cheese in the last 30-45 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overcooking pasta.
- Instant Pot Method: Use half the broth initially. Sauté ground beef and seasonings in the Instant Pot, then add remaining ingredients including macaroni. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Use quick release, add remaining broth if needed, and stir in cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
