The aroma of sizzling onions and garlic sets the stage for this heartwarming dish American Chop Suey, a beloved classic in many New England homes. It combines tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all in one pot. It’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this dish comes together quickly with pantry staples. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether topped with melted cheddar or enjoyed as-is, this pasta dish is the definition of comfort food done right.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 pound ground beef
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon sugar
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1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine evenly. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
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Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and cover for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
American Chop Suey – A Beloved New England Comfort Classic
Few dishes conjure up feelings of nostalgia and warmth like American Chop Suey. This hearty, one-pot meal is a staple in many New England households and has earned its place as a cherished weeknight dinner option across the United States. Despite the name, it bears no resemblance to Asian cuisine. Instead, it’s a savory combination of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomato-based sauce, all mingling together in one satisfying skillet.
Whether you call it goulash, beef and macaroni, or simply mom’s best pasta, this dish has proven itself to be timeless. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of American Chop Suey, why it remains a comfort food favorite, tips to perfect it, popular variations, and ideas to make it uniquely yours.
What is American Chop Suey?
At its core, American Chop Suey is a pasta and meat dish consisting of elbow macaroni, ground beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and a seasoned tomato sauce. It’s not elegant, it’s not fancy but that’s exactly the point. It’s hearty, economical, and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for busy families and large gatherings.
The ingredients are basic, pantry-friendly staples, but the result is anything but plain. With the right balance of seasoning and a generous simmering time, the flavors meld together into something deeply satisfying. Often served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, it’s a complete meal on its own.
A Brief History of American Chop Suey
The origins of American Chop Suey are somewhat murky, but most food historians agree that it was developed in the early to mid-20th century in the New England region of the United States. The name itself is a misnomer, borrowed from the Chinese-American dish “chop suey,” which refers to a mixed stir-fry of vegetables and meat. The American version, however, is purely a Western invention.
Some believe the name was used to describe a “mix-up” or a “mish-mash” of ingredients similar to how chop suey combines a variety of items into one dish. Over time, regional variations developed. In the Midwest and parts of the South, this dish is often referred to as goulash, though it’s very different from the Hungarian version of that dish.
What’s consistent across regions is the role this dish plays: a simple, nourishing, and reliable meal that families can turn to over and over again.
Why People Love It
American Chop Suey has stayed popular for decades for several reasons:
1. Ease of Preparation
With just one pot or skillet, American Chop Suey is an easy meal to put together. There’s no need for complex techniques or exotic ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for novice cooks, students, or anyone looking for a no-fuss dinner.
2. Budget-Friendly
Most of the ingredients pasta, ground beef, canned tomatoes are affordable and readily available. It also makes excellent use of leftovers and can be stretched to feed more people without breaking the bank.
3. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike love the savory flavor and comforting texture. It’s one of those rare meals that pleases even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunchboxes or batch cooking.
4. Customizable
There are endless variations, from swapping out the protein to changing up the vegetables or even adding a cheesy topping. It’s a blank canvas for creativity.
Tips for Making the Best American Chop Suey
While this dish is forgiving and flexible, a few tips can help you take it to the next level:
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Use high-quality ground beef. A leaner blend (like 85/15) strikes a good balance between flavor and fat content.
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Simmer the sauce. Letting the tomato mixture simmer allows the flavors to deepen. Even 10-15 minutes can make a noticeable difference.
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Cook pasta al dente. Since the pasta continues to absorb the sauce, slightly undercooking it initially prevents it from becoming mushy.
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Season generously. Salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian herbs are essential. Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar can enhance depth.
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Consider texture. Adding sautéed peppers and onions gives bite and contrast, elevating the dish from a simple pasta bake to something truly crave-worthy.
Common Variations
Every family has their own take on American Chop Suey. Here are some popular ways people personalize it:
– Cheesy American Chop Suey
Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy, gooey finish. You can also bake it with a cheese topping for a casserole-style dish.
– Vegetarian Version
Replace the ground beef with lentils, plant-based crumbles, or mushrooms. The dish remains hearty and flavorful without the meat.
– Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce to give the sauce some heat. A little spice transforms the profile dramatically.
– Different Pasta Shapes
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use rotini, shells, or penne if that’s what you have on hand.
– Add More Veggies
Bulk up the dish with diced carrots, zucchini, spinach, or corn. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
American Chop Suey is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
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Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
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Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
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Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts make for great accompaniments.
Want to dress it up? Serve it in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic presentation that feels homey yet thoughtful.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the best things about American Chop Suey is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
It also freezes well! Portion into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the microwave.
Is American Chop Suey Healthy?
While it’s certainly not a “diet” food, American Chop Suey can be part of a balanced meal. By choosing lean meats, whole grain pasta, and adding vegetables, you can boost its nutritional profile significantly. Skip the cheese if you’re watching calories, or add in extra greens for fiber and vitamins.
It’s also a dish where portion control makes a big difference. Because it’s filling, a modest serving is usually enough to satisfy.
The Emotional Connection
Perhaps the most powerful thing about American Chop Suey is the emotional connection people have to it. It’s a dish passed down through generations, served at family dinners, potlucks, and school cafeterias. It’s what your grandmother made on cold winter nights or what you reheated in a dorm microwave after a long day.
For many, it’s not just a meal it’s a memory. That emotional resonance, coupled with its practicality, is why it remains beloved despite ever-changing food trends.
Conclusion:
American Chop Suey is a culinary classic that stands the test of time. It’s the epitome of comfort food: simple, warm, and made with love. In a world where food can often feel complicated or inaccessible, this humble pasta dish reminds us that the best meals don’t need to be fancy they just need to be satisfying.
Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, American Chop Suey deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. It’s affordable, adaptable, and endlessly comforting. So grab a skillet, whip up a batch, and savor the nostalgic flavors of this New England favorite.
