The Classic American Chop Suey Recipe

Hey there, fellow comfort food lovers! Are you ready to dive into a dish that’s been warming American hearts and bellies for generations? Today we’re talking about the absolutely irresistible American Chop Suey – and trust me, this isn’t your typical takeout fare!

Picture this: tender elbow macaroni swimming in a rich, savory tomato sauce, loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic onions. Every single bite delivers that perfect balance of hearty protein, satisfying pasta, and vibrant vegetables that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. This isn’t just dinner – it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings families together around the dinner table.

What makes this American Chop Suey recipe absolutely magical is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly spectacular. The ground beef gets beautifully browned to develop those deep, savory flavors, while the vegetables add natural sweetness and satisfying crunch. Then everything comes together in a luscious tomato-based sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta.

The best part? This entire feast comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and maximizing flavor development. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this American Chop Suey delivers comfort, convenience, and incredible taste every single time.

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This American Chop Suey Recipe

Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food obsession:

• One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation • Budget-friendly brilliance: Uses affordable, pantry-staple ingredients that won’t break the bank but deliver maximum flavor impact • Family-approved favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this hearty, satisfying combination of pasta, meat, and vegetables • Meal prep champion: Makes generous portions and tastes even better the next day, perfect for busy weeks • Customization queen: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences and whatever vegetables you have on hand • Comfort food perfection: Delivers that nostalgic, home-cooked feeling that makes everything better • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners • Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you need to feed a bunch of hungry people • Nutritionally balanced: Combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in one satisfying dish • Freezer-friendly: Doubles easily and freezes beautifully for future quick meals

Ingredients for the Best American Chop Suey Ever

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comfort food masterpiece. I’ve tested this recipe countless times to get the proportions absolutely perfect:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works perfectly)
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta shape)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1½ cups)
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings & Flavor Boosters:

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Final Touches:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect American Chop Suey

Follow these detailed steps for foolproof results every single time:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes)

Start by getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Dice your onions and bell peppers into uniform pieces (about ½-inch works perfectly). Mince your garlic and measure out all your seasonings. This mise en place approach makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef (8 minutes)

Heat your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is beautifully browned and cooked through. Don’t rush this step – good browning develops incredible flavor!

Step 3: Add the Aromatics (4 minutes)

Push the browned beef to one side of the pot and add your diced onions and bell peppers to the other side. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Now stir everything together!

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base (3 minutes)

Add the tomato paste and stir it in with the beef and vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute – this helps concentrate the tomato flavor. Then add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer (5 minutes)

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Add Pasta and Broth (2 minutes)

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and beef broth. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 7: Cook Until Perfect (12-15 minutes)

Cover the pot and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If you need more liquid, add a bit more broth or water.

Step 8: Final Touches (2 minutes)

Remove from heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If using cheese, stir in half of it now and save the rest for topping. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions That’ll Make Your Meal Complete

American Chop Suey is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Classic Comfort Combinations:

• Serve with warm, buttery dinner rolls or crusty garlic bread for sopping up that delicious sauce
• Add a simple green salad with Italian dressing to balance the richness
• Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots

Elevated Options:

• Top with additional shredded cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a sophisticated touch
• Add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chives for extra richness

Family-Style Serving:

• Set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, hot sauce, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper
• Serve with cornbread or biscuits for a true comfort food feast
• Add some steamed corn or a simple coleslaw for extra vegetables

Amazing Recipe Variations and Smart Substitutions

One of the best things about American Chop Suey is how adaptable it is. Here are some fantastic variations to try:

Protein Swaps:

• Ground turkey or chicken: Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version
• Italian sausage: Replace half the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor
• Plant-based: Use your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute
• Mixed proteins: Try a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage

Vegetable Additions:

• Mushrooms: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the bell peppers
• Zucchini: Dice 1-2 medium zucchini and add in the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Spinach: Stir in 2-3 cups fresh spinach at the very end
• Corn: Add 1 cup frozen corn kernels for sweetness and color

Pasta Alternatives:

• Penne or rigatoni: Any short pasta shape works wonderfully
• Whole wheat pasta: For added nutrition and fiber
• Gluten-free pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free variety
• Veggie pasta: Try pasta made from lentils or chickpeas

Cheese Variations:

• Mozzarella: For that classic Italian-American flavor
• Pepper jack: For a spicy kick
• Parmesan: Add freshly grated Parmesan at the end
• Cream cheese: Stir in 4 oz for ultra-creamy results

International Twists:

• Mexican style: Add cumin, chili powder, and top with pepper jack and cilantro
• Greek style: Add oregano, feta cheese, and diced tomatoes
• Tex-Mex: Include black beans, corn, and Mexican cheese blend

Pro Tips for American Chop Suey Success

After making this recipe hundreds of times, here are my insider secrets for perfect results:

Browning the Beef:

Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. If using a smaller pot, brown the meat in batches for better color development. Good browning = better flavor!

Pasta Perfection:

The pasta will continue cooking in the sauce, so don’t worry if it seems slightly firm when you first add the liquid. It’ll finish cooking perfectly in the tomato mixture.

Consistency Control:

If your chop suey seems too thick, add more broth gradually. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.

Flavor Layering:

Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Sometimes a splash more Worcestershire sauce or an extra pinch of Italian seasoning can take it from good to amazing.

Make-Ahead Magic:

This dish actually improves in flavor overnight! Make it a day ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Storage Success:

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Chop Suey

Q: What’s the difference between American Chop Suey and Goulash?

A: Great question! American Chop Suey and American Goulash are actually very similar dishes with regional naming differences. Both typically feature ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce cooked together in one pot. The main difference is usually regional – some areas call it chop suey, others call it goulash. Our recipe here is what most people would recognize as classic comfort food regardless of the name!

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients except the pasta and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the uncooked pasta in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time, making sure there’s enough liquid to cook the pasta properly.

Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?

A: There are several ways to lighten up this recipe! Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat variety, and consider using low-sodium broth and tomato products.

Q: My American Chop Suey turned out too watery. What went wrong?

A: This usually happens when there’s too much liquid or the dish hasn’t simmered long enough. To fix watery chop suey, simmer it uncovered for 5-10 additional minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in to help thicken the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze American Chop Suey?

A: Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

Q: What can I substitute for ground beef?

A: Ground turkey, ground chicken, Italian sausage, or plant-based ground meat alternatives all work wonderfully. You could even use a combination of different proteins. If using leaner meats like turkey or chicken, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I add vegetables not listed in the recipe?

A: Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable. Mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, celery, and even leafy greens like spinach work great. Just adjust cooking times accordingly – harder vegetables should be added with the bell peppers, while delicate greens should go in at the very end.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

A: The key is not to overcook! Use the shorter end of the cooking time range and remember that the pasta will continue to soften even after you remove it from heat. If you’re meal prepping, slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to absorb liquid during storage.

Wrapping Up This Comfort Food Journey

There you have it – the ultimate American Chop Suey recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner rotation! This hearty, satisfying dish proves that sometimes the most comforting meals come from the simplest ingredients prepared with love and care.

What makes this recipe truly special isn’t just how delicious it tastes (though trust me, it’s absolutely incredible), but how it brings people together. There’s something magical about gathering around a big pot of this warm, savory goodness after a long day. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing, fills everyone up completely, and creates those precious family moments we all treasure.

The beauty of American Chop Suey lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you follow the recipe exactly as written or make it your own with creative substitutions and additions, you’re guaranteed to end up with something absolutely delicious. It’s comfort food at its finest – unpretentious, satisfying, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try! Fire up that stove, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some serious comfort food magic. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you for it. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I love hearing about your cooking adventures and any creative twists you add to make this recipe your own.

Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious meals shared with the people you love!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends who love comfort food as much as you do!