American Chop Suey

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This American Chop Suey is pure comfort in a bowl. A hearty, beefy pasta dish filled with elbow macaroni, rich tomato sauce, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned ground beef, all mingling together in one big, satisfying skillet. It brings back memories of family dinners and cozy weeknights and is the kind of meal that never goes out of style.

A favorite across New England and beyond, American Chop Suey is the ultimate budget-friendly, one-pot meal that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but hearty enough to fill every belly at the table. You’ll love how it thickens as it simmers, locking in all the savory, nostalgic flavors.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for American Chop Suey?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional go-to and for good reason: its small, curved shape holds the sauce perfectly. However, you can also use small shells or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. The key is choosing a pasta that traps the rich beefy tomato sauce in every bite.

Ingredients for the American Chop Suey

Ground Beef: The star protein of this dish. It adds hearty, savory depth.

Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice to soak up the saucy goodness.

Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and fresh, slightly bitter contrast.

Onion: Gives the dish an aromatic base that deepens the flavor.

Garlic: Infuses the beef and sauce with its irresistible savory aroma.

Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce, rich and thick.

Tomato Sauce: Adds smooth texture and extra tomato flavor.

Italian Seasoning: Brings together all the herbs needed to flavor the sauce.

Salt & Pepper: Simple, but essential for balance and flavor.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and helping meld the flavors.

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How To Make the American Chop Suey

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned and no longer pink. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors marry.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce and get even more flavorful.

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Serving and Storing American Chop Suey

Serve hot, straight from the pot into your favorite bowl. It’s perfect on its own or with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water if needed.

What to Serve With American Chop Suey?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside and buttery inside, it’s the perfect companion to mop up every bit of sauce.

Green Salad

A fresh Caesar or garden salad helps balance out the richness.

Roasted Green Beans

Adds crunch and a healthy, savory contrast.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet, crumbly, and great for a Southern twist.

Steamed Broccoli

A quick and easy veggie side to round out the meal.

Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing with a light vinaigrette to cleanse the palate.

Pickles

Sounds odd? The briny bite is a surprisingly good contrast to the meaty dish.

Coleslaw

Creamy slaw offers a crisp and tangy element alongside the hearty pasta.

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Want More Ground Beef Pasta Ideas?

If you love this comforting classic, check out more flavor-packed dinner recipes:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
• Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a spicy twist? Try cheese on top? Maybe a veggie boost?

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