Description
Satisfy your cravings with this easy and comforting American Chop Suey—a hearty one-pot meal filled with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce. This all-American classic is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal preps. It’s a flavor-packed choice among easy dinner ideas, especially for those seeking food ideas that are filling, budget-friendly, and kid-approved. Whether you’re hunting for a quick dinner, family comfort meal, or hearty pasta recipe, this dish fits every bill.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Break it apart as it cooks.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
6. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
7. Add the pasta into the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 5–10 more minutes.
8. Serve hot with cheese, parsley, or garlic bread on the side if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
You can swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg