Description
American Chop Suey is a comforting and hearty American classic featuring elbow macaroni combined with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce. This one-pot pasta dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and customizable with optional cheese toppings, making it a family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated with the flavorful meat sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the American Chop Suey to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese to add a creamy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or busy schedules.
