American Chop Suey

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American Chop Suey is the kind of dish that takes you straight back to comforting weeknight dinners at home. With its cozy blend of elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, this hearty meal checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and nostalgia. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and packed with that savory satisfaction only a homestyle pasta bake can deliver.

This classic New England staple often shows up at potlucks and family gatherings for good reason. It feeds a crowd with minimal fuss and always earns seconds. Plus, it’s endlessly flexible—easy to sneak in extra veggies or spice it up with crushed red pepper. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just craving something warm and filling, American Chop Suey hits the mark.

Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey

This dish is the perfect mix of quick and hearty. It’s made in one pot, ready in under an hour, and gives you the comfort of a baked pasta casserole without the need for baking. The tomato sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, and the ground beef brings in all the flavor. You can customize it with veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even swap the beef for ground turkey.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for American Chop Suey?

Traditionally, elbow macaroni is the go-to pasta for American Chop Suey. Its curved shape holds sauce beautifully, and the size is just right for each bite to feel balanced. If you’re in a pinch, medium shells or rotini will also work well. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine—they won’t give you the same cozy texture that makes this dish so comforting.

Ingredients for the American Chop Suey

The ingredients for American Chop Suey are likely already in your kitchen, which is one of the reasons it’s such a go-to for busy nights. Let’s talk about what makes each one essential.

• Elbow macaroni
• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Garlic cloves
• Green bell pepper
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Each element plays a role: the macaroni for bite and body, beef for rich protein, onion and garlic for depth, bell pepper for texture, and the tomato duo for that signature saucy goodness. A splash of Worcestershire and herbs rounds everything out with umami and warmth.

How To Make the American Chop Suey

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors deepen.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and gently mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated in sauce.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve warm with a sprinkle of grated parmesan if you like. This dish is best eaten fresh off the stove!

How to Serve and Store American Chop Suey

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, making it ideal for families or leftovers. To serve, ladle it into bowls and optionally top with shredded mozzarella or grated parmesan for a cheesy touch. You can also serve it with a slice of garlic toast or warm dinner rolls.

Leftovers? No problem. American Chop Suey stores like a dream. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce or microwave it in a covered dish.

What to Serve With American Chop Suey?

Garlic Bread

The rich tomato sauce begs for something to mop it up, and garlicky, buttery bread does just that.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and tangy dressing brings a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli adds a bit of crunch and earthiness to balance the soft, saucy pasta.

Pickled Beets

If you want a bold side, tangy pickled beets bring a punch of flavor and brightness.

Steamed Green Beans

Green beans are simple, crisp, and don’t overpower the dish.

Coleslaw

For a creamy and cool side, classic coleslaw offers a nice contrast.

Applesauce

Sounds odd, but this sweet side is a nostalgic combo from many school lunches and adds a nice finish.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love American Chop Suey, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting pasta favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a rich, cheesy alternative.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you want a one-pot creamy meal.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a Philly-inspired twist.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a white sauce pasta that’s just as hearty.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you need big flavor in a flash.

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Let me know in the comments if you added mushrooms or used ground turkey—I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Questions welcome too, especially if you’re trying to plan ahead for leftovers!

Explore beautifully curated comfort food classics on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite!

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