American Chop Suey

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American Chop Suey is the kind of comforting, all-in-one dinner that brings everyone to the table without fuss. A hearty mix of elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, it’s the definition of cozy and satisfying. This classic New England dish isn’t fancy, but it’s packed with familiar flavors that never go out of style.

What makes American Chop Suey truly beloved is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping weekday lunches, or looking for a nostalgic bite from your childhood, this dish checks all the boxes. One pot, minimal prep, and it tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey

It’s easy to see why American Chop Suey remains a staple in so many kitchens. It comes together quickly with everyday ingredients and leaves you with fewer dishes to wash. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable — you can sneak in veggies, switch up the meat, or even make it plant-based.

Even picky eaters love it. There’s something universally comforting about tender pasta coated in savory tomato sauce, especially when it’s paired with seasoned ground beef and a touch of garlic. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it just as tasty on day two.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for American Chop Suey?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for American Chop Suey, and for good reason. The small, curved shape holds onto the sauce perfectly and gives that nostalgic texture we all know and love. That said, don’t hesitate to use what you have on hand. Shells, penne, or even rotini work well too. The key is to choose a short pasta with nooks or ridges that soak up the sauce.

Ingredients for the American Chop Suey

This dish is all about pantry staples working in harmony. Each ingredient has a purpose, and together they create a dish that’s simple yet full of flavor.

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

How To Make the American Chop Suey

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell peppers, sautéing until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors can develop.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce, making sure it’s well coated. Let it sit on low heat for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors, then serve warm.

Serving and Storing American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey is a generous recipe, typically serving 6 to 8 people with ease. It’s perfect for big family dinners or for preparing meals ahead of time. To store, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive its saucy goodness.

What to Serve With American Chop Suey?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is a natural pairing. It soaks up the extra sauce perfectly.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with a punchy dressing brings balance to the hearty pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple roasted broccoli adds a nice green touch and subtle charred flavor.

Pickled Beets

For a classic New England vibe, serve chilled pickled beets on the side.

Grated Parmesan

Offer freshly grated Parmesan for topping. It adds a salty depth.

Coleslaw

A creamy coleslaw adds cool contrast to the warm, savory dish.

Sautéed Zucchini

Lightly sautéed zucchini rounds out the meal with a seasonal feel.

Fried Eggs

Top leftovers with a runny fried egg for an upgraded next-day lunch.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this American Chop Suey is right up your alley, you’ll want to check out these other dinner favorites from Luna Meals:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice
• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments if you add your own twist! Did you use turkey instead of beef? Maybe tossed in mushrooms or swapped the macaroni for penne?

I love seeing how everyone makes these dishes their own. And if you have any questions while cooking, don’t hesitate to ask.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and comfort meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite recipe.

Conclusion

American Chop Suey is as timeless as it is tasty. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy cooking skills to make something everyone will love. With its cozy flavor, easy preparation, and family appeal, it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

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