American Chop Suey is like a warm, cozy blanket in culinary form, wrapping you up with layers of savory tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese. This humble, yet hearty dish hails from the Northeastern United States and brings together simple ingredients—ground beef, crisp veggies, tangy tomatoes, and elbow macaroni—into one crowd-pleasing skillet. Savor the Comfort of Classic American Chop Suey with a Flavorful Twist! This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs alike, offering a fuss-free prep time of just 15 minutes, a cooking time of 30 minutes, and a quick 5-minute rest before digging in. At around 450 calories per serving, it strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and nourishment.
I’ll never forget the first time I served this dish to my family on a rainy Saturday evening. The kitchen filled with the bubbling sound of the sauce coming to a gentle simmer, and by the time I sprinkled a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese on top, everyone was already hovering around the stove. This American Chop Suey, sometimes called “goulash,” is as versatile as it is comforting—feel free to toss in extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, or dial up the heat with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a hungry crowd, or packing up leftovers for the week, this skillet meal never disappoints.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN AMERICAN CHOP SUEY
Before you roll up your sleeves and get cooking, let’s break down the star players of this recipe. Each ingredient brings its own texture, aroma, and flavor to the table, working harmoniously to deliver that classic, homestyle taste.
- Ground beef
Adds rich, meaty depth and protein to every forkful. Browning it properly builds a savory foundation and caramelized bits that deepen the overall flavor.
- Olive oil
Provides a smooth, fruity base for sautéing ingredients without overpowering delicate aromatics. It also helps the beef brown evenly.
- Onion
Brings natural sweetness and a gentle crunch when sautéed, forming an aromatic backbone that complements the beef and tomatoes.
- Green bell pepper
Offers bright, vegetal notes and a satisfying texture contrast. It also contributes subtle, fresh bitterness that balances the tomato’s acidity.
- Garlic
Infuses the sauce with pungent, savory warmth. Minced garlic releases essential oils that enhance every other ingredient.
- Tomato sauce
Creates the lush, velvety base of the dish, binding all ingredients together and giving that comforting red hue.
- Diced tomatoes
Add bursts of juicy texture and extra layers of tomato flavor, elevating the sauce with natural sweetness and acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce
Introduces umami complexity and a hint of tang that elevates the meat sauce, tying all the savory components together.
- Italian seasoning
A blend of dried herbs—like oregano, basil, and thyme—that lends an aromatic, herbaceous character to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance the inherent flavors and ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Elbow macaroni
A classic pasta shape that holds onto sauce in its curved tubes, delivering saucy goodness with every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top, creating a creamy finish that contrasts with the hearty meat and pasta beneath.
HOW TO MAKE AMERICAN CHOP SUEY
This easy, step-by-step method will turn those simple ingredients into a steaming skillet of comfort food magic. You’ll move from browning meat to boiling pasta, then bring it all together for a cohesive, saucy masterpiece.
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s evenly browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly thicken for 3–4 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and immediately transfer it into the skillet with the meat sauce.
5. Mix well to combine the pasta and meat sauce. Let it cook together for a few minutes, stirring now and then so the sauce clings to every piece of macaroni.
6. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy blanket.
7. Serve hot straight from the skillet and enjoy your homemade American Chop Suey.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR AMERICAN CHOP SUEY
When it comes to serving American Chop Suey, the right accompaniments can elevate this hearty dish to a memorable family feast. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato base already stands on its own as a complete meal, but a thoughtful selection of sides and garnishes can take every bite to the next level. Crisp salads, warm breads, and vibrant fresh herbs provide contrasting textures and bright flavors that complement the comforting warmth of the chop suey. Adjusting your presentation—from rustic bowls to shallow plates—also influences how inviting the dish feels when it arrives at the table. Pairing the saucy pasta with a lightly dressed arugula salad or offering a side of toasted garlic bread adds depth and balance to each mouthful. Tossing in a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper can highlight subtle notes in the sauce. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, paying attention to plating—like scattering chopped parsley or serving individual portions in mini skillets—turns this humble recipe into a conversation piece.
- Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of tomato sauce, brushing each slice with melted butter and minced garlic before toasting.
- Pair with a crisp green salad—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette—for refreshing contrast.
- Garnish generously with fresh parsley or basil leaves to introduce herbal brightness and color pop.
- Offer a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a small dish of grated Parmesan so guests can customize heat and cheesiness.
HOW TO STORE AMERICAN CHOP SUEY
Leftover American Chop Suey is a gift that keeps on giving, but proper storage is key to preserving its rich flavor and creamy texture. Whether you plan to enjoy a second helping the next day or stash portions for an easy weeknight rescue dinner, taking a few simple steps ensures your pasta and sauce maintain their original appeal. First, allow the dish to cool slightly at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes to avoid condensation inside storage containers. Then, transfer the chop suey into airtight containers, dividing it into individual portions for convenient reheating later. Label each container with the date so you can track freshness. If you’d like to extend the shelf life even further, portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening them to save space and speed up thawing.
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Skillet Reheat: Warm a portion in a preheated skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a drizzle of olive oil or water to revive creaminess.
- Microwave Reheat: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between cycles to ensure even warmth.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you gather the ingredients to that first cheesy, comforting bite, American Chop Suey proves itself as a true weeknight hero. This beginner-friendly recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh produce and spices to create a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. With just 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and a 5-minute rest, you’ll have a steaming skillet of pasta, beef, and tomato goodness ready to please every palate. Whether you serve it alongside a crisp salad, pile it onto garlic-buttered bread, or enjoy it straight from the skillet, the flavors marry beautifully and showcase why this recipe has stood the test of time in Northeastern kitchens. Don’t forget—this article is yours to print, save, and refer back to whenever you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing comfort meal. And if you’re looking for extra guidance or tips, you can find a FAQ below.
I’d love to hear how your American Chop Suey turns out! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment with your experience, share any tweaks or add-ins you discovered, or ask questions if you need help troubleshooting. Your feedback not only helps me improve future recipes but also supports fellow home cooks who are excited to dive into this classic dish. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy, cheesy dinners ahead!
American Chop Suey
Description
This hearty dish combines ground beef, tender veggies, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet.
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Mix well to combine the pasta with the meat sauce. Allow it to cook together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
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Serve hot and enjoy your homemade American Chop Suey.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 113kcal
Note
- American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food popular in the Northeastern United States.
- This dish is also known as "goulash" in some regions.
- You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
