Name: Easy American Chop Suey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs. ground beef, 85% lean; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced green pepper; 1 stick celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained; 16 oz. tomato sauce; 2 ½ cups chicken broth (can substitute beef broth); 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, let me introduce you to my Easy American Chop Suey Recipe. This classic American dish, packed with hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, has been a staple in my family’s kitchen for years — and I’m excited to share all my best tips so you can nail it from the get-go. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll instantly become one of your go-to weeknight meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Wonder: You cook everything in one pot, which means less mess and easy cleanup.
Comfort Food Classic: Rich, hearty, and full of familiar flavors everyone loves.
Family Favorite: My family goes absolutely crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will, too.

The image shows a close-up of a pot filled with elbow macaroni pasta mixed with ground meat, diced tomatoes, and chopped green bell peppers. The pasta is soft and coated with a rich reddish-brown sauce. The ground meat is crumbled small and evenly spread throughout the dish. Bright red tomato pieces and small chunks of green bell peppers add pops of color. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture on the right side. The pot has a soft brown inside texture, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - American Chop Suey, easy American Chop Suey, quick American Chop Suey, comforting American Chop Suey, one-pot American Chop Suey

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Easy American Chop Suey Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each adds a layer of flavor, and I’ll share a few tips to help you shop smart and prep like a pro.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef formed into a loose mound, a small white bowl with deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl filled with diced yellow onion, a small white bowl holding diced green bell pepper, a small white bowl containing diced celery stalk, four whole uncracked garlic bulbs cloves arranged neatly, a small white bowl with undrained diced bright red tomatoes, a small white bowl filled with smooth tomato sauce, a small white bowl of rich brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl filled with clear golden chicken broth, a small white bowl holding uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a small white bowl with pale orange shredded cheddar cheese, small white bowls each containing Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder powders, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement on a simple white ceramic background placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - American Chop Suey, easy American Chop Suey, quick American Chop Suey, comforting American Chop Suey, one-pot American Chop Suey

Ground beef: I usually go for 85% lean because it’s juicy but not too fatty, giving you the perfect balance.
Italian seasoning: A blend here saves the hassle of measuring out individual spices and adds a classic herby touch.
Seasoned salt: Adds depth beyond regular salt; don’t skip this one.
Garlic powder: If you’re fresh garlic fan like me, you’ll love that this recipe has both powdered and fresh garlic for layers of garlicky goodness.
Tomato paste: This little can packs a punch, thickening the sauce with rich tomato flavor.
Onion & green pepper: Fresh is best here for that sweet and slightly crisp texture.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that cuts through the richness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh cloves bring vibrant aromatics; mince finely for even cooking.
Worcestershire sauce: This is a secret weapon for umami that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Diced tomatoes & tomato sauce: Use canned for convenience, and pick one with no added sugar or herbs for the best control over flavor.
Chicken or beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the pasta from drying out as it cooks.
Elbow macaroni: Classic and perfect for holding onto that scrumptious sauce.
Cheddar cheese (optional): I always shred my own — it melts better and tastes so fresh.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Easy American Chop Suey Recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients here and there — it’s super flexible. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

Protein swap: I sometimes mix half ground beef and half Italian sausage to add a richer flavor — it’s a total game-changer.
Vegetable boost: Throw in some frozen peas, carrots, or corn for extra color and nutrients; frozen veggies work perfectly without extra prep.
Spice level: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick when we’re craving something a bit bolder.
Dairy-free version: Just omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative for a dairy-free twist.

How to Make Easy American Chop Suey Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef just right

Start by heating your large pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Cook and crumble it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink — this usually takes about 8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; you want those flavorful browned bits. Once done, drain off the excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.

Step 2: Build your flavor base

Sprinkle your Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder over the beef, stirring everything together. Next, stir in the tomato paste—this gives your sauce that deep, rich tomato taste. Then toss in the diced onion, green pepper, and celery, cooking them for about 4 minutes until they soften but still hold a bit of bite. Toss in the minced garlic last and cook for just a minute—you want it fragrant but not burned.

Step 3: Make it saucy

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything to combine. Then add the Worcestershire sauce, the undrained diced tomatoes, and your chicken or beef broth. Give it a good stir so all those flavors marry beautifully.

Step 4: Add pasta and cook gently

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then cover your pot and let it cook for 4 minutes. Uncover, gently scrape the bottom with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking, and then partially cover the pot again, boiling for another 4 minutes. Give it one more gentle stir and cook for 2-3 minutes more until the macaroni is tender — always taste a noodle to be sure.

Step 5: Final finishing touch

Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it in gradually, stirring to melt the cheese into the warm dish. This step takes the flavor and texture to another level — I can’t recommend it enough. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in happily!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy American Chop Suey Recipe

Don’t skip browning: Properly browning the beef adds that great depth of flavor you want in chop suey.
Use a silicone spatula: It’s perfect for gently scraping the bottom of the pot without scratching your cookware or mashing the pasta.
Shred your own cheese: I discovered that pre-shredded cheese often doesn’t melt smoothly, so taking the extra minute to shred from a block is worth it.
Taste test pasta early: To avoid mushy noodles, start checking doneness a minute or two before the minimum cook time.

How to Serve Easy American Chop Suey Recipe

Easy American Chop Suey Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions — it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. And if you’re feeling fancy, a little extra shredded cheddar right on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

This Easy American Chop Suey pairs perfectly with classic crusty bread or a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. For something heartier, mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I like to serve this dish in individual ramekins topped with a bit of extra cheese, then broil them for a minute for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s a fun twist that feels extra special without any extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times, and it holds up well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the pasta texture intact.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through — this keeps the macaroni from getting mushy.

FAQs

Can I make Easy American Chop Suey Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the dish?

Nope! One of the great things about this recipe is that you add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the sauce and broth mixture. It cooks right in the pot, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you like a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of flour when you’re browning the beef and cook it for an extra minute before adding liquids. Alternatively, let the dish simmer uncovered a bit longer at the end to reduce excess liquid.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! This recipe adapts easily for both slow cooker and Instant Pot methods. Just adjust the broth quantities as directed in the recipe notes, and add the pasta toward the end to prevent overcooking.
What’s the best cheese to use?

I prefer sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully and adds a nice tang. Just be sure to shred it fresh from a block for the best melting and flavor.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy American Chop Suey Recipe, I was hooked immediately — it’s like a warm hug on a plate! It’s simple to prepare, forgiving if you need to tweak the ingredients, and makes enough to feed a hungry family or have leftovers ready for the next day. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing this recipe just as much as I do. Give it a go, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you!