Description
American Chop Suey is a classic, hearty comfort food consisting of ground beef, diced vegetables, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This one-pot dish combines the savoriness of Italian seasoning with the freshness of peppers and celery, making it a family favorite that’s both easy and satisfying. Optional cheese adds a creamy, melty finish that enhances the dish’s flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 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
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes and Liquids
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (can substitute beef broth)
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste, allowing the flavors to meld for a moment.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions, green pepper, and celery to the pot and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Remaining Liquids and Tomatoes: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, mixing well to blend the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Boil: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and let it cook for 4 minutes.
- Prevent Sticking: Uncover the pot and use a silicone spatula to carefully lift and loosen any pasta or ingredients stuck to the bottom. Cover partially and continue to boil gently for another 4 minutes, then repeat the spatula step.
- Finish Cooking Pasta: Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the macaroni is tender but not mushy. Taste test a noodle to confirm doneness. Turn off the heat, letting the pasta absorb any remaining liquid.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the dish and stir until melted and evenly distributed for a creamy finish.
- Serve: Plate the American Chop Suey while warm and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, stir 1 tablespoon of flour into the ground beef after browning and cook for 1 minute before adding other ingredients.
- Adding a dab of softened cream cheese at the end creates a subtle creaminess that enriches the sauce.
- A dash of hot sauce can be added for a spicy kick.
- Mixing ground beef with Italian sausage gives the dish extra depth and flavor complexity.
- Feel free to add frozen vegetables such as carrots, peas, corn, or jalapenos for variety.
- Crock Pot Method: Brown beef in a skillet and drain; transfer ingredients except macaroni and cheese to Crock Pot with half the broth. Cook high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Add macaroni and cheese, cook 30-45 minutes, monitoring to prevent mushiness, adding broth as needed.
- Instant Pot Method: Brown beef using sauté mode. Add seasonings, tomato paste, vegetables, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and macaroni. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes; do a quick release. Stir in remaining broth and cheese, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
