American Chop Suey

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than American Chop Suey! This nostalgic dish combines ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

While its name evokes Chinese cuisine, American Chop Suey is a true American comfort food classic. It’s a fuss-free recipe perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a satisfying meal without the complexities of elaborate dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple and Familiar: Made with readily available ingredients, American Chop Suey is a recipe many grew up with and evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of ground beef, pasta, and vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser, sure to be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to personalize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Budget-Friendly: American Chop Suey is an affordable meal option that utilizes pantry staples and doesn’t require expensive ingredients.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), condensed tomato soup, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Tips:

• For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
• If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use another type of small pasta like shells, penne, or rotini.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts:

American Chop Suey is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s a nostalgic classic that can be enjoyed by the whole family and offers endless possibilities for customization. So, grab your favorite ingredients and whip up a batch of this American comfort food classic tonight!