American Chop Suey
A Comforting Classic with a Twist (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
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:
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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.
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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.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), condensed tomato soup, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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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!