American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey is one of those classic dishes that instantly takes me back to my childhood. I still remember coming home from school on chilly afternoons to find my mom stirring a big pot of this hearty, savory pasta. The smell of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian spices filling our kitchen was pure comfort.

Now that I’m making it for Henry, Isabella, Emma, and Noah, I’ve perfected this American chop suey recipe to be both quick and absolutely delicious. It’s become one of our go-to weeknight dinners, and trust me, once you try this classic American chop suey, it’ll become a staple in your home too. If you’re looking for more comforting pasta dishes, check out my creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup for another family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey Recipe

• Budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
• Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• One-pot wonder that means less cleanup (always a win!)
• Kid-approved flavor that even picky eaters will devour
• Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep and future quick dinners
• Customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences and dietary needs

What Makes This Old Fashioned American Chop Suey Special

Let me be honest with you this isn’t fancy restaurant food. This is comfort food pasta recipe at its finest, the kind that warms you from the inside out and makes everyone at the table happy.

What I love most about this dish is how the pasta soaks up all those rich tomato flavors. The combination of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates this perfectly balanced sauce that’s not too thick and not too thin. Plus, the Italian seasoning adds just the right amount of herby goodness without overpowering the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for American Chop Suey

For the pasta base:

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni the classic choice, but any short pasta works great
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
• 1 tablespoon butter adds richness to the base

For the flavorful filling:

• 1 white onion, diced builds the flavor foundation
• 3 cloves garlic, minced because garlic makes everything better
• 1 pound ground beef or use ground turkey for a leaner option
• 1 green bell pepper, diced adds sweetness and crunch

For the sauce:

• 14 ounces diced tomatoes, canned fire-roasted for extra depth
• 15 ounces tomato sauce, canned creates the perfect consistency
• 6 ounces tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning the secret to that classic taste
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt season to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper adds a subtle kick
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce enhances the savory notes
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional) balances the acidity
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for a fresh finishing touch

How to Make the Best American Chop Suey

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Make sure to salt your water generously this is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out! Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Start building the flavors

In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add your diced onions and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them soft and translucent, not browned.

Step 3: Add the aromatics

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter!

Step 4: Brown the ground beef

Add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If there’s excess grease, drain it off nobody wants a greasy American chop suey.

Step 5: Add the vegetables

Stir in the diced green bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The pepper should soften slightly but still have a little crunch.

Step 6: Create the sauce

Now comes the magic! Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 7: Bring it all together

Add your cooked pasta to the pot and gently fold everything together. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes so the pasta can absorb all those wonderful flavors. I like to taste it at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly!

Storage and Reheating Tips for American Chop Suey

Refrigerator storage: Let your American chop suey cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Actually, I think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together!

Freezer storage: This easy weeknight pasta dinner freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Label them with the date so you remember when you made it.

Reheating: You can reheat portions in the microwave (add a splash of water to keep it from drying out) or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight first for best results.

Creative Variations on Classic American Chop Suey

Make it healthier: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. Isabella actually loves when I sneak in some finely chopped spinach!

Change up the pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, I’ve made this with shells, rotini, and penne with great success. Each shape holds the sauce a little differently, so experiment and see what your family likes best.

Spice things up: If your family likes heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. I usually keep hot sauce on the table so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese right before serving. Emma is obsessed with the cheesy version!

Add more protein: Sometimes I’ll throw in some cooked Italian sausage along with the ground beef for extra flavor and heartiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Chop Suey

Final Thoughts on This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

This old fashioned American chop suey has become one of those recipes I make on autopilot. It’s that reliable, comforting dish that never disappoints and always brings smiles to the dinner table.

What I love most is how it brings our family together. Henry always asks for seconds, and even Noah, who can be picky, cleans his plate every single time. It’s those moments around the dinner table, with everyone enjoying a simple, home-cooked meal, that make all the effort worthwhile.

Give this American chop suey recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a regular rotation in your meal planning. It’s everything a weeknight dinner should be: easy, affordable, delicious, and satisfying. Can’t wait to hear how your family likes it!

More Comforting Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Lasagna Soup Recipe all the flavors of lasagna in an easy soup form
• Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner
• Easy Ravioli Lasagna Recipe the shortcut lasagna you need in your life

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