American Chop Suey is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its vibrant combination of flavors and textures. Imagine a hearty mix of pasta, ground beef, and colorful bell peppers simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel warm inside, like a cozy hug from your grandmother on a chilly evening.
Growing up, American Chop Suey was the star of our family gatherings. My mom would whip it up for birthdays or lazy Sunday dinners, and we all eagerly awaited that first bite. The anticipation would build as we set the table, and as soon as the dish was served, there’d be no holding back. It’s perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners when you need something quick yet satisfying.
Why You'll Love This American Chop Suey
- This incredible American Chop Suey transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
I still remember my friend Sarah’s reaction when she first tasted this dish at our potluck last summer; her eyes widened with joy as she declared it “the best thing ever!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Elbow Macaroni: Choose the classic type for that perfect texture to hold onto the sauce.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to balance flavor without excess grease.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green adds color and sweetness; choose firm ones for crunch.
Onion: A yellow onion works best; it caramelizes beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish to another level; opt for cloves over pre-minced versions.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes in juice are essential; they provide moisture without making it too soupy.
Tomato Sauce: Use a good quality tomato sauce for a rich base that ties everything together.
Italian Seasoning: This blend brings an aromatic touch; homemade is great if you have the time!
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.
Cheddar Cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top creates a gooey layer that takes this dish to new cheesy heights!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make American Chop Suey
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they soften, about 5 minutes. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen!
Add Ground Beef: Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add ground beef to the empty space. Cook until browned while breaking it into smaller pieces.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant—this step is key for flavor explosion!
Combine Ingredients: Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked macaroni, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. This magic time allows flavors to meld beautifully while thickening slightly.
Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheddar cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
With these steps completed, you’ll have a delicious American Chop Suey ready to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table!
You Must Know About American Chop Suey
- This showstopping American Chop Suey delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning ground beef in a large skillet, then add onions and garlic for flavor. Once they’re softened, toss in bell peppers before adding cooked pasta and sauce, stirring until heated through. This method ensures every ingredient shines while minimizing cleanup.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to jazz up your American Chop Suey with different proteins like turkey or veggie alternatives. Swap out traditional spices for a zesty kick or throw in some cheese on top before serving for a gooey finish that everyone will love.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips for American Chop Suey
- This professional-quality American Chop Suey relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
The first time I made American Chop Suey, my friends devoured it so fast I thought they were competing! Their compliments still echo in my mind, reminding me how simple ingredients can create delightful memories.
FAQ
What is American Chop Suey?
American Chop Suey is a comforting pasta dish made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, tomatoes, and bell peppers. It’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor that pleases everyone at the table.
Can I make American Chop Suey ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat it gently on the stove to maintain its deliciousness.
What can I substitute if I don’t have certain ingredients?
If you’re missing ground beef, try ground turkey or plant-based meats as alternatives. For veggies, feel free to use whatever you have on hand—zucchini or spinach work wonders too!
How do I make my American Chop Suey more flavorful?
Layer flavors by seasoning each ingredient as you cook instead of just at the end. Adding herbs like oregano or basil while sautéing gives your dish an aromatic boost that elevates every bite!
Conclusion for American Chop Suey
In conclusion, mastering American Chop Suey means enjoying a delightful blend of flavors that brings people together around the table. With simple steps and endless customization options, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. So grab those ingredients and get cooking; delicious memories await!
American Chop Suey
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
American Chop Suey is a delightful one-pot pasta dish that combines elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and colorful bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights, offering comforting flavors that everyone loves. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed red and green)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked macaroni, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Mix well until combined.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
