Hearty American Chop Suey Recipe: Homestyle Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty American chop suey that brings nostalgia straight to your dinner table.

Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, this classic dish delivers warmth in every single bite.

Home cooks have cherished this recipe for generations, turning simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.

The robust flavors blend perfectly, creating a meal that speaks to both tradition and simplicity.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Families will gather around, eager to savor each delicious spoonful of this timeless American favorite.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Why American Chop Suey Is Still a Classic

• Combine robust ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of seasonings that create a rich, deeply satisfying sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Designed to please both kids and adults, this classic recipe offers a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and pasta all in one comforting dish that's sure to become a household favorite.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to make it your own unique creation that suits your family's taste preferences.

What Goes into American Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the dish.

• Onion, Green Pepper, Celery: A classic trio that adds depth, sweetness, and texture to the recipe.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth and rich base for the goulash.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunky texture and bright tomato flavor to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce's richness and concentration of tomato flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a tangy and umami depth to the recipe.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic herbal blend that complements the meat and vegetables.
• Seasoned Salt: Adds a balanced and enhanced saltiness to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor throughout the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and additional flavor to help cook the pasta.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that serves as the hearty base of the goulash.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy and rich finish to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for American Chop Suey

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Grab a large pot and heat it over medium-high.

Crumble the ground beef into the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks.

After about 8 minutes, the beef should look perfectly browned.

Drain off any extra grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Bloom Flavor Boosters

• Italian seasoning
• Seasoned salt
• Garlic powder
• Tomato paste

Stir everything together for a minute, letting the paste mingle with the beef and create a rich, deep flavor base.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Medley

• Onion
• Green pepper
• Celery
• Minced garlic

Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Add the garlic in the last minute to prevent burning.

Step 4: Build Sauce Foundation

• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Diced tomatoes (undrained)
• Chicken or beef broth

Mix everything thoroughly, creating a robust sauce that will make the pasta sing with flavor.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Magic

Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce.

Stir to distribute evenly.

Bring to a gentle boil, then cover the pot.

Cook for 4 minutes, then uncover and stir, scraping the bottom.

Cover partially and continue cooking.

Step 6: Perfect Pasta Finish

Check the macaroni’s doneness by tasting a piece.

It should be soft with a slight bite.

If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Turn off the heat, letting the pasta absorb the remaining liquid and thicken the sauce.

Step 7: Optional Cheese Explosion

For extra decadence, sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy, dreamy finish.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips for a Flavorful American Goulash

• Remove excess fat by carefully draining the beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
• Add spices and tomato paste early to develop a deep, rich taste that infuses the entire dish with maximum flavor complexity.
• Watch macaroni closely during the final cooking stages, testing for al dente texture to avoid mushy noodles and maintain a perfect consistency.
• Sprinkle cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, even distribution that coats the entire dish without clumping.
• Allow the American Chop Suey to sit for a few minutes after cooking, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld together for a more harmonious taste experience.

How to Store and Reheat American Goulash

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Transfer cooled chop suey to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and heat until steaming hot throughout.

Ideal Pairings for American Chop Suey

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations
• Craft a Bold Red Wine Pairing: Grab a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to match the robust beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Elevate with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the hearty American Chop Suey, introducing a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting pasta dish.
• Boost with Garlic Bread Companion: Toast crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, providing a crunchy texture that complements the soft pasta and enhances the overall meal experience.
• Refresh with Crisp Beverage: Pour an ice-cold beer like amber ale or lager to cleanse the palate, its carbonation and mild hoppy notes perfectly offsetting the dish's rich, meaty profile.

Flavor Swaps for American Goulash

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Replace traditional elbow macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the classic comfort food flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Spin: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled firm tofu to create a meat-free version that still delivers robust protein and satisfying texture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Eliminate cheese topping and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version that remains creamy and flavorful.

FAQs

• Is American Chop Suey the same as traditional goulash?

The recipe is an American adaptation of goulash, featuring ground beef, macaroni, tomato sauce, and vegetables, which differs from the Hungarian original that typically uses chunks of beef and includes paprika.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Elbow macaroni works best because it absorbs sauce well and creates the classic texture, but you could substitute small shells or rotini if needed.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, and consider using whole wheat macaroni to increase nutritional value.

• What should I do if the sauce becomes too dry while cooking?

Add a little more broth or water in small increments to maintain moisture and prevent sticking, stirring carefully to distribute evenly.

American Chop Suey (american Goulash) Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern comfort classic American Chop Suey brings nostalgic one-pot magic to dinner tables across New England. Pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce blend in a simple, satisfying meal that connects generations with its warm, homestyle embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) tomato sauce
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes (undrained)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 1 stick celery (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles. Cook for approximately 8 minutes until completely browned, then eliminate excess fat to prevent greasiness.
2. Introduce Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder to the meat. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to enhance sauce depth and coat the beef evenly.
3. Integrate diced onion, green pepper, and celery into the mixture. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables soften, then quickly add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to prevent burning.
4. Pour tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes into the pot. Mix ingredients completely, then introduce chicken or beef broth to create a rich liquid base for pasta absorption.
5. Distribute uncooked elbow macaroni throughout the sauce, ensuring even coverage. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for 4 minutes. Uncover, stir vigorously, scraping the pot’s bottom, and partially cover for another 4 minutes.
6. Evaluate pasta doneness by tasting a piece. It should be tender with slight resistance. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes if needed, then remove from heat. Allow residual warmth to thicken the sauce and complete pasta cooking.
7. Optional cheese enhancement: Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar, stirring until completely melted and integrated. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish, using a colander or paper towels to remove excess fat for a lighter texture.
• Control pasta cooking by adding liquid gradually, ensuring perfect al dente texture without becoming mushy or dry.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting seasoning intensity, using mild Italian herbs or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular macaroni with chickpea or gluten-free pasta, maintaining the recipe’s hearty comfort food appeal.

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg