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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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