If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious weeknight dinner, this American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe is an absolute must-try. I absolutely love how this dish comes together—it’s got those rich tomato flavors, tender pasta, and savory ground beef that blends perfectly for a meal that my whole family goes crazy for. Stick with me here because I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks so you can nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish hits all the cozy notes with ground beef and pasta simmered in a savory tomato sauce.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it’s ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can customize veggies or cheese to make it your own, which I love.
- Family Friendly: It’s a surefire way to please picky eaters while still packing in great nutritional value.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients all work together to build a rich, flavorful sauce balanced with tender noodles. When choosing your ground beef, I recommend 85% lean for that juicy, beefy flavor without too much grease. Also, fresh veggies make a big difference here, so grab fresh onions, peppers, and garlic for the best taste.
- Ground Beef: Go with 85% lean for juicy flavor without excess fat pooling in the pot.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds that classic herb blend to brighten up the sauce.
- Seasoned Salt: Boosts flavor with a bit of extra seasoning that complements the beef.
- Garlic Powder: A quick way to layer in garlic flavor evenly throughout.
- Tomato Paste: This thickens the sauce and amps up tomato richness.
- Diced Onion: Provides sweetness and bite—don’t skip fresh if you can help it.
- Diced Green Pepper: Adds color and crunch; it also mellows out when cooked gently.
- Celery: Gives that subtle earthy crunch and depth.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is where the magic happens for vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami kick that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use undrained for extra juice and natural acidity.
- Tomato Sauce: The base for a smooth, hearty sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps things moist and flavorful; beef broth works too for a richer taste.
- Uncooked Elbow Macaroni: It cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that delicious flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional): I always shred from a block for better melt and taste—avoid pre-shredded where possible.
Variations
One of the things I truly enjoy about this American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand or your flavor preferences. I encourage you to make it your own!
- Swap or Add Meat: I sometimes add Italian sausage with the ground beef for extra flavor and spice that my family loves.
- Veggie Boost: Frozen peas or corn mixed in add a pop of sweetness and color when fresh aren’t available.
- Cheese Variations: Besides cheddar, try mixing in mozzarella or Parmesan for different melty textures and taste.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of hot sauce or jalapeño peppers can easily wake up the dish if you like heat.
How to Make American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor
You’ll want to start by cooking your ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks and let it brown nicely, about 8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain the excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce. Then, stir in the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste. This tomato paste “toast” step is one of my favorite tricks—it really deepens the sauce’s flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add your diced onions, green pepper, and celery to the pot, cooking them for about 4 minutes. This softens them while keeping a little bite. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook everything just another minute until fragrant. Fresh garlic at this stage makes such a difference, trust me.
Step 3: Combine Sauces and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until it’s all blended in beautifully. Add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth next. These liquids make the sauce juicy and flavorful, so don’t skimp here.
Step 4: Add Macaroni and Simmer
Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the sauce mixture. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then cover and let it simmer for 4 minutes. This helps the pasta start cooking without sticking. After uncovering, use a silicone spatula to loosen anything clinging to the bottom to prevent burning. Cover partially and cook for 4 more minutes, then loosen the bottom again before cooking 2-3 more minutes until the macaroni is just tender. Taste a noodle before turning off the heat—remember, it will keep absorbing the sauce so you want a slight bite.
Step 5: Cheese it Up and Serve
If you’re adding cheddar cheese (and I highly recommend it!), sprinkle it gradually into the hot pot, stirring until melted and creamy. Avoid pre-shredded cheese here since it often has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. Serve immediately and watch your family dive in happily!
Pro Tips for Making American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
- Toast the Tomato Paste: Cooking the tomato paste with the beef and seasonings early on adds rich depth you wouldn’t get otherwise.
- Check Pasta Early: Don’t wait until the end to taste the macaroni—checking as it cooks helps you avoid overcooking mushy pasta.
- Fresh Cheese Melts Best: I learned that shredding cheese fresh from a block without preservatives yields a creamier, silkier finish.
- Don’t Skip Stirring the Bottom: Regularly loosening anything stuck to the bottom is key to keep the sauce from burning or clumping.
How to Serve American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a little freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Some cracked black pepper on top brightens the flavor too. For a little extra richness, a dollop of sour cream or a smear of cream cheese stirred in right before serving makes it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Simple sides complement this dish well—think garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce or a crisp side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted veggies or steamed green beans also pair nicely without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering, I’ve served this in rustic cast iron skillets right at the table to keep it warm and inviting. Another fun idea is layering it like a casserole topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly for a crowd-pleasing twist. It’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers and they keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after sitting overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe freezes great! I portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and it lasts up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Give it a good stir midway through reheating to keep things creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I make American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, or use a mix of mushrooms and lentils to mimic the texture and flavor. Just adjust seasonings accordingly, and the cooking process remains much the same.
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What type of pasta works best?
Traditional elbow macaroni is classic and works perfectly here because it holds sauce well and cooks evenly. However, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or mini penne also work if that’s what you have handy.
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Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe?
Yes! I’ve included instructions for both methods in this article. Using a slow cooker or Instant Pot is a fantastic shortcut for busy days and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
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How do I avoid mushy pasta?
Keep a close eye on cooking times and taste test the pasta regularly towards the end. Removing from heat when the pasta is slightly underdone is key because it continues cooking in residual heat and absorbs sauce as it rests.
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Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Frozen or fresh veggies like peas, corn, diced carrots, or jalapeños can easily be stirred in during the cooking process. It’s a great way to sneak some extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to dinners when I want something quick, comforting, and loved by everyone. I remember the first time I made it—I was surprised at how easy it was to get such delicious results with minimal fuss. I hope you give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and find it becomes a family favorite in your home too. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!
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American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
American Chop Suey is a comforting, hearty pasta dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, celery, and a blend of seasonings. Perfect for a family meal, this easy one-pot recipe offers flexible cooking methods including stovetop, crock pot, and instant pot options.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef, 85% lean
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth, or beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: If using cheese, shred it from a block and set aside, letting it come to room temperature for better melting. Avoid packaged shredded cheese that contains cellulose.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef until no longer pink and browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste to the beef mixture, coating evenly.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, green pepper, and celery to the pot and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir thoroughly to combine with the beef and vegetables.
- Add Remaining Liquids: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken (or beef) broth to the pot.
- Incorporate Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook Pasta Covered: Cover the pot and let it cook for 4 minutes. Then uncover and use a silicone spatula to gently lift and stir any pasta or sauce that has settled on the bottom.
- Continue Cooking Partially Covered: Cover the pot partially and boil gently for another 4 minutes. Repeat lifting settled food off the bottom with the spatula.
- Finish Cooking Pasta: Let the dish cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes or until the macaroni is tender to your preference. Turn off the heat; the pasta will absorb remaining liquid while resting.
- Add Cheese and Serve: If using, gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the hot mixture and stir to melt. Serve hot and enjoy your American Chop Suey!
Notes
- For thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon flour into ground beef and cook for 1 minute before adding other ingredients.
- Adding a spoonful of softened cream cheese at the end gives a creamy texture.
- Dash in hot sauce if you like a kick of heat.
- Mixing ground Italian sausage with beef adds extra flavor depth.
- Feel free to add frozen carrots, peas, corn, or jalapenos to vary the veggies.
- Crock Pot Method: Brown beef first. Use half the broth initially, transfer all except pasta and cheese to crock pot. Cook on high 2-3 hours or low 4-5 hours. Add pasta and cheese last 30-45 minutes, stir gently to avoid mushy pasta.
- Instant Pot Method: Brown beef on sauté mode; add seasonings, veggies, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, diced tomatoes, broth, and pasta. Pressure cook on high 5 minutes. Quick release, add remaining broth and cheese. Pasta thickens as it sits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
