American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Despite its name, it’s not related to traditional Asian chop suey—this hearty one-pot meal is a staple in American home cooking. Simple, filling, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving – based on 6 servings)
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Values vary depending on ingredients used.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
400 g elbow macaroni
500 g ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup bell peppers
1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Beef
Heat oil in a large pot or skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Make Sauce
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 5: Combine
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix well until evenly coated.
Step 6: Add Extras
Stir in cheese or vegetables if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with herbs.
Methods
1. One-Pot Method
Cook everything in one pot for convenience.
2. Cheesy Method
Add melted cheese for extra richness.
3. Baked Method
Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
4. Spicy Method
Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
History
American Chop Suey is a New England classic that dates back to the early 20th century. Despite its name, it is not related to Chinese cuisine. The dish likely got its name due to the popularity of chop suey at the time, but it evolved into a simple, hearty pasta meal loved in American households.
Formation of the Dish
Browning – Beef develops deep flavor.
Sauce Simmering – Enhances richness and texture.
Pasta Absorption – Macaroni absorbs sauce.
Flavor Blending – Ingredients combine into a cohesive dish.
Conclusion
American Chop Suey is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that delivers hearty flavors and satisfying texture. Perfect for family meals, it’s a reliable classic that never goes out of style.
