American Chop Suey

Name: American Chop Suey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large sweet onion, diced; 2 green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean); 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; Kosher salt to taste (about 4 teaspoons total); ¼ cup tomato paste; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; ½ cup red wine (not cooking wine); 1 cup water; 2 bay leaves; 1 (28-ounce) can ground peeled tomatoes; 1 pound uncooked pasta (elbow or macaroni); Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 9, 2025

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American Chop Suey, a classic dish that warms the heart and soul, is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, comforting meals. This recipe is not just about food; it’s a reminder of family gatherings, weeknight dinners, and the joy of cooking for those you cherish. Picture this: a bustling kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers mingling with rich tomato sauce. It’s a meal that brings everyone together, whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or celebrating a special occasion. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, using ingredients you likely have on hand. Let’s roll up our sleeves and explore the wonderful world of American Chop Suey, filling our plates and hearts with this delicious comfort food.

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What is American Chop Suey
Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey
Ingredients
Make the Sauce
Brown the Beef
Incorporate the Tomato Base
Simmer the Sauce
Cook the Pasta
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Serve and Enjoy
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
Storage Tips
Pairing Ideas
FAQs
More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:
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What is American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey, also known as American Goulash, is a beloved New England dish that combines pasta, ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It offers a hearty blend of flavors that warms the soul, making it a favorite in many American households. Often considered comfort food, American Chop Suey is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both novices and seasoned cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey

Why should you add this American Chop Suey recipe to your weekly meal plan? For starters, it’s packed with flavors that pop, thanks to the delightful mix of onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices. Plus, the beauty of it lies in its simplicity—it’s a one-pot wonder! This means less cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and the company of loved ones. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but also shines during cozy gatherings, evoking memories of family dinners and laughter around the table.

Ingredients

Before we get cooking, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large sweet onion, diced
2 green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use ¼ teaspoon for less heat)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Kosher salt to taste (about 4 teaspoons total)
¼ cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce
½ cup red wine (not cooking wine)
1 cup water
2 bay leaves
1 (28-ounce) can ground peeled tomatoes
1 pound uncooked pasta (elbow or macaroni)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make the Sauce

Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking! First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is sizzling, toss in the diced onion and sauté it until it’s soft, which will take about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with delicious flavors. Then, add the diced green bell peppers and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften and brown.

Brown the Beef

At this point, create a space in the center of the pot for the ground beef. Add it there, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s just browned; don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet. It will finish cooking later in the sauce. Season the meat with all the spices and around 2 teaspoons of kosher salt to kick things off.

Incorporate the Tomato Base

Now comes the fun part—adding the tomato base! Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook until it loses its bright red color, which usually takes a couple of minutes. Then, pour in the soy sauce and red wine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your sauce. Next, pour in the water and the ground peeled tomatoes, mixing everything until it’s well combined.

Simmer the Sauce

Give your sauce a taste and make any seasoning adjustments as necessary. If you think it needs a bit more salt, feel free to add more. Once it’s seasoned to your liking, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer while you prepare the pasta. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is bubbling happily, it’s time to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding about 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Toss in the pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, which should be about 2 minutes less than what the package suggests. After cooking, drain the pasta but resist rinsing it—that starch helps the sauce cling beautifully!

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is ready, remove the bay leaves from the sauce and discard them. Now, add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring until everything is beautifully mixed together. You’ll start to see that rich, hearty sauce enveloping each piece of pasta.

Serve and Enjoy

Time to serve up! Dish the American Chop Suey hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra burst of flavor. Gather your family and friends around the table, and enjoy this wholesome meal that’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied bellies.

Serving Suggestions

Want to make it a complete meal? Consider serving your American Chop Suey with garlic bread or a refreshing side salad. Both options balance the heartiness of the dish and add a nice touch. If you want something indulgent, crusty rolls pair perfectly for soaking up all the delicious sauce.

Tips for Success

To make the most of your American Chop Suey, keep these tips in mind:

For deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer—an extra 10 minutes can make a difference.
Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your taste.

Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are some tasty variations for your American Chop Suey:

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Toss in vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (though highly unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can even freeze portions for future meals. Just thaw and reheat before serving, and it will taste just as great!

Pairing Ideas

What should you drink with your comforting plate of American Chop Suey? A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully, making your meal feel even more special. For something lighter, pair it with a refreshing salad. The crispness balances the richness of the dish perfectly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta, like penne or fusilli, works just as well.

2. Is American Chop Suey the same as goulash?
While they are similar, American Chop Suey has a distinct tomato sauce base, whereas goulash often features a paprika flavor.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.

4. How can I make it spicier?
If you love heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.

5. Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pot for cooking and adjust the cooking times as needed.

With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, American Chop Suey is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace that brings back fond memories of family dinners. Whether enjoyed on a weeknight or during a gathering, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Embrace this delightful dish, and enjoy the happy moments that revolve around your dining table.

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