American Chop Suey is a comforting and hearty dish that has been enjoyed by many families for generations. This recipe combines the simplicity of macaroni and beef with the rich flavors of sauce, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
This delicious dish can be prepared quickly and simply, which is perfect for busy weekday evenings or relaxed weekend meals. With its warm, satisfying flavors, American Chop Suey is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why Make This Recipe
American Chop Suey is a unique blend of flavors that brings together traditional American ingredients in a delightful way. It’s not only tasty but also very filling. This dish appeals to both the young and old. Additionally, it is quite versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
Making this dish allows you to serve a complete meal in one pot, saving time in both preparation and cleanup. With its rich, savory taste, your family will come back for seconds and possibly even thirds!
Equipment Needed for American Chop Suey
Before you start, gather all the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
You will need a large skillet or frying pan to cook the meat and vegetables. An 8 x 8-inch baking dish is essential for the baking step. A large pot is needed for boiling the macaroni, and a colander will help to drain it. A wooden spoon or spatula will be helpful for stirring the ingredients. Lastly, a measuring cup and measuring spoons will help you keep track of your ingredient quantities.
What You Need to Make American Chop Suey
- 8 ounces cooked elbow macaroni al dente
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to Cook American Chop Suey Step by Step
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare your baking dish, which should be an 8 x 8-inch size, by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Next, take a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once cooked, drain the excess fat from the skillet and set the beef aside.
In that same skillet, add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they are tender. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Once the vegetables are tender, return the browned beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
Now it’s time to enhance the flavor. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are evenly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will add a creamy texture to your sauce.
In the meantime, make sure your elbow macaroni is cooked al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles well. Add the meat sauce to the cooked noodles and gently stir to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. For those who prefer to prepare this dish on the stovetop, simple cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks.
How to Make American Chop Suey
To make American Chop Suey, focus on gathering the ingredients first. Measure out the cooked macaroni, ground beef, and all other listed ingredients. Once everything is ready, begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet, draining the fat, and sautéing the onion, green pepper, and garlic until softened.
Return the beef to the skillet, add all the sauces, cheese, and then mix with the cooked pasta. The entire mixture needs to be either baked or cooked on the stove, making sure it’s heated through. The result is a delicious, comforting meal that is satisfying and flavorful.
How to Serve American Chop Suey
Serving American Chop Suey is both easy and enjoyable. This dish can be served straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. It looks appealing when hot, with the melted cheese on top creating a lovely golden crust.
Consider garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread to add some crunch and freshness to your meal.
What to Serve with American Chop Suey
American Chop Suey is quite hearty, so it often stands alone as a main course. However, if you’d like to add more variety, consider serving it with a simple green salad. A Caesar salad or a classic garden salad would complement the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Garlic bread or breadsticks are also excellent options; they provide a nice texture contrast and can be used to soak up the delicious sauce. For those who enjoy some heat, a side of pickled jalapeños or spiced pickles can enhance the meal experience.
How to Store American Chop Suey
If you have leftovers, storing American Chop Suey is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Place the American Chop Suey in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. In the freezer, it can last for about 2-3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make American Chop Suey
To get the best results with American Chop Suey, here are several tips. First, don’t overcook the elbow macaroni; al dente is best since it will continue to cook when heated with the sauce.
Using lean ground beef will prevent the dish from being too greasy. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Another tip is to customize the sauce to your liking by adjusting the amount of Worcestershire sauce or Italian seasoning. Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
American Chop Suey can be slightly modified to cater to different tastes. Some people like to add more vegetables, such as diced carrots or celery, to increase the nutritional value.
You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute. This will give you similar textures and flavors while keeping the dish meat-free.
Best Time to Make American Chop Suey
American Chop Suey is perfect for families or gatherings, making it suitable for any day. However, it shines particularly well on busy weeknights due to its quick preparation.
You can also prepare it ahead of time for potlucks or gatherings. This dish can be made in advance and warmed up later, which makes it a great option for meal-prepping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing American Chop Suey, a couple of mistakes can impact your dish. One common error is overcooking the macaroni, which can make it mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Another mistake is not draining the fat from the ground beef; leaving it can lead to a greasy final dish. Lastly, ensure you mix the sauce and noodles thoroughly; if the ingredients don’t combine well, some noodles might end up dry.
Nutritional Notes
American Chop Suey offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it a filling option. The inclusion of vegetables adds vitamins and minerals to the dish. However, portion control is key, especially if you’re mindful of calorie intake.
If you’re looking to enhance the nutritional profile, consider adding more vegetables or choosing whole grain pasta for increased fiber content.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.
What can I do if I don’t have spaghetti sauce?
If you don’t have spaghetti sauce, you can use other tomato-based sauces or even a mix of canned tomatoes with Italian seasoning as a substitute.
How do I reheat leftover American Chop Suey?
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove. Ensure it is heated thoroughly, and add a splash of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out.
Conclusion
American Chop Suey is a comforting and delightful dish that encapsulates the flavors of home-cooked meals. Its blend of beef, pasta, and rich sauces makes it a favorite for many families. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, anyone can make this dish a staple in their home. Serve it warm and enjoy the satisfied smiles around the table.
