Why Make This Recipe
American Chop Suey is a comfort food that brings warmth and familiarity to the dinner table. It’s a one-dish meal that combines pasta, beef, and a rich tomato sauce, making it both filling and delicious. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers a wonderful mix of flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy.
When you make American Chop Suey, you are not just cooking a meal; you are creating memories. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is perfect for all occasions. It’s also budget-friendly, which makes it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Equipment Needed for American Chop Suey
To whip up a delicious American Chop Suey, you’ll need some essential kitchen equipment.
A large skillet is crucial for browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables.
An 8 X 8 inch baking dish is required for baking the dish in the oven.
A pot for boiling the elbow macaroni will be needed, along with a colander for draining it.
Additionally, a spatula or wooden spoon is helpful for mixing all the ingredients together.
Having measuring cups and spoons handy will make your prep work smoother and more precise.
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
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven warms up, prepare an 8 X 8 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray. This will help prevent the dish from sticking to the pan during baking and make clean-up easier.
Next, take a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, cooking until it turns browned. As it cooks, make sure to break it up into smaller pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside in a bowl.
In the same skillet, you will want to sauté the onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Continue cooking these vegetables over medium-high heat until they become tender. This should take about five minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked, return the ground beef to the skillet and mix everything together well. Allow the mixture to cook for another few minutes until everything is heated through.
Now, it’s time to add the spaghetti sauce to your skillet. Pour in the entire 32-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce and mix thoroughly with the beef and vegetable combination. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. This will create a rich and flavorful meat sauce that will coat your macaroni perfectly.
After everything is combined in the skillet, remove it from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the hot sauce, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.
Take the cooked elbow macaroni that you set aside and add it to the skillet. Toss the macaroni in the sauce until every piece is well coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepped baking dish and smooth it out evenly in the pan.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. This baking step helps the flavors meld perfectly while giving the top a lovely golden brown finish. If you prefer a stovetop method, simply cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will also provide a delicious and hearty dish without needing to use the oven.
How to Make American Chop Suey
Making American Chop Suey is straightforward and rewarding. Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment to streamline the cooking process. Begin by boiling your elbow macaroni in salted water until cooked al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, sauté your chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic in a skillet until soft. Add the browned and drained ground beef and combine. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Finally, add the macaroni to the mix and transfer it to your baking dish for a bake, or leave it on the stovetop to heat through.
This simplicity in the cooking process allows even novice cooks to succeed in creating this comforting dish.
How to Serve American Chop Suey
American Chop Suey is best served hot out of the oven. You can garnish it with additional grated Parmesan cheese to enhance its flavor. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley also adds a nice color and finish to the dish.
As you serve it on plates, scoop out generous portions. The rich meaty sauce combined with pasta creates a satisfying bite that will appeal to both kids and adults.
For meal prep lovers, consider portioning leftovers into meal containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
What to Serve with American Chop Suey
Pairing sides with American Chop Suey can enhance your dining experience. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
You can also serve garlic bread on the side for an indulgent treat that compliments the Italian-inspired flavors.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide added nutrition and color to your meal, completing a well-rounded dinner.
How to Store American Chop Suey
If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying your American Chop Suey, storing it properly is essential. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers.
You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
For longer storage, freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
Tips to Make American Chop Suey
To elevate your American Chop Suey, here are some handy tips. Always cook your pasta to al dente for the best texture. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy when baked.
Experiment with adding different vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Remember to taste your sauce before baking to ensure it has the right blend of flavors for your palate.
Variation
While the classic American Chop Suey is always a hit, variations can definitely keep things interesting. You could swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute combined with more veggies to create a hearty filling.
Adding cheese, like mozzarella, can give a delightful gooey texture on top when baked.
Best Time to Make American Chop Suey
American Chop Suey shines as a cozy family dinner during any season. However, it is especially easy to whip up during the cooler months when everyone craves hearty meals.
With the ability to prepare it in advance, this dish is a fantastic choice for gatherings like potlucks or family get-togethers.
Even on busy weeknights, its quick preparation and baking time make it a wonderful option for a satisfying meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you prepare American Chop Suey, be aware of common pitfalls. Overcooking the pasta is a frequent mistake. It’s best to cook it just until al dente so it holds up during baking.
Another mistake is not properly draining the fat from the ground beef, which can make the dish greasy.
Lastly, forgetting to adjust the seasoning may result in a bland dish, so always taste your sauce as you go along.
Nutritional Notes
American Chop Suey provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a well-rounded meal option.
The inclusion of vegetables ensures that you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals.
If you’re concerned about calories, consider reducing the amount of cheese or using whole-grain pasta for a healthier alternative.
FAQs
Q: Can I make American Chop Suey ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is it possible to freeze American Chop Suey?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze it in portions. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Certainly! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy, such as penne or rotini.
Conclusion
American Chop Suey is not just a meal; it’s a family favorite that brings people together. With its easy preparation and delicious flavors, it has earned a spot in many homes’ weekly rotations.
By following this simple recipe, you can create a hearty dish that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic American dish is sure to satisfy and delight. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting warmth of American Chop Suey!
