American chop suey is a beloved New England classic that brings together a medley of flavors in a satisfying dish. A staple of comfort food, it’s a hybrid recipe combining pasta, beef, vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce infused with Worcestershire sauce. This hearty dish has many aliases, including American goulash, chili mac, beefaroni, hamburger casserole, Johnny Marzetti, and hamburger and macaroni, reflecting its widespread popularity across the US. Despite its numerous names, this old-fashioned recipe remains a timeless favorite, perfect for a quick 40-minute weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the entire family. The rich flavors of beef, vegetables, garlic, and macaroni noodles come together in a delightful harmony that will leave you craving more. If comfort food is your go-to, you might also enjoy this comforting beef chili, one pot taco macaroni and cheese, or meatball marinara subs.
Why You’ll Love This
This American chop suey recipe offers unparalleled customization opportunities. Feel free to substitute ground meats, swap out veggies nearing expiration, or experiment with novel seasonings for the sauce. Consider adding fresh basil and parmesan cheese or cheddar for an added depth of flavor. The dish’s simplicity is another major draw – simply cook pasta and drain it in one pot, then combine it with the sauce ingredients cooked in a separate pot. This robust and satisfying meal will surely earn its place among your favorites due to the harmonious union of beef, vegetables, and tangy sauce.
How to Make American Chop Suey
To start, prepare the pasta by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then set it aside once it’s done. Next, heat a combination of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the sliced onions and cook until they’re translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute or so, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula. Now it’s time to add the ground beef to the pan and cook it through before introducing the green bell pepper. Sauté everything together over medium heat for a brief moment. In a separate step, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if necessary). Once this mixture is ready, stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and let it simmer for several minutes. Finally, serve the dish hot, garnishing with chopped parsley as a finishing touch.
Substitutions and Variations
To cater to different dietary needs and preferences, you can easily modify this classic American chop suey recipe. For instance, opt for gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for a gluten-free version. Feel free to get creative with the veggies by adding your favorite options such as baby sweetcorn, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. If you want to give it an extra boost of flavor, consider adding garlic powder, chili powder, or even paprika like in traditional Hungarian goulash. To adjust the consistency, add a splash of beef broth or tomato juice from canned tomatoes if the dish seems too dry. You can also swap out ground beef for ground chicken or ground turkey for a leaner alternative. Add some melted cheese to the mix using your favorite variety such as Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
How to Store American Chop Suey
When storing leftovers, make sure to keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate for no longer than three days. For extended storage, freezing is another viable option that can preserve leftovers for up to 90 days. To safely thaw frozen leftovers, allow them to sit overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Finally, when it’s time to reheat, opt for gentle warming in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent hot spots.
Top Tips
When cooking American chop suey, don’t forget to drain excess grease from the pan after browning the meat. This step ensures your dish turns out flavorful and not overly oily. To elevate this classic recipe, feel free to get creative with ground meats, vegetables, and pasta types – the possibilities are endless! For added heat, consider adding hot sauce as a condiment, allowing guests to customize their portion to taste.
American Chop Suey FAQs
American chop suey is a beloved dish that has earned various names across different regions. While some call it American goulash, chili mac, beefaroni, hamburger casserole, Johnny Marzetti, or hamburger and macaroni, its true identity remains unchanged. This comfort food staple has likely graced the tables of school cafeterias and potluck gatherings everywhere.
One thing that might come as a surprise is that you don’t necessarily need to add macaroni to enjoy American chop suey. Feel free to substitute it with rice, another pasta shape, or omit it altogether. The beauty lies in experimenting and creating your own unique flavor combinations.
Despite its widespread popularity, the origin of American chop suey remains a mystery. However, intriguing stories surround its creation. One account attributes it to Richard Auffrey’s tale, while another credits a Chinese chef at a Californian mining camp who conjured up a dish using available ingredients and dubbed it ‘tsa sui,’ Mandarin for miscellaneous broken pieces. At its core, American chop suey is a hearty blend of meat, vegetables, and sauce, rather than a precise recipe.
American Chop Suey Recipe
American Chop Suey
Indulge in this hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef, an array of sautéed vegetables, pungent garlic, and al dente macaroni noodles. This mouthwatering blend is sure to become a family favorite.
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat olive oil, butter, and sauté onions in a separate large pot or Dutch oven for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Next, add ground beef and cook for 7-10 minutes, followed by green pepper and cooking for 2-3 minutes more. Then, stir in diced tomatoes, sauce, paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire Sauce, and sugar until well combined. Add cooked pasta to the pot and simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors together. Finish with a garnish of chopped parsley and serve hot.