Go Back
–+ servings
Square overhead shot of a bowl of the best American chop suey recipe.
Print Pin
5 from 9 votes

American Chop Suey

This classic New England-style American chop suey is a cozy one-pot dinner made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes total, it's a weeknight winner the whole family will love.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword American Chop Suey, american chop suey recipe, Chop Suey, easy american chop suey recipe, goulash
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 292kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, not drained
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or increase to 2 teaspoons for a slightly sweeter taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: grated cheese; chopped fresh parsley; crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain off the excess fat.
    Browning ground beef and vegetables in a Dutch oven.
  • Add the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, about ¾ teaspoon of salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir to combine.
    Adding the remaining ingredients to a Dutch oven.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce thickens.
    Ladle in a pot of American chop suey.
  • Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Garnish with cheese and parsley, if desired.
    Horizontal overhead shot of a bowl of the best American chop suey recipe.

Video

Notes

  • Swap out the ground beef and use ground turkey, ground pork, ground sausage, or ground chicken instead.
  • In a pinch, vegetable broth or chicken broth will be a fine substitute for the beef broth.
  • Brown the beef well to build flavor and color, then drain the fat before adding other ingredients.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat and to prevent scorching.
  • If the sauce thickens too fast before the pasta is done, add a splash of water or broth and continue simmering.
  • Make it spicy by adding a dash of cayenne or finishing the dish with crushed red pepper flakes.
  • For added texture, sprinkle cheese and a few buttered breadcrumbs over the top and place under the broiler for a crunchy, cheesy finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the recipe | Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1063mg | Potassium: 905mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 666IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 4mg