American Chop Suey Recipe

In this post, we’ll show you how to make comforting New England-style American Chop Suey. Ground beef is simmered in tomato sauce with a blend of spices, broth, and macaroni. This comfort dish also known as Goulash in some parts of the country makes ample servings and is perfect for any time of the year.

Jump to Recipe

This American Chop Suey recipe is a classic dish that has been around for generations. It is easy, and delicious to make any time of the year, but is especially good when it starts to get cold out. Our recipe is made in one pot which makes cleaning up a breeze. The best part about this dish is how versatile it can be with different meats and vegetables depending on what you have on hand or your current cravings. So let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Before starting this recipe, you’ll want to verify that you have the following ingredients:

• Ground beef ( 1 1/2 lbs.) – We used 80/20 but drained the excess grease.
• Beef broth – Adds flavor and moisture to the dish allow the noodles to simmer in this dish’s natural juices.
• Spices – Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt all add a classic flavor.
• Onion – A large yellow onion will add a nice flavor.
• Garlic – 3 large garlic cloves provide a deep, robust flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper – You can use red or green, but I had red on-hand, both will work.
• Celery – Adds a nice crunch and classic flavor. You only need a half cup or about 2 medium sized stalks.
• Canned Tomato – You will need an undrained can of diced tomatoes without flavoring.
• Tomato Paste – 3 tablespoons will add a rich flavor to enhance the tomato sauce base.
• Tomato Sauce – 16 ounces of sauce adds flavor and builds the sauce base.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds a classic flavor to the dish that is needed for that special zing.
• Macaroni elbows – These are the type typically used, but you can use what you have on-hand.

We used the following equipment and supplies to make this recipe. Items that are optional or can be substituted will be noted.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

• 6- quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven – You will need this size pan to cook this meal in. Additionally, you can use a 6-quart stockpot, but I love the even heating from my Dutch Oven.
• Wooden spoon – To stir/mix the meal.
• Cutting board & knife – You will need this to dice the celery and onion.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the ingredients for this meal.
• Stove top – To cook this meal on.

Directions

1. In a Dutch Oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat and drain any excess grease.
2. Add in the onions, peppers, celery, garlic, spices, and tomato paste. Stir well over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine.
4. Turn up heat to high and add in the macaroni noodles.
5. Covered, bring mixture to a boil for 5 minutes. Once boiling, remove the lid, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for an additional ten minutes carefully stirring every 3 minutes to prevent anything from sticking.
6. Once noodles are al dente, turn off stove, and cover the meal. Allow it to stay warm until serving.

Recipe Tips

This recipe is easy to make if you know the right tips and tricks! Here are my tips for ensuring your American Chop Suey comes out perfectly.

• Add Cheese – freshly grated cheddar, or parmesan will adds a classic flavor to this dish. You can also use cream cheese to make it a creamier meal.
• Bell Peppers – The colors can be interchanged, but green does provide the dish with more color.
• Fresh herbs – Fresh basil or parsley can add a pop of flavor and color to the final dish.
• Meats – Add sweet Italian sausage, use ground turkey, chicken, or a leaner cut of beef to make this dish.
• Pasta – While elbow macaroni is the classic pasta shape, let’s face it–they all taste the same. Varities like bowtie, penne, or fussiloni work well!
• Broth – You can use chicken or beef broth without changing the flavor of this dish.

Storage

If you want to store your American Chop Suey, just follow these easy steps.

• Refrigerator – Simply put the lid on the cooled pan (never hot), and store it in the refridgerator for up to 3 days for best taste.
• Freezer – Freeze up to 3 months in an airtight bag or freezer safe container for freshness after thawing. – Keep frozen until ready to use then defrost overnight in fridge before reheating on stovetop or microwave.

Recipe

Follow the recipe below to make American Chop Suey! This recipe makes 8 SERVINGS, but you can adjust the recipe card for other serving sizes.

Ground Beef Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this dish, chances are you will also love these ground beef dinners as well!

Cheeseburger Casserole

Taco Pasta Casserole

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Slow Cooker Taco Meat