Easy American Chop Suey Recipe for Classic Comfort

If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s quick, affordable, and guaranteed to please the whole family, look no further! This **Easy American Chop Suey recipe** is packed with nostalgia and flavor—offering everything you love about classic American comfort food in a single pot.

Not only is American Chop Suey the kind of meal that warms your heart with every bite, but it’s also easy enough for total beginners to master. Whether you call it goulash, American pasta bake, or simply “chop suey,” this dish is a staple for a reason.

Let’s explore what makes this cozy casserole so special, touch on its New England roots, and review why it’s a balanced choice for busy families.

—

What is American Chop Suey?

American Chop Suey is a delicious pasta casserole beloved throughout the Northeast and Midwest of the United States. At its heart, it’s an irresistible blend of elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and sautéed vegetables.

Despite its name, the dish isn’t related to Chinese chop suey. The name is a nod to the mash-up of ingredients and flavors—cleverly “chopped” and blended for maximum comfort.

**Why people love it:**

– Classic one-pot meal
– Kid-friendly flavors
– Easy to make ahead
– Inexpensive pantry ingredients

—

Is American Chop Suey Healthy?

While this classic recipe celebrates hearty comfort, it’s easy to make American Chop Suey **a bit healthier** without losing the flavors you love:

– Swap white pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta to boost fiber and protein
– Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
– Load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach

By making simple tweaks, you can transform this into a filling, nourishing meal that fits a variety of diets, from high-protein to kid-friendly and budget-conscious. It’s also easy to make dairy free by skipping the optional cheese topping.

—

History of American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey likely evolved in New England during the early 20th century, inspired by both Italian-American and casual home-cooked meals. It spread across school cafeterias, potlucks, and home kitchens, prized for its ability to feed a crowd on a dime.

Unlike Italian “baked ziti” or “ragù,” American Chop Suey uses classic elbow macaroni (or other short pasta) and usually skips elaborate herbs in favor of simple onion, bell pepper, and a generous tomato base.

—

Easy American Chop Suey Recipe for Classic Comfort

Ingredients List

For the most comforting, classic American Chop Suey, you’ll need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (substitute ground turkey or chicken if desired)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping

Popular ingredient swaps:

Original Ingredient	Swap Option	Notes
Ground beef	Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles	Lighter or meatless
Elbow macaroni	Whole wheat/chickpea macaroni	More fiber, gluten-free
Cheddar cheese	Vegan cheese or skip	Dairy-free
Beef broth	Vegetable broth	Vegetarian

—

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Increase the heat slightly and add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, cooking until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
7. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and pour in water or beef broth. Stir well.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
9. If using cheese, sprinkle over the top and let it melt for a few minutes before serving.
10. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs or Parmesan if desired.

Cooking Time and Serving Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Pasta
• Diet: Family-friendly, High-Protein, Nut-Free

—

Nutrition Information

Calories	Carbs (g)	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Diet
380	45	11	24	10 min	30 min	40 min	6	Family, High-Protein

*Values per serving, without cheese topping, for traditional recipe.*

—

Simple Cooking Tips for American Chop Suey

• Brown the meat well to build deep flavor in your sauce.
• Don’t skimp on the aromatics—onions, peppers, and garlic give the sauce its signature base.
• Stir the pasta as it cooks in the sauce so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
• If you like it spicy, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Leftovers taste even better—store in airtight containers and reheat for up to 3 days.
• You can freeze portions for a no-stress dinner down the line.

Do’s:

• Use quality canned tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
• Customize veggies to what you love or have handy (carrots, mushrooms, etc.).

Don’ts:

• Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften as it sits.
• Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

—

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make American Chop Suey ahead of time?

Absolutely! American Chop Suey is perfect for meal prep. Assemble and cook as directed, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth, as the pasta may absorb some sauce.

What’s the difference between American Chop Suey and goulash?

The terms are often used interchangeably, especially in the Midwest and Northeast. While both dishes combine pasta, ground meat, and tomato sauce, American Chop Suey traditionally uses elbow macaroni and has a New England lean, whereas goulash can include paprika and other vegetables.

Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! To make gluten-free American Chop Suey, use gluten-free macaroni and double-check your tomato products. For a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free replacement.

—

Why This Easy American Chop Suey Recipe is a Family Favorite

There’s a reason why American Chop Suey is always in style—its cozy, tomatoey goodness brings people together at the table. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s satisfying, affordable, and made for real-life moments. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, feeding little ones, or batch-cooking for the week, this one-pot wonder ticks all the boxes.

Give this simple recipe a try, experiment with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a taste of American comfort—no matter where you call home. If you loved this **easy American Chop Suey recipe**, don’t forget to pin or share it!

—

**Ready to try more cozy recipes?** Check out our top-rated comfort food classics, weeknight pasta bakes, and family dinner ideas for more inspiration!