Is there anything better than a cozy one-pot meal when you’re in hurry to get dinner on the table? This recipe for American chop suey is perfect in so many ways. It’s quick to make, the instructions are simple, and the ingredients are economical. What’s not to love? If you’re familiar with Chinese chop suey, this dish really has no resemblance to it all! In this case, chop suey is probably in reference to how you throw everything into one pot to cook together. Sometimes you’ll see it called American Goulash. Now, it does look a bit closer to Hungarian goulash than it does to Chinese chop suey, but it’s still quite different. Hungarian goulash is made of stewed beef and tomatoes with lots of paprika flavor. The American version uses ground beef and tomatoes, but also adds pasta, cheese, and lots of different seasoning including Italian seasoning. The rich flavor is amazing! Even the fussiest eaters will clean their bowls!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
key ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this classic comfort meal. Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Ground beef: I used extra lean ground beef (90/10). For an even leaner meal, you can use ground turkey instead.Onion and garlic: These classic aromatics add so much flavor to soups and stews.Beef broth: If you do not have broth, you may substitute with water. You may need to adjust and increase the seasonings for more flavor. Learn to make your own homemade beef bone broth to save money too. Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: I double up the tomatoes both for incredible flavor and texture.Worcestershire sauce: This sauce is great for adding deeper flavor to beefy stews and sauces. It has a unique salty and tangy flavor.Seasoning: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. I like to make my own Italian seasoning at home so I always have some on hand.Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice because they soak up the delicious sauce, but any small pasta shape will do!Cheese: I used shredded cheddar cheese but you can substitute your favorite cheese here. I always prefer to grate my own cheese at home instead of using the pre-shredded kind because I find it melts better.
How To Make American Chop Suey
Only 15 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cooking time is all you need to enjoy a bowl of this amazing comfort food!
Recipe Variations
My basic recipe uses simple ingredients that are easily interchangeable with lots of different options depending on what you have in your fridge and cupboards. Here are some ideas you can try:
Swap the meat: Instead of beef, try ground turkey for a lighter version. Veggie ground meat is also another good option.Mix up the cheese: Use your favorite cheese or a blend of your favorites! Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese would both taste great!Change the broth: I usually choose beef broth for its rich flavor, but you could also use chicken or veggie stocks if you have some on hand. Sneak in some veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas for some added veggie power.Turn up the heat: Sprinkle in some dried red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to add a bit of spice.Try different pasta shapes: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for American chop suey, but any small pasta shape will work like shells, penne, or rotini.
Recipe Tips
Remember to stir the chop suey occasionally as it cooks to make sure the macaroni doesn’t clump together.Depending on how much of the sauce evaporates after cooking the noodles and adding the cheese, you may want to add a little more beef broth to the pot.Does your chop suey look runny? It will thicken further as it cools, but if you’re worried about it, you can add some extra macaroni to absorb some of the sauce.
Storing Tips
In the refrigerator: Put your leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. To reheat, place the leftovers in a pot on the stovetop and warm over low to medium heat. If you find the goulash is a little dry, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. Don’t forget to add more cheese before serving! In the freezer: Cool your leftovers completely and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the leftovers overnight in the refrigerator, then place them in a pot on the stovetop and warm over low to medium heat. You can add more broth or water if it looks dry. Top with more cheese when you’re ready to serve.
What To Serve With
I like to serve this dish with some homemade garlic bread or bread rolls to mop up all of the delicious sauce. Since it’s a hearty meal that is beefy, cheesy, and carb-filled, other than bread I like to keep the sides nice and light. A fresh tossed green salad or Olive Garden copycat salad. Save this recipe for the next time you’re in the mood for a winter-warming meal that is family-friendly and so easy to make! Pin it for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
