– elbow macaroni – butter – onions – garlic cloves – ground beef – green bell peppers – diced tomatoes – tomato sauce & paste – chicken stock – sugar – dried oregano – dried basil & parsley – ground black pepper – fine sea salt – Cheddar – Worcestershire sauce *optional fresh parsley
American Chop Suey is a classic American dish made with pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce. It is a simple yet satisfying meal that is popular in the Northeastern US.
The origins of the American Chop Suey Recipe are unclear, but it is believed to have been created by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century.
Fill a large pot with hot water for the pasta. During the time it takes to come to a boil, start preparing and cooking the rest of the dish.
Heat a large skillet and use the time to chop the onion and the garlic. On the recipe page, there are many tips, notes & recommendations!
Cook the onion in the butter with a pinch of salt on low heat for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
Increase heat to medium. Add ground beef and stir well breaking the lumps of meat. Cook until browned, about 3 minutes.
In the meantime, dice the green pepper. Add to the pot and cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Your pasta water should have come to a boil by now. If it is so, add salt generously and then the pasta. Cook according to the packet’s instructions.
Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste & sauce, stock or water, dried oregano, basil, parsley, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well.
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted. Adjust the taste with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add fresh parsley if using.
Drain the cooked macaroni, mix it with the sauce, and stir well to coat. Click "Get the recipe" below for the full recipe!
Serve immediately on a plate or in a bowl. The usual accompaniment is buttered white bread. Add an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce if desired.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
On the recipe page, we posted instructions on how to make the American Chop Suey Recipe in a slow cooker/crock pot. For the best results make sure you read the whole recipe.