American Chop Suey Recipe
A cozy, nostalgic American Chop Suey recipe made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. A classic New England comfort food that’s simple, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ½ cup water or beef broth to loosen sauce if needed
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Make the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld. If the sauce gets too thick, add ½ cup water or broth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- This dish reheats beautifully; in fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Make ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Cheese lovers: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving for extra richness.