Hearty American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that hugs you with warm, comforting flavors, you’ve got to try this Hearty American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s one of those classic dishes that’s perfect for weeknights when you want something filling and familiar, yet quick to make. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for it — cheesy, saucy, and packed with just the right amount of seasoning!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together beautifully to create that signature rich and slightly tangy sauce with tender pasta and perfectly seasoned beef. I always recommend using fresh veggies and good-quality beef to maximize flavor without any complicated steps.

• Ground beef: I use 85% lean because it’s juicy without being greasy; leaner beef can get dry.
• Italian seasoning: This blend adds warmth and a subtle herbaceous punch that’s key for that American Chop Suey taste.
• Seasoned salt: Brings a balanced savory note, but don’t skip it — it truly makes the difference.
• Garlic powder: For a gentle garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic you’ll add later.
• Tomato paste: Adds depth and richness — make sure to cook it a bit to mellow its acidity.
• Diced onion: Offers sweet undertones and texture.
• Diced green pepper: I love the mild crunch and brightness it brings.
• Celery: Adds subtle earthiness and a little bite.
• Minced garlic: Fresh is best here — it really wakes up the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami depth that you might not expect, but you’ll definitely notice.
• Diced tomatoes (undrained): They add a chunky texture and a fresh tomato flavor.
• Tomato sauce: The saucy base that brings it all together.
• Chicken broth (or beef broth): To cook the macaroni right in the sauce, infusing flavor as it simmers.
• Elbow macaroni (uncooked): A classic pasta choice for American Chop Suey — small, sturdy, and perfect for holding sauce.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): I highly recommend it for that final creamy touch, but if you skip it, the dish is still fantastic.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or what everyone’s craving. Don’t be shy to swap or add ingredients — it’s very forgiving!

• Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in mushrooms or shredded carrots with the celery for extra color and nutrition — the family hardly notices!
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner spin, I substitute ground turkey, but watch the seasoning as it’s milder than beef.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to kick it up a notch; I discovered this trick when craving a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Works just as well with gluten-free elbow macaroni if anyone has dietary restrictions.

How to Make Hearty American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Drain

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking your ground beef until it’s fully browned and nicely crumbled — about 8 minutes. You’ll want to keep stirring to break up clumps and ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy sauce later. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the rich flavors you’re building.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste

Once the beef is ready, stir in your Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder alongside the tomato paste. Cooking the tomato paste for a minute or two with the beef and seasonings really helps deepen its flavor and reduce any bitterness. You’ll see the paste darken slightly – that’s your green light to move to the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add in your diced onion, green pepper, and celery. Cook these together for about 4 minutes until they soften but still have a slight bite. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute — garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly. This builds a fragrant base that perfectly complements the meat.

Step 4: Combine Tomato Sauces and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. This liquid blend will soon bubble into the hearty sauce that coats your pasta and beef. It’s a good idea to give everything a good stir so nothing sticks to the bottom as it heats up.

Step 5: Add the Macaroni and Cook

Now, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the mixture and stir well. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, cover it, and let cook for about 4 minutes. After that, uncover and carefully scrape the bottom with a silicone spatula to prevent any sticking or burning. Cover partially again and gently boil for another 4 minutes, repeating the scraping step to keep things loose. Finish by cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes until the macaroni is tender but still slightly firm — it will soak up the sauce as it rests off the heat.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese (Optional) and Serve

If you’re including cheese — which I absolutely recommend — gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar and stir until melted and creamy. I learned the hard way that pre-shredded cheese from a bag doesn’t melt as smoothly because of added anti-caking agents, so try shredding it fresh from a block ahead of time. Now, it’s ready to serve — delicious, warm, and deeply satisfying.

How to Serve Hearty American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle on a bit of freshly grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley or basil — it adds brightness and a pop of color that makes this humble dish look restaurant-worthy. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a few red pepper flakes are great too if you want to amp up richness or heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or crispy oven-toasted baguette slices are also favorites in my house — you can’t go wrong soaking up the leftover sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden — everyone loves how cozy and elegant that feels! You could also add some grilled veggies on the side or fresh tomato slices for an extra pop of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight and the pasta softens a bit — still comforting and perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a few times with good results. Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When reheating, I recommend thawing in the fridge overnight for best texture retention.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring often. Microwaving works too but adding a little liquid keeps the pasta from getting gluey. If you added cheese, it still tastes great reheated, just stir well to reincorporate melted cheese.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hearty American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings both comfort and convenience to the table. I love how it always fills the house with inviting aromas and puts a smile on everyone’s faces. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving some warm, homey goodness, this recipe is a go-to for me, especially on busy nights when I need something quick but satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — trust me, it’s a meal you’ll want to come back to again and again!

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