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Hearty American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe

4.6 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Classic American Chop Suey is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce loaded with vegetables and Italian seasonings. This quick and easy dish comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying family dinner with optional melted cheddar cheese for extra richness.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1.5 lbs. ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced green pepper
  • 1 stick celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 16 oz. tomato sauce
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or beef broth)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, shred it from a block and set aside to come to room temperature to ensure it melts well when added later.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pot.
  3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste, mixing well to coat the meat.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, green pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add Tomato Sauces: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until well combined with the meat and vegetables.
  6. Incorporate Liquids and Tomatoes: Add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together.
  7. Add Macaroni and Boil: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  8. Cook Pasta Covered: Cover the pot and cook for 4 minutes, then uncover and gently scrape the bottom with a silicone spatula to lift any settled pasta or sauce.
  9. Continue Cooking Pasta: Partially cover the pot and continue to boil gently for another 4 minutes, again scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.
  10. Finish Cooking Pasta: Cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the macaroni is tender. Taste a noodle to check doneness. Turn off the heat; pasta will absorb remaining liquid as it rests.
  11. Add Cheese and Serve: If desired, gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir it in until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting American Chop Suey!

Notes

  • This classic American Chop Suey is a simple one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Using block cheese rather than pre-shredded ensures better melting and creaminess.
  • The dish can be made with either chicken or beef broth depending on preference.
  • Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
  • Leftovers store well and reheat nicely for next-day meals.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 471
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 1990 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 91 mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/hearty-american-chop-suey-with-ground-beef-recipe/