Dinner

Easy Stovetop American Chop Suey

Name: Easy Stovetop American Chop Suey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced green pepper; 1 stick celery diced; 4 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes undrained; 16 oz. tomato sauce; 2 ½ cups chicken broth or beef broth; 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

KrystelSeptember 12, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

One-pot Wonder: Easy Stovetop American Chop Suey

Introduction to American Chop Suey

Hey there! I'm thrilled to dive into a dish that's close to my heart and probably yours too – American Chop Suey. This classic comfort food, with its rich blend of elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a robust tomato sauce seasoned with Italian seasoning and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, is a staple that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. It's like a hug in a bowl, embodying simplicity and nostalgia, making it a favorite across American households. In this article, I aim to guide you through crafting this beloved dish right on your stove, keeping the steps clear and straightforward. Whether you're reminiscing about school cafeteria trays or new to the magic of this easy meal, I've got you covered with a recipe that promises minimal prep and maximum flavor. Key Takeaways:

Classic dish: American Chop Suey is a beloved comfort food, featuring elbow macaroni and a seasoned tomato sauce.
Easy recipe: Our aim is to present a simple, stovetop version that's both hearty and easy to follow.
Versatile and popular: This dish’s popularity stems from its simplicity, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week.

Gathering Your Ingredients

1 ½ lbs. ground beef – easily found at your local grocery store. For a lighter version, ground turkey works beautifully too.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – a pantry staple that brings out a symphony of flavors.
Seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for that perfect savory touch.
3 tablespoons tomato paste and 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes – for a robust tomato sauce that's a far cry from bland.
1 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced green pepper, and 1 stick celery – fresh veggies add crunch and nutritional value.
4 cloves garlic minced – because garlic breath is worth it for that flavor punch.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – the secret ingredient for depth of flavor. A dash of soy sauce works if you're in a pinch.
16 oz. tomato sauce – pick a seasoned tomato sauce for extra flair.
2 ½ cups beef broth – or chicken broth; both are pantry staples that add a cozy warmth to the dish.
2 cups elbow macaroni – the star of the show, al dente to perfection.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – because everything's better with cheese. Parmesan cheese can add a nice touch as a garnish too!

A quick tip: always opt for fresh ingredients where possible for the best flavors and textures in your American Chop Suey. It's worth the extra minute at the store, I promise!

Preparing Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

There’s a little trick I’ve learned over the years that takes a simple dish from good to unforgettable - it’s all about how you prepare your ingredients. For our Easy Stovetop American Chop Suey, taking an extra minute to dice the green pepper and onion not just haphazardly, but with a bit of care and attention, can make all the difference.

It's these small pieces, bursting with flavor, that blend seamlessly into each bite, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. And don’t even get me started on the cheese - oh, the cheese! There's something so rewarding about shredding your own cheese. Yes, it might be easier to grab a bag of pre-shredded cheese off the shelf, but trust me, the melt and the richness you get from a block of cheese you've shredded yourself is worth the extra effort. It’s these little steps, these simple acts of love and attention, that transform a meal.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chop Suey

The magic really happens with the right cookware and precise heat control. I always reach for my trusty dutch oven or a large skillet, which offer just the right space and heat distribution for everything to cook up beautifully. The trick here is keeping an eye on the medium heat for a gentle simmer, and then cranking it up to medium-high heat when it's time to get those flavors really melding together. This balance ensures every bite is evenly cooked, savory, and just bursting with that home-cooked goodness. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Cook and crumble the ground beef in a large pan over medium-high heat until fully browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep your dish not too oily.
Mix in the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder, followed by adding the tomato paste, ensuring everything is well blended for that robust tomato sauce base.
Add those veggies - the diced onion, green pepper, and celery. Let them cook till they're soft, then throw in the minced garlic for that aromatic kick.
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir, then add the Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth, creating a flavorful mix that’s the soul of this dish.
Stir uncooked elbow macaroni into the pot, and gently boil, partially covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensuring the macaroni cooks evenly to al dente perfection.
Optionally, when everything’s piping hot and the macaroni’s perfectly tender, you can blend in shredded cheddar cheese until it's delightfully melted, enriching the dish with gooey, cheesy goodness.

Tips and Tools for this recipe

Check out my kitchen essentials, where you'll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!

I always use my dutch oven to make my American Chop Suey along with many of my other stovetop to oven recipes!
For the best flavor and melting use freshly grated cheese! I use my super easy hand crank cheese grater for fast grating!
For serving this are my favorite white ceramic bowls.
To store the extra dry pasta I use these airtight containers.

Adding the Final Touches

After simmering that hearty blend of elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and rich, robust tomato sauce, it's time for what I like to call the grand finale. Sprinkling a generous layer of cheese on top, whether it's sharp parmesan or stretchy mozzarella, transforms this classic dish into a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. But here's a little trick I've learned: let the American Chop Suey stand for a few minutes before diving in. This pause not only helps the flavors to meld beautifully but also ensures that the cheese achieves that perfectly melty texture we're after. It's this kind of simple touch that elevates a great recipe into a memorable meal you and your family will ask for time and time again.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread: There's nothing quite like soft, warm garlic bread to scoop up the robust tomato sauce of our American Chop Suey. It's a match made in comfort food heaven.
Simple green salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the chop suey, adding a refreshing contrast to each bite.
Dinner rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any sauce left on your plate, ensuring you enjoy every last drop of this classic dish.
Garlic Parmesan roasted green beans: For a side that's as easy as it is delicious, toss green beans with a little olive oil, garlic, and parmesan, then roast until crispy.

Storing Leftovers

Oh, diving into the world of storing leftovers, isn't it just the cherry on top of a satisfying meal? Especially with a hearty dish like our stovetop American Chop Suey, it's almost a given there'll be some to tuck away for later. Trust me, wrapping up this comforting classic just right uncovers the magic of flavors that've had a chance to become even more acquainted. So, here’s a nifty guide to preserving that delightful goodness.

Airtight container: The key to maintaining the freshness and preventing any fridge odors from sneaking into your Suey. Seal it snugly!
Fridge life: Kept chilled, your Suey will cozy up nicely for about 3 to 5 days. Just imagine, dinner at the ready!
Freezing potential: Yes, you can freeze it! Perfect for those nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind. It hibernates well for up to three months.
Reheating: A splash of chicken broth while warming it up keeps everything moist and delicious.
The next day: Honestly, it might just be a mystery of the universe, but this dish tends to taste even better the following day. The flavors marry and deepen, creating an even more comforting comfort food, if that's possible.

Your New Go-To Meal

Imagine this: it's been one of those days. You know, the kind where everything seems a tad harder than it should. You're finally home, hungry, and wishing for something that just wraps you up in warmth and comfort without taking an eternity to make. That's where this Easy Stovetop American Chop Suey swoops in, like a culinary superhero, to save your evening. It's not just a meal, my friends—it's an embrace from your kitchen. A classic comfort food that's as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat.

What sets this recipe apart is its deceptive simplicity paired with big, bold flavors. We're talking about juicy ground beef, tender macaroni, and a savory, robust tomato sauce, all perfectly seasoned to delight your taste buds. Tossed in a Dutch oven or a large skillet and simmered to perfection, it’s an effortless endeavor for any night of the week.

I've always believed that the best recipes are those that bring both ease and joy to the dinner table. This American Chop Suey does just that. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something wonderfully satisfying. Whether you're cooking for one, feeding a hungry family, or entertaining friends, this dish has got you covered. So, here's to making your new go-to meal, an easy dish guaranteed to earn its place in your heart and recipe card collection.