Growing up in a bustling kitchen, I found the magic of comfort food. It brings families together. The American Chop Suey recipe has been a treasured part of my family. It turns ordinary weeknight dinners into moments of joy and connection.
If you love easy comfort food for busy nights, you’ll also enjoy our juicy mini meatloaf recipe made in a muffin tin—another quick favorite that’s perfect for family meals!
This easy pasta dinner is more than a meal. It’s a warm hug on a plate. Our homemade American Chop Suey recipe uses simple ingredients with heartwarming flavors. It feels like grandma’s kitchen. Get ready to make a dish that’s both nostalgic and delicious!
If you’re in the mood for another crowd-pleasing pasta dish, give our cheesy spinach manicotti recipe a try for a creamy twist on classic Italian comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy families
- Combines hearty ground beef with classic pasta
- Versatile recipe that can be customized to taste
- Budget-friendly dinner option
- Comforting meal that brings families together
For more ground beef magic, check out our crispy beef milanesa recipe; it’s savory, satisfying, and just as simple to make!
What Makes American Chop Suey a Classic Comfort Food
American chop suey is at the heart of New England comfort food. It’s a dish that brings families together with its simple yet irresistible flavors. This beloved one-pot meal has been warming kitchens across the United States for generations.
Origins of New England's Favorite Pasta Dish
The roots of this American goulash recipe go back to early 20th-century home kitchens. Working-class families in Massachusetts and surrounding New England states created it. They used affordable pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce to make a filling dinner.
Why Families Love This One-Pot Wonder
- Quick preparation time
- Minimal kitchen cleanup
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Hearty and satisfying meal
Home cooks love the simplicity of American chop suey. With just a few basic ingredients, families can make a delicious meal. It’s versatile, allowing for easy customization while keeping its comforting core.
The Evolution of American Goulash
Over the decades, this classic comfort food has evolved. What began as a simple peasant dish has become a beloved recipe passed down through generations. Regional variations have emerged, each family adding their unique twist.
A taste of home in every bite – that’s the magic of American chop suey!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect American Chop Suey
Making the best American chop suey with ground beef starts with picking the right ingredients. Let’s explore the key parts that make this dish a hit with families.
The base of a tasty American chop suey is quality ingredients. Choose fresh, top-notch items to make your homemade tomato sauce and dish stand out.
- Ground Beef: Pick 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture
- Elbow macaroni or shell pasta
- Fresh onions and garlic
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Beef broth for extra richness
“The secret to an amazing American chop suey is in the quality of your ingredients!” – Home Cooking Experts
When making your ground beef pasta, focus on these important ingredients. The mix of well-browned ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich homemade tomato sauce makes a comfort food classic. It’s so good, everyone will want more!
- Pro Tip: Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano to boost your sauce
- Choose lean ground beef for a healthier choice
- Opt for San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic taste
Get set to turn simple ingredients into a delicious meal that’s all about home-cooked comfort! 🍽️
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You'll Need
Don’t worry, you don’t need a fancy kitchen to make an easy American chop suey recipe! We’ve got a great guide to turn your kitchen into a one-pot meal haven. Let’s look at the key tools you’ll need to make your family dinner ideas a hit.
With the right tools, cooking this tasty comfort food is a snap. Our suggested toolkit will get you ready to make a meal that everyone will love!
Essential Cooking Utensils
- Large Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing
- Sharp Chef’s Knife for chopping veggies
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Colander for draining pasta
Recommended Pot Sizes
For the best one-pot meal, we suggest:
- 5-6 quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wide-bottom stockpot with high sides
- Cast iron skillet (alternative cooking method)
Time-Saving Kitchen Gadgets
Want to make cooking even easier? Here are some must-have tools:
- Digital kitchen scale for exact measurements
- Food processor for quick veggie chopping
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Non-stick cooking spray
With these tools, you’ll be all set to make a delicious American chop suey that your family will love!
Step-by-Step American Chop Suey Recipe
Get ready to make the most delicious classic American chop suey recipe. It will become a family favorite! We’ll guide you through each step to make this comforting dish. It will bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table.
Making the best American chop suey recipe is easier than you think. We’ll break down the cooking process into simple steps:
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- Elbow macaroni
- Diced onions
- Crushed tomatoes
- Garlic and seasonings
- Brown the Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook ground beef until no pink remains
- Drain excess fat
- Build the Sauce
- Add onions and garlic to the beef
- Pour in crushed tomatoes
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil elbow macaroni until al dente
- Drain and mix with meat sauce
- Let sit for 5 minutes to blend flavors
Our authentic American chop suey recipe makes a mouth-watering meal. Everyone will ask for seconds! The secret is slow simmering and the perfect blend of ingredients.
Pro Tip: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly!
With these simple steps, you’ll make a hearty, delicious meal. It captures the essence of classic American comfort food. Enjoy your homemade chop suey!
Secret Tips for the Best Ground Beef Sauce
Making the perfect ground beef sauce is key to a great American chop suey dish. We’ll share secrets to turn a simple pasta dinner into a flavorful masterpiece!
Selecting the Right Ground Beef
Choosing the right ground beef is the first step to a fantastic American chop suey. Here’s what you need to know:
- Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture
- Look for fresh, high-quality meat from local butchers. Wondering about safe ground beef handling? The CDC’s ground beef handling guide covers all the best practices for storing, prepping, and cooking ground meat.
- Avoid pre-packaged meat with excess liquid
“The quality of your meat determines the depth of your sauce!” – Professional Chef’s Tip
Perfecting the Seasoning Blend
A great American pasta dish needs a standout seasoning blend. Create a custom mix to enhance your ground beef’s rich flavors:
- Blend dried herbs like oregano and basil
- Add a touch of garlic powder
- Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
- Don’t forget kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Creating Rich Tomato Base
The tomato sauce is the heart of your pasta dinner. Follow our pro tips for a sauce full of flavor:
- Use a combination of crushed and diced tomatoes
- Caramelize onions before adding tomatoes
- Simmer sauce slowly to develop deep, complex flavors
- Consider adding a splash of red wine for extra depth
With these insider techniques, you’ll make your American chop suey truly special!
How to Choose and Cook the Perfect Pasta
Choosing the right pasta is key for a great american chop suey pasta recipe. Elbow macaroni is the top pick for this easy dinner. The right pasta can turn a good dish into an amazing one. Want to make your meal even healthier? The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s healthy eating basics recommend swapping regular pasta for whole grain varieties to boost fiber and protein.
Let’s look at how to pick the best pasta:
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for American Chop Suey
- Medium shells: Perfect for holding onto sauce
- Rotini: Adds a fun twist to your meal
Cooking pasta for your chop suey needs some care. Here’s how to cook it just right:
- Use a big pot with salted water
- Stir now and then to stop sticking
- Cook until al dente – usually 8-10 minutes
- Drain fast to stop cooking
Pro tip: Save some pasta water to help your sauce stick if needed!
When making an easy pasta dinner, remember pasta texture is crucial. Overcooking makes pasta mushy. But cooking it just right makes a meal your family will love and ask for more!
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
Preparing an easy American chop suey family dinner recipe doesn’t end when you finish cooking! Smart storage can help you enjoy this delicious comfort food for days or even weeks to come. We’ll walk you through the best ways to preserve your meal’s flavor and quality.
Proper Storage Methods
Your American chop suey comfort food deserves careful handling. Follow these storage tips to keep your dish fresh and tasty:
- Cool the dish completely before storing
- Use airtight containers with tight-fitting lids
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. For more tips on safe cooling and storage, check out the expert advice on food safety for healthy holidays from the FDA, which guides you to keep meals fresh and bacteria-free.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
Reheating Instructions
Bring your leftover American chop suey back to life with these simple reheating techniques:
- Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes
- Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying
- Reheat in microwave or stovetop until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating
Freezing Tips and Tricks
Want to extend your easy American chop suey recipe’s lifespan? Freezing is your secret weapon!
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion
- Label containers with date and contents
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
With these storage guidelines, you’ll always have a delicious, comforting meal ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes!
Delicious Variations and Add-ins
Ready to make your American goulash recipe even better? Let’s dive into some fun ways to spice up the classic American chop suey casserole!
Cheese fans, this is your time to shine! Here are some tasty twists to take your traditional American chop suey to new heights:
- Southwestern Twist: Add black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
- Mediterranean Inspired: Mix in feta cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Veggie Packed: Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for extra nutrition
Looking for protein alternatives? Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles. This way, you can make a goulash recipe that fits your diet.
“Cooking is about creativity – don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!” – Chef’s Kitchen Wisdom
Want to make your dish even heartier? Just move the mix to a baking dish. Top it with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake until it’s golden and bubbly!
- Vegetarian version with lentils
- Gluten-free option using alternative pasta
- Spicy version with jalapeños and hot sauce
Every variation adds a new twist to this beloved comfort food. So, get creative and let your culinary dreams come true!
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Make your hearty pasta dinner special with these serving suggestions! Our old fashioned comfort food needs amazing sides to make the meal complete.
What makes American chop suey so great is how well it goes with different sides. Let’s look at some tasty options that will make your dinner unforgettable!
Side Dish Companions
- Crisp garden salad with fresh vinaigrette
- Warm, crusty garlic bread
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- Buttery corn on the cob
Beverage Pairings
- For adults: Light red wine or craft beer
- For kids: Sparkling lemonade or iced tea
- Refreshing fruit punch
Pro tip: A simple green salad can provide a fresh contrast to the rich, hearty pasta dish!
“Good food is all about creating moments of joy around the table” – Unknown Chef
With these thoughtful sides, your American chop suey will go from a simple meal to a memorable dinner. It’s a great way to bring family and friends together.
Conclusion
Your journey through this classic American chop suey recipe is a delightful exploration of comfort food at its finest. We’ve shown you how to make an easy pasta dinner that turns simple ingredients into a memorable family meal. From choosing the perfect ground beef to mastering the rich tomato sauce, you’re now ready to make this dish with confidence.
Family dinner ideas can sometimes feel repetitive, but this American Chop Suey brings excitement back to the table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can easily customize it to suit your family’s taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers, this one-pot wonder promises to satisfy everyone’s hunger and create lasting mealtime memories.
Cooking is about more than just following a recipe – it’s about creating connections and sharing love through food. We hope this guide has inspired you to embrace your inner chef and experiment with this classic dish. Remember, the most important ingredient is always the joy you bring to the kitchen!
Get ready to become the family’s favorite cook with this foolproof American Chop Suey recipe. Your culinary adventure is just beginning – enjoy every delicious moment!
American Chop Suey Recipe
Short Description
A classic New England comfort food, this one-pot American Chop Suey combines ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato sauce for a hearty and nostalgic meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a timeless family favorite!
Recipe Details
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients per Serving
- 1/4 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 3/4 cup elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: ~390
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fats: ~15g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~680mg
- Sugar: ~6g
Instructions
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Step 2
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until onion is soft and fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in dried basil or oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4
Meanwhile, boil elbow macaroni in a separate pot until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well.
Step 5
Add cooked pasta to the meat sauce and mix to combine. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade American Chop Suey!
