If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that hugs you with every bite, nothing beats this Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe. It’s a nostalgic dish packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and the irresistible richness of melted cheddar cheese all simmered together in a flavorful tomato sauce. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe brings that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness that warms both the stomach and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this satisfying meal. Each element plays a starring role, from the juicy ground beef that adds richness, to the sharp cheddar cheese which melts into a luscious creaminess that ties everything together beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty flavor and protein, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the beef and soften the vegetables, adding a subtle fruity note.
- Large onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Brings fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz can): Add texture and bursts of freshness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances savory depth with a subtle umami kick.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Blends aromatic herbs to complement the tomato and beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic pasta choice that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star ingredient that brings creamy richness and sharpness.
How to Make Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. This step builds a flavorful foundation. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy while maintaining plenty of taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness and aroma. This adds layers of vibrant flavor and a lovely texture contrast to the dish.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and the diced tomatoes, juices and all. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix, then let the sauce simmer gently. This simmering melds the ingredients into a luscious, savory base that brings the whole dish together.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is happily simmering, cook your elbow macaroni separately according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—meaning it still has a bit of a bite. Drain the pasta well and prepare to mix it with the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained elbow macaroni directly into the skillet with your savory meat sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated and infused with flavor. Let it cook another few minutes on low heat, so the tastes have time to marry beautifully.
Step 6: Melt the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt gently into a creamy blanket of cheesiness. This step transforms your chop suey into a dreamy, indulgent delight.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, serve your Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe hot straight from the skillet. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, tender pasta, fresh veggies, and cheesy richness—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
How to Serve Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top can brighten up the presentation and add a fresh burst of flavor that complements the creamy, hearty dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for sopping up every last delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving it in individual oven-safe bowls and broil the cheddar cheese topping briefly until bubbly and golden. Another idea is to layer the chop suey in a casserole dish, add extra cheese on top, and bake for a cheesy, crusty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe stays delicious for 3 to 4 days, making for perfect next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the chop suey as well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts to keep that creamy cheesy texture intact. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds sauce well, you can swap in shells, rotini, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep pasta al dente.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative for a similar texture and hearty flavor without the meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables or mix in a dash of hot sauce to the simmering sauce. This will give the dish a nice, gentle heat that complements the creamy cheese.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a gathering?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately ahead of time, then combine and melt the cheese just before serving. This will save you time and keep everything fresh and flavorful for your guests.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp or medium cheddar both work wonderfully here. Sharp cheddar delivers a bolder flavor, while medium offers a milder, creamier melt. Choose based on your preference!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering it for the first time. It’s simple, delicious, and promises smiles all around.
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Creamy American Chop Suey with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
American Chop Suey is a classic American comfort food that combines tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful ground beef and tomato sauce, enhanced by bell peppers, onions, and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty and satisfying skillet meal comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a family dinner or casual weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld for around 10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Let them cook together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for several minutes off the heat until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Serve the American Chop Suey hot, straight from the skillet, for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
- To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes and vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a cheesier dish, add more shredded cheddar or a mix of cheeses.
