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
Scale
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.
