Description
American Chop Suey is a classic, comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, vegetables, and elbow macaroni simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be topped with melted cheddar cheese for an extra creamy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef (85% lean)
- 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 (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese: If using cheese, shred it from a block and set aside at room temperature to soften. Avoid packaged shredded cheese as it contains cellulose which inhibits melting.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for about 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease carefully.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste until well blended with the meat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions, green pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until fully combined with the meat and vegetables.
- Add Remaining Liquids: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Pasta and Boil: Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- First Simmer: Cover the pot and cook for 4 minutes. Then uncover and use a silicone spatula to gently lift and scrape anything stuck on the bottom.
- Second Simmer: Partially cover the pot and simmer gently for another 4 minutes. Again, use a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.
- Final Cooking: Continue heating for 2-3 more minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Taste a noodle to check doneness. Turn off the heat, allowing the pasta to absorb the remaining liquid as it cools.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Stir in shredded cheddar cheese while the mixture is still hot to let it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting results and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and Italian seasoning.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to absorb liquid after heat is turned off.
- Using broth adds depth to the flavor, but water can be substituted if necessary.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: American Chop Suey, ground beef pasta, one pot meal, classic American dinner
