American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food that has been a staple in many American households for generations.

This hearty and delicious dish combines pasta, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and family dinners. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

What Makes This So Great?

American Chop Suey is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. It’s a one-pot meal that combines pasta, ground beef, and vegetables in a savory tomato sauce. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand or any dietary preferences. It’s a great dish to make in large batches, and it reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

To make American Chop Suey, you’ll need the following kitchen items:

• A large pot for cooking the pasta
• A large skillet or another pot for making the sauce
• A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
• Measuring spoons for the olive oil, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• A colander for draining the pasta

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

Here’s what you’ll need to make American Chop Suey:

• 16 oz elbow pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

How To Make It

1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Add the elbow noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same pot, add 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Beef: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef. Break the beef into small pieces and season with salt. Cook until browned. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some off.
4. Add Tomato Products and Seasoning: Next, add the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly browned, stirring frequently. Add the Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
5. Combine with Pasta: Simmer the sauce for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
6. Serve: Serve the American Chop Suey hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

American Chop Suey has an interesting name that might lead one to think it has Chinese origins, but it’s actually a purely American creation. The dish became popular in the northeastern United States, particularly in New England, during the mid-20th century. It is a type of American comfort food that has been passed down through generations.

The name “Chop Suey” originally referred to a Chinese-American dish consisting of meat, eggs, and vegetables quickly cooked with soy sauce and other seasonings. The American version took on a life of its own, adapting to local tastes and ingredients. Over time, American Chop Suey became known as a dish that combined ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce, quite different from its namesake.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)?

American Chop Suey is quite versatile, and you can easily adjust it to meet various dietary needs:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegan, or substitute it with soy sauce or a vegan alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based broth.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free elbow pasta or any other preferred gluten-free pasta shape. Make sure all other ingredients, such as the Worcestershire sauce and tomato products, are gluten-free.
• Lower-Carb: Substitute the pasta with a lower-carb alternative, like spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.

These adjustments make the dish suitable for various dietary preferences while maintaining its deliciousness.

FAQ Section

Why is American Chop Suey called chop suey?

The name “Chop Suey” is borrowed from a Chinese-American dish that features a mix of meat and vegetables. The American version adapted this concept, but instead of being a stir-fry, it became a pasta-based dish with a tomato sauce.

What is another name for American goulash?

American Chop Suey is often referred to as American goulash, especially in the Midwest. It’s a hearty pasta dish with ground beef and a tomato-based sauce, similar to the American Chop Suey known in New England.

What was the original name of chop suey?

The original “Chop Suey” referred to a Chinese-American dish consisting of meat, eggs, and vegetables quickly cooked together. The American version took this name but developed a completely different recipe over time.

Is Bolognese the same as American Chop Suey?

No, Bolognese is a traditional Italian meat sauce that is typically served with pasta, but it does not include the same mix of ingredients as American Chop Suey. Bolognese is usually more meat-focused with a richer, slower-cooked sauce.

Why do Americans call it goulash?

Americans call it goulash because it is similar to a simplified version of the Hungarian dish, combining meat, pasta, and a hearty sauce. The American version, however, is distinctly different from the traditional Hungarian goulash, which is more of a soup or stew.

What is the difference between American Goulash and Hungarian goulash?

American Goulash is a pasta dish with ground beef and a tomato-based sauce, often called American Chop Suey in some regions. Hungarian goulash is a meat and vegetable stew seasoned with paprika, and it doesn’t typically include pasta.

How Should I Store This?

American Chop Suey stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze American Chop Suey. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy American Chop Suey anytime, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.