This dish is comfort food personified. At least that’s what American Chop Suey means to me. Delicious beef mixed with spices, veggies, diced tomatoes and yummy elbow pasta makes one great meal.
Why do I call this comforting dish American chop suey when it’s called goulash in other states? Because this is New England and we do some things… differently. But never fear! This is the same fun-to-eat, delicious comfort food you ate as a kid, no matter what it’s called.
Helpful tips
- Cook everything at the same time: Bring the water to boil and cook your elbow macaroni while you sauté the vegetables and meat.
- For even faster cook time, use two sauté pans: one for the veggie and one for the meat.
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How to make American chop suey
Pre-step
Fill a pot with water, salt it and set it over high heat. Once the water boils, add the elbow pasta and set a timer for 8 minutes.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – ground beef, green bell pepper, onion and garlic.
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Step two
Chop the bell pepper and onion in chunks and crush the garlic. Heat a Dutch oven or large saucepan on medium. Add oil and once that heats up, add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 10 minutes.
Step three
Add garlic, cook for 2 more minutes and set aside. (A)
Step four
Meanwhile, heat a sauté pan on medium. Add oil and once that heats up, add ground beef. Use a metal spatula to break apart the beef. (B)
Step five
Gather the rest of the ingredients – diced tomatoes, herbs and spices, salt and Worcestershire sauce. (C)
Step six
Add diced tomatoes to the pan of veggies, heat on medium for 5 minutes, then add ground beef. (D)
Step seven
When the elbows are done, drain them, add them to the tomato-veggie mixture and stir it all together.
Time to plate some chop suey and call Christopher so we can eat. He runs like the wind to the table. Boy, that man is fast when he’s properly motivated!
I hope you enjoy this American chop suey recipe.
Other popular pasta recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
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American Chop Suey
Ingredients
Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 - 3
- 1 onion large, chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Meat Preparation
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound elbows
- 56 ounces diced tomatoes 2 cans
Instructions
- Fill a large stock pot with water, salt it and set it to boil
- Heat a medium stock pot on medium heat, add olive oil and heat that up
- Add onion and pepper and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, add garlic and sauté for 2 additional minutes. Take off heat and set aside
- Add elbows to boiling water and cook for 8 minutes (or until they are done), but as you're doing that. . .
- Heat a large sauté pan on medium, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and add ground beef and break up to little pieces. Add oregano, basil, parsley, salt and Worcestershire sauce. Sauté for 5 - 8 minutes
- Add the tomatoes to vegetable mixture
- Add ground beef to tomato mixture
- Drain elbows and dump them in a large stock pan
- Add the tomato-meat mixture in with the elbows and mix until incorporated
- Serve
- Eat
- Smile
- Enjoy
Notes
- Cook everything at the same time: Bring the water to boil and cook your elbow macaroni while you sauté the vegetables and meat.
- For even faster cook time, use two sauté pans: one for the veggie and one for the meat.
Nutrition
Originally published November of 2016. Updated photos and methods.
chop suey.. such a fun name… and looks so good.
I know. Not sure why this part of the states call it that. It’s American goulash in other parts!
This recipe looks so good. Can’t wait for you to make it again.
Thanks Christopher!
I never realized this was known as American Chop Suey. You’ve just inspired my dinner for tonight!
Thanks Jill. Did you call it Goulash?
This recipe brings me back to my childhood. I haven’t had it for ages. Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome. Thank you Angela. It’s a great comfort to me and brings me back to my childhood as well.
What a fun name for this dish, and such a nice and easy recipe to prepare on busy days.
Thanks Anita! 🙂
This dish looks so cozy and comforting. I’ve heard of it being called American goulash before, but American chop suey is new to me!
Thanks Courtney. I think it’s a regional thing. Goulash everywhere but New England. 🙂
This American Chop Suey looks so incredible! I love the flavors and helpful tips!
Thank you so much Shanika!
Just the sight of this delicious American Chop Suey makes my tummy growl! I can feel my hunger right now. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hehe. Thanks Dennis. I appreciate your comment.
This is such a great family dinner. Easy to make, and a hit with everyone. Comfort food is so good. Simple and awesome.
Thanks so much Gloria! I agree!
I tried this dish once, when I was visiting my friend’s house, and I was amazed with how delicious it was. It looked very similar to yours, so I am really glad I’ve stumbled upon it. Great tip on two sauté pans, too – it will save me some time!
Thanks Danielle, that’s fun that you had it at a friends.
This looks delicious and really easy to make – great for a busy weeknight meal. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome. Thank you Tanya for your comment and yes, easy and great for a weeknight meal.
I had this many times as a kid….so good but your recipe looks even better. I’m going to make it for my husband..I have all the ingredients!
Thanks Paige :). I hope you and your husband enjoys it.
Gosh I haven’t had this since I was little. This is what my Mom called “American Ghoulash”. Such an easy and delicious recipe! Yours looks super scrumptious! Thank you so much for sharing!
I am not familiar with either chop suey or American goulash but it does look comforting, flavorful, and a great family dinner recipe. Thank you!
This chop suey looks so hearty, comforting, and delicious. I would love to make a batch of this to enjoy during the week. Perfect family meal!
Thank you LaKita! I appreciate it.
That is one delicious looking chopped suey. It looks so amazing! And the flavors are so good!
Thanks so much, Jo! It’s a family favorite for sure!