American Chop Suey
American chop suey is an easy dinner recipe made with juicy ground beef and veggies cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with elbow macaroni. Ready in around 30 minutes, this cozy and delicious meal is perfect for weeknight meals.
Why do I call this comforting dish American chop suey when it’s called American 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 simultaneously: Bring the water to boil and cook your elbow macaroni noodles 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.
- Even though the taste of this comfort dish is fabulous the day you cook it, the flavors are even better leftover the next day
- This stores well both in the fridge and in the freezer. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and it will last over a week in the refrigerator and 2 months in the freezer.
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How to make American chop suey
Pre-step
Fill a large pot with water, salt it, and set it over high heat. Once the water boils, add a pound elbow macaroni and set a timer for 8 minutes.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – ground beef, green bell pepper, large onion, and garlic.
Step two
Chop the bell pepper and onion in chunks and crush the garlic.
Step three
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 four
Add garlic, cook for 2 more minutes and set aside. (A)
Step five
Meanwhile, heat a sauté pan or large skillet on medium. Add oil and once that heats up, add ground beef. Use a metal spatula to break apart the beef. (B)
Step six
Gather the rest of the ingredients – 2, 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, herbs and spices, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. (C)
Step seven
Add diced tomatoes to the pan of veggies, heat on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, then add ground beef. (D)
Step eight
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.
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And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
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
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- Cook everything at the same time: Bring the water to boil and cook your elbow macaroni noodles 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.
- Even though the taste of this comfort dish is fabulous the day you cook it, the flavors are even better leftover the next day
- This stores well both in the fridge and in the freezer. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and it will last over a week in the refrigerator and 2 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
Originally published November of 2016. Updated photos and methods.
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
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!
Such a great recipe to make during the week! My mom always used to make a version of this for my sister and I growing up – love stumbling upon this recipe to remind me of how good it is!
Thanks so much Kacey! How fun you used to have this dish too!
Great comments. Did anyone really make this or does everyone just say it “looks great”?
I’m not sure Kendall, though I will say that this recipe has been made by my mom and I’ve been eating it my whole life. It’s lovely comfort food and delicious!
This recipe is truly amazing. I tried it and it turned out very nice.
I’m glad to hear that, Ruth! Thanks for letting me know.