American Chop Suey Recipe: A Family Favorite That’s Easy to Master

American Chop Suey is a beloved comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. Despite its misleading name, this dish isn’t authentically Chinese—it’s a uniquely American creation that emerged from Chinese-American cuisine in the early 20th century. What makes it so special is its perfect combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce studded with bell peppers and onions. This American chop suey recipe has stood the test of time because it’s incredibly forgiving, budget-friendly, and delivers restaurant-quality results from your home kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish checks every box. It’s comfort food at its finest—warming, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. The beauty of American Chop Suey lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or even make it vegetarian. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to create this classic dish that will have your family asking for seconds.

What Is American Chop Suey?

American Chop Suey is a hearty pasta dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce served over elbow macaroni or similar pasta. The name “chop suey” comes from Chinese cuisine, where “chop” means mixed or chopped, and “suey” means pieces. However, this American version is distinctly different from its Asian counterparts and reflects the adaptation of Chinese cooking techniques to American palates and available ingredients.

This dish became popular in the 1950s and 1960s as a staple of American home cooking. It represents the beautiful fusion of cultures that characterizes American cuisine. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and a slightly sweet tomato sauce creates a flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults. Unlike authentic Chinese chop suey, the American version features pasta as its base and relies heavily on tomato products for its distinctive taste.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s comfort food in its purest form. It’s economical to prepare, requires minimal cooking skills, and delivers maximum satisfaction. The pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce, while the ground beef provides protein and substance. The vegetables add nutrition and texture, making it a well-rounded meal that doesn’t require many side dishes.

Essential Ingredients

To create an authentic American Chop Suey, you’ll need quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef: One pound of lean ground beef (80/20 blend works perfectly) provides the protein foundation
• Elbow macaroni: Eight ounces of dried pasta forms the base of your dish
• Onion: One large yellow onion, diced, adds sweetness and depth
• Bell peppers: One green and one red bell pepper, chopped, provide color, sweetness, and crunch
• Canned tomato sauce: Two 15-ounce cans create the rich, flavorful sauce
• Tomato paste: Two tablespoons of tomato paste intensify the tomato flavor
• Beef broth: One cup of beef broth adds savory depth and helps create the sauce consistency
• Garlic: Three to four cloves, minced, provide aromatic complexity
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons for sautéing vegetables and browning meat
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce: One tablespoon adds umami and complexity
• Sugar: One teaspoon balances the acidity of the tomatoes
• Italian seasoning: One teaspoon provides classic herb flavors

Having these ingredients on hand means you can prepare this dish whenever the craving strikes. Most of these items are pantry staples, making American Chop Suey an economical choice for family dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create perfect American Chop Suey every time:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Brown the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s completely browned and no pink remains (approximately 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add your diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation of your dish.
4. Add the vegetables: Stir in your chopped green and red bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to begin softening while maintaining some texture. The vegetables should still have slight crunch.
5. Create the sauce: Add the tomato paste to the mixture and stir well, coating all the meat and vegetables. Cook for one minute to deepen the tomato flavor. Then add your two cans of tomato sauce, one cup of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine and simmer: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add reserved pasta water one-quarter cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste your American Chop Suey and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences. The sauce should coat the pasta without being soupy.
8. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optional toppings include grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes.

This straightforward process takes approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without extensive preparation.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Mastering a few key techniques will elevate your American Chop Suey from good to exceptional:

Brown the meat properly: Don’t rush the browning process. Allow the ground beef to develop a rich, caramelized crust before stirring. This creates deeper, more complex flavors through the Maillard reaction, a fundamental cooking principle explained by Serious Eats, a trusted resource for food science and cooking techniques.

Build layers of flavor: The order in which you add ingredients matters. Start with aromatics (onion and garlic), then vegetables, then tomato products. Each stage develops flavor compounds that create a more complex, satisfying sauce.

Use quality tomato products: San Marzano tomatoes are worth the investment. They have fewer seeds and lower acidity than standard varieties, resulting in a smoother, more refined sauce.

Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente (slightly firm to the bite) because it will continue cooking when combined with the hot sauce. This prevents mushy, overcooked pasta that falls apart.

Adjust sauce consistency: The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon. Its starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta better than plain water. Add it gradually until you achieve your preferred thickness.

Season in layers: Rather than adding all seasonings at once, season progressively throughout cooking. This allows flavors to develop and prevents over-seasoning any single component.

Let it rest: Allow the finished dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly, improving texture and taste.

These techniques transform basic ingredients into a dish that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen. Understanding the why behind each step helps you troubleshoot if something doesn’t go perfectly and adapt the recipe to your preferences.

Variations and Customizations

One of American Chop Suey’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. Here are numerous ways to personalize this classic dish:

Vegetable variations: While the traditional recipe uses bell peppers and onions, you can add mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or celery. You might also enjoy trying our pickled onions recipe as a tangy topping for added complexity.

Protein options: Ground turkey or ground chicken provides a leaner alternative to beef. Ground Italian sausage adds spice and richness. You can even make a vegetarian version using lentils or crumbled tofu as your protein base.

Pasta alternatives: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta shape. For a lighter version, try whole wheat pasta or legume-based pasta for additional nutrition.

Sauce modifications: Add a splash of red wine for depth, incorporate fresh basil or oregano for herbaceous notes, or stir in cream for a richer, more luxurious sauce. Some cooks add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Cheese additions: Top finished dishes with mozzarella and bake until bubbly for a baked American Chop Suey casserole. Our feta pasta recipe demonstrates how cheese can transform a simple pasta dish into something extraordinary.

Spice levels: If your family prefers milder flavors, reduce or omit the Worcestershire sauce and use sweet bell peppers. For those who enjoy heat, add jalapeños, sriracha, or hot sauce to the finished dish.

Serving styles: Serve American Chop Suey traditionally in bowls, or bake it as a casserole topped with breadcrumbs and cheese. You can also stuff it into peppers for individual servings, similar to how our chicken burrito recipe demonstrates creative presentation.

These variations ensure you never tire of this classic dish. Experiment with different combinations to find your family’s favorite version.

Storage and Reheating

American Chop Suey stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers:

Refrigerator storage: Place cooled American Chop Suey in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as the sauce continues to develop and meld with the pasta.

Freezer storage: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace for expansion. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating methods: Thaw frozen American Chop Suey overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in a covered microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 2 minutes until heated through.

Preventing dryness: If your leftovers seem dry, add a little beef broth, water, or even a splash of milk when reheating. The pasta continues absorbing sauce over time, so adding liquid restores the proper consistency.

Meal prep advantages: American Chop Suey is perfect for meal prepping. Divide into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. This approach saves time and ensures you have healthy, homemade meals readily available. For more quick meal ideas, check out our quick breakfast recipes for complete meal planning inspiration.

The convenience of this dish makes it invaluable for busy families. Knowing you have delicious, homemade American Chop Suey waiting in your freezer eliminates the temptation to order takeout on hectic evenings.

FAQ

Can I make American Chop Suey in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef and vegetables on the stovetop as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This method is perfect for pressure cooker enthusiasts who want an alternative hands-off approach.

What’s the difference between American Chop Suey and chop mein?

American Chop Suey uses elbow macaroni and a tomato-based sauce, while chop mein typically features noodles and a soy-based sauce with vegetables and protein. American Chop Suey is distinctly American comfort food, whereas chop mein has Asian origins and preparation methods.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Use about 3-4 pounds of fresh tomatoes, chopped and seeded. Simmer them longer (20-25 minutes) to break down and concentrate flavors. You may need to add a bit more tomato paste to achieve the same depth of flavor as canned tomatoes.

Is American Chop Suey suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s one of the best dishes for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for convenient grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a store-bought plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The resulting dish will be equally satisfying and flavorful.

How can I make American Chop Suey spicier?

Add diced jalapeños with the bell peppers, increase Worcestershire sauce to 2 tablespoons, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or finish with hot sauce to taste. Start small and adjust to your heat preference.

What should I serve with American Chop Suey?

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you might enjoy a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables on the side. A cold beverage like iced tea or lemonade complements the rich, savory sauce perfectly.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, penne, rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta shape works wonderfully. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which don’t hold the sauce as effectively.