American Chop Suey, also known as American goulash, is a beloved comfort food across New England and beyond. Despite the name, it has little to do with traditional Chinese chop suey. Instead, it’s a hearty one-pot dish made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, onions, peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
This dish is popular for its simplicity, nostalgic value, and soul-warming flavor. It combines the satisfying chew of pasta with savory meat and zesty tomato sauce—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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2 cups water or beef broth
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Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Substitutions:
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Gluten-free pasta for gluten intolerance
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Vegan ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian/vegan version
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Zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prep the Ingredients:
Dice the onion and green pepper. Mince the garlic. Measure out spices and pasta. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and green pepper until softened (about 4–5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. -
Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. -
Add Pasta and Liquid:
Stir in the elbow macaroni and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. -
Simmer:
Cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened. Add more liquid if needed. -
Optional – Add Cheese:
Stir in shredded cheese or sprinkle on top before serving for extra indulgence.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Don’t overcook the pasta: It should be al dente. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy quickly.
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Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—it helps the sauce soak into the pasta.
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Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.
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Toast the spices for a few seconds in oil before adding tomatoes to enhance flavor.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils, tofu crumbles, or mushrooms.
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
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Low-Carb: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
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Cheesy Bake: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for a crusty finish.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with chopped parsley or grated cheese.
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Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed green beans.
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Great with a cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or red wine for adults.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 24g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fats: 18g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sodium: 600mg
Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Q: Can I freeze American Chop Suey?
Absolutely. Let it cool, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
Small pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work just as well.
Q: Why is it called “Chop Suey”?
The name likely came from the mix of ingredients and the popularity of Chinese-American dishes at the time, though it’s not related to actual chop suey.
Closing Thoughts
American Chop Suey is a nostalgic, filling, and flavorful meal that’s stood the test of time. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Give it a try, make it your own, and let us know how it turned out!
