When I first made American Chop Suey, I couldn’t believe how simple yet satisfying it was. It’s the kind of dish that warms both your soul and your stomach. The tender pasta, the hearty ground beef, the rich tomato sauce—we’re talking comfort in every bite.

And as a bonus, it’s an all-in-one pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for yourself, this recipe is a game-changer. You’ll love it just as much as I do, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

American Chop Suey American Goulash Recipe

Time Breakdown

Here’s how long you’ll need from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb Ground beef
1 Onion, chopped
1 Green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) Crushed tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) Tomato sauce
1 tsp Dried oregano
1 tsp Dried basil
1 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
2 cups Elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet/Dutch oven: For cooking the beef and sauce together in one pot
Wooden spoon/spatula: To stir everything evenly
Colander: For draining the pasta
Cutting board and knife: For chopping the fresh ingredients

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

This hearty and flavorful American Chop Suey is a comforting classic that’s easy to make! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, saucy pasta dish the whole family will love.

Sauté the Base Ingredients

Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once browned, toss in your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook together for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onion looks translucent. Finally, stir in the garlic and cook for just one minute to bring out its aroma.

Build the Flavorful Sauce

Now it’s time to turn up the flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir everything together until fully combined. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to meld perfectly.

Cook the Pasta Separately

While your sauce is simmering, boil a pot of salted water and cook your elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer) until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. The key here is not to overcook the pasta since it’ll absorb more sauce later.

Combine and Finish the Dish

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your sauce. Gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated. If you like things cheesy, sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top and stir it in to melt. Leave the skillet on low for 2 to 3 more minutes to allow everything to come together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon your American Chop Suey into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley or more shredded cheese if you’d like. Enjoy your hearty, homemade meal hot and fresh! For a twist, you might want to try something like this bacon and pea macaroni cheese recipe for another creamy and hearty option.

What Makes This Recipe Amazing?

American Chop Suey (also called American Goulash) isn’t your average weeknight meal. Here are a few reasons why this dish will win you over:

Quick and Easy Prep

You don’t need to be a kitchen expert to make this recipe. Everything comes together in just one pot, saving you time and effort. The ingredients are simple, and most are pantry staples you probably already have.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is incredibly versatile. Need a low-stress family dinner? Done. Prepping meals for the week? It stores beautifully. Hosting a potluck? It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Tons of Flavor Customization

Not in the mood for beef? Switch it out for turkey or plant-based meat. Want it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes. You can truly make it your own by experimenting with flavors and ingredients.

Great for Different Diets

With just a few tweaks, it can fit a variety of diets. Swap the pasta for gluten-free shapes or opt for dairy-free toppings. The possibilities are endless.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe doesn’t break the bank. It uses affordable ingredients that stretch to make a generous, filling meal for several people. If you’re in the mood for something different, chopped cheese sandwiches are another fantastic option to try.

Handy Tips for the Best Results

Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, but freshly minced cloves will give you the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers. Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or spices to fit your taste.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach for extra nutrition.

Ideas for Serving Your Dish

Presentation makes everything more exciting! Serve your American Chop Suey with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, freshly ground black pepper, and a little extra cheese on top for a touch of elegance. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Quick Nutritional Snapshot

For one standard serving (amounts may vary slightly):

Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: Around 25g
Carbohydrates: About 40g
Fat: Roughly 15g

Storage Tips to Make Life Easier

When you have leftovers (and you will, unless everyone fights for seconds), this dish stores wonderfully!

Refrigerate for Later

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you want to save it for even longer, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. American Chop Suey freezes well for 2 to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop or microwave.

With its irresistible flavors, ease of preparation, and adaptability, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. And now that you’re fully equipped with all the tips and tricks, it’s time to grab your apron and make some magic in the kitchen! Happy cooking! If you’re looking for more comforting lunch ideas, you can also enjoy similar recipes like lunch recipes.

For a complete walkthrough, check out this video guide: