American Chop Suey (american Goulash) Recipe

American Chop Suey is one of those comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dishes that brings me straight back to my childhood. This cozy, one-pot wonder has everything you’d want in a weeknight dinner: tender elbow macaroni, a hearty tomato-based sauce, and a mix of ground beef and vegetables that’s perfectly seasoned. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for chilly nights or when you’re just craving something simple yet satisfying. This isn’t the type of meal that requires fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, which makes it even better!

Growing up, my mom would make American Chop Suey in our big, dented stock pot—the same one she used for just about everything. I’d always hover nearby, sneaking spoonfuls of the sauce as it simmered (and usually getting scolded for it!). The smell of garlic, tomato, and beef wafting through the kitchen felt like home. Now, every time I make this dish, that same comforting aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but smile.

this RECIPE

A quick history of American chop suey

Despite its name, American Chop Suey has very little to do with traditional Chinese-American chop suey. This dish actually falls closer to what some might know as American Goulash. It’s a simple pasta dish with ground beef, tomatoes, and a few aromatics, popularized across New England and other parts of the U.S. throughout the 20th century. American Chop Suey became a go-to in school cafeterias, community potlucks, and family dinners, where its affordability, ease, and comforting flavor made it a classic. It’s versatile, too—every family has its own take, whether that’s adding extra veggies, experimenting with spices, or topping it with cheese.

Let’s talk ingredients: flavor, flexibility, and a few quick swaps

Ground Beef

Ground beef gives this dish a rich, hearty base. I usually go with 85% lean, which has enough fat for flavor but won’t make the dish greasy. If you want to make it lighter, ground turkey or chicken can work, though the flavor will be milder. For a veggie twist, you could even swap in some chopped mushrooms to mimic the texture of meat.

Italian Seasoning, Seasoned Salt, and Garlic Powder

These seasonings add depth without needing a pantry full of spices. The Italian seasoning brings a nice blend of herbs, the seasoned salt adds extra flavor, and garlic powder enhances the overall warmth. Feel free to adjust these to taste! If you’re out of Italian seasoning, just toss in some dried basil and oregano.

Onion, Green Pepper, and Celery

This classic veggie trio adds flavor, crunch, and a touch of sweetness. If you’re not a fan of green peppers, red or yellow peppers work just as well and offer a slightly sweeter taste. Fresh, crisp veggies make a big difference here, but in a pinch, frozen can work too!

Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, and Tomato Sauce

This trifecta of tomatoes creates a robust, savory sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. The tomato paste adds concentrated flavor, while the diced tomatoes give a bit of texture. If you prefer a slightly chunkier sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes instead of the tomato sauce.

Elbow Macaroni

Elbow macaroni is classic for a reason—it cooks quickly and holds onto the sauce. Feel free to swap in other short pastas like penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free pasta, but be sure to watch the cooking time as it may vary.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)

A sprinkle of cheddar at the end adds a creamy, savory layer that makes this dish extra comforting. Just remember to shred it from a block, as pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. If you prefer a milder cheese, mozzarella is a good substitute.

Essential kitchen tools: keeping it simple

You don’t need much to make American Chop Suey, but a few key tools can make the process easier:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A wide, deep pot gives you plenty of room to cook the beef, sauté the veggies, and stir everything together. I prefer a Dutch oven for even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Since you’ll be scraping up bits from the bottom of the pot, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula works best here. It also helps prevent scratching if you’re using a non-stick pot.
• Cheese Grater (if you’re using cheese): Freshly shredded cheese melts better, so a grater is handy if you’re adding that cheesy topping.

Step-by-step: making American chop suey

1. Brown the ground beef: Start by heating your pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 8 minutes. As it cooks, use your spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
2. Add seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste. The tomato paste will caramelize a bit as it heats, giving a deeper flavor to the dish. Stir everything until the beef is well-coated.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced onion, green pepper, and celery. Let these cook for about 4 minutes until they soften slightly. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Combine with tomato sauce and broth: Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add the chicken broth, which will be absorbed by the pasta, making the dish perfectly saucy.
5. Add the macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the pot and let it cook for 4 minutes, then uncover and gently scrape along the bottom with your spatula to prevent sticking.
6. Finish cooking the pasta: Partially cover the pot again and continue cooking for another 4 minutes. Stir and scrape the bottom again. Afterward, let it cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Taste a piece of pasta to check doneness. Turn off the heat once it’s cooked, and the pasta will absorb any remaining liquid as it rests.
7. Add cheese (optional): If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it gradually over the dish and gently stir until it melts into the sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to make it your own: fun variations to try

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground “meat” or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free: Simply replace the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Note that gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster, so check it a minute or two early.
• Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. It adds a nice kick that pairs well with the cheesy topping.
• Seasonal Vegetables: In the summer, add diced zucchini or summer squash. In the fall, a handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds color and nutrients.
• Cheesy Bake: Transfer the finished dish to a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving suggestions: make it a meal

Serve American Chop Suey in big bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with a side of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. You can also serve it family-style in a big pot right on the table for a casual, cozy vibe.

Drink pairings

For a refreshing drink to complement this meal, consider serving it with an ice-cold lemonade or an Arnold Palmer (half lemonade, half iced tea). If you prefer something warm, try a classic iced tea with a splash of cranberry juice—it adds a tart sweetness that goes well with the savory tomato sauce. A cold sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is also a nice, refreshing option.

Storing and reheating: make it last

Leftovers of American Chop Suey are a gift for the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either microwave it in individual portions or warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Just be sure to stir occasionally to heat it evenly.

If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about six hearty servings, but you can easily adjust it to fit your needs. For a smaller portion, halve the ingredients and use a medium-sized pot. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can double it, but make sure you have a large enough pot, as the pasta expands quite a bit. When doubling, check the seasonings as well, and adjust to taste.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Pasta sticking to the bottom: Make sure to stir regularly and scrape the bottom of the pot as it cooks.
• Too thick or too thin: If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth to loosen it up. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Cheese not melting well: Always use freshly shredded cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Give it a try!

American Chop Suey is such a nostalgic, comforting dish that’s easy to adapt and make your own. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or something you’re serving for a family gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking—once you try this, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or extra veggies, and use vegetable broth.

2. What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
Any short pasta will work—penne, rotini, or shells are good options.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. How can I make this gluten-free?
Just replace the macaroni with a gluten-free pasta, but keep an eye on the cooking time.

5. Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Definitely! Beef broth will add a deeper flavor, so feel free to use whichever you prefer.

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