Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 cup green pepper (diced)
- 1 stick celery (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 2.5 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner