Sally Roberts
Comforting, nostalgic, and wonderfully satisfying, American Chop Suey is the one-pot pasta meal every home cook needs in their recipe rotation. This dish combines tender pasta spirals with rich ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and flavorful on the table fast.
Think of it as the ultimate fusion of Italian-American flavors with a dash of New England comfort food. Whether you grew up with this dish or are just discovering it, American Chop Suey brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to any meal. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable depending on what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey
American Chop Suey checks every box for a winning dinner idea. It’s quick to make, uses affordable ingredients, and leaves everyone satisfied. The combination of pasta and savory ground beef sauce is simple, yet deeply comforting.
It’s also a great meal prep option since it reheats beautifully. You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days. Even picky eaters tend to clean their plates when this is on the menu!
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for American Chop Suey?
Traditionally, elbow macaroni is the go-to choice, but rotini, as shown in the photo, adds a fun twist and holds onto the sauce beautifully. You can use penne or even shells — the key is choosing a pasta shape that grabs the sauce and delivers that full flavor in every bite.
Ingredients for the American Chop Suey
Each ingredient in this American Chop Suey contributes to its bold and comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein.
- Rotini pasta: A twisty pasta that clings to the sauce in every bite.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a mild, crisp freshness that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Yellow onion: For depth of flavor, sautéed until tender.
- Garlic: Enhances the sauce with a touch of aromatic warmth.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the savory, tangy sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: Adds texture and rich tomato flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs to round out the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.
- Olive oil: For cooking the vegetables and sealing in flavor.
How To Make the American Chop Suey
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add olive oil to the same pot. Stir in chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, boil your pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Stir the cooked pasta into the meat sauce. Mix well until everything is fully coated and heated through. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Serving and Storing American Chop Suey
This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, making it a great option for families or meal prep. Serve it hot right out of the pot for a cozy, satisfying meal that needs little else to shine.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze American Chop Suey! Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Serve With American Chop Suey?
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing that complements the hearty tomato sauce perfectly.
Garden Salad
A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta dish.
Roasted Broccoli
Simple roasted broccoli adds nutrition and a pleasant crunch on the side.
Steamed Green Beans
Lightly steamed green beans keep things light and vibrant on your dinner plate.
Grated Parmesan
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances every bite with a salty, nutty finish.
Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickled vegetables offer a contrast that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Crusty Bread Rolls
Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce in the bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works great in this recipe. Just be sure to season it well to enhance its flavor.
Is American Chop Suey the same as Goulash?
They’re very similar! Both are pasta dishes with a meat-tomato sauce base. The difference usually comes down to regional names and slight variations in spices or add-ins.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a plant-based version.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go traditional or add your own twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook better!
Find more recipes like this on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally
Conclusion
American Chop Suey is more than just a quick dinner — it’s comfort in a bowl. This simple, crowd-pleasing recipe brings the family together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a full house or freezing portions for later, it’s a meal that keeps on giving.
Once you try it, it’ll become a weeknight favorite in your home too. Enjoy every savory bite!
American Chop Suey
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This American Chop Suey is a quick dinner idea that blends ground beef, rotini pasta, and a rich tomato sauce with colorful bell peppers. It’s a one-pot comfort food classic perfect for easy dinner nights, cozy meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Great for freezing, reheating, and satisfying everyone at the table! This is one of those hearty food ideas that never fails.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
12 oz rotini pasta
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz tomato sauce
14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain the grease.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion, garlic, and both bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
4. Cook rotini pasta in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Swap the ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for dietary preferences.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot, stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, pasta dish, one-pot meal, comfort food, American chop suey
