The Best American Chop Suey Recipe
A comforting, hearty one-pan meal made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This classic American favorite is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Equipment
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Cook & Prep Time Summary
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz / 800 g crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- Water for boiling pasta
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well until fully coated.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then serve warm.
Notes
Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
