Some dishes instantly remind us of home, and American Chop Suey is one of them. Despite its name, it doesn’t have anything to do with Chinese cuisine.
This hearty pasta recipe brings the taste of New England to the dinner table. It’s easy to make, affordable, and very comforting.
This recipe uses easy-to-find items and one pot, so cleanup is quick. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, this recipe is a keeper.
In this blog, we’ll break down the easy American Chop Suey recipe, why it’s so beloved, and how you can make it at home with a few creative variations.
What is American Chop Suey?
American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food dish that became especially popular in New England. Despite its somewhat confusing name, it’s not connected to traditional Chinese chop suey at all.
Instead, it’s a simple combination of macaroni pasta, ground beef, onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Some people also call it “goulash”, though the flavours are a little different. It’s the type of dish that is easy to prepare on a hectic weekday but feels substantial enough for a chilly evening.
The dish initially became popular in the middle of the 20th century as an inexpensive method of transforming basic ingredients into a substantial meal.
Every family seems to have their own version, which adds to its allure. Some people prefer it spicy, while others add cheese or keep it simple.
No matter the twist, the heart of American Chop Suey is always the same: warmth and comfort in a bowl.
Easiest Home-Made American Chop Suey Recipe
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
American Chop Suey is loved for its simple ingredients and bold flavor. Elbow macaroni is the star, holding onto the rich sauce.
Back in the mid-1900s, this dish became a favorite because it was cheap to make and used ingredients most families already had in their kitchens
Elbow macaroni:
This is the traditional pasta used for American Chop Suey, a classic pasta shape that holds the sauce well. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini can work as substitutes.
Ground beef
Gives the dish its rich, hearty flavour. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, plant-based crumbles work just as well
Onion
Adds depth and sweetness. Yellow or white onions work best for this recipe.
Garlic
For a warm, savoury base. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder is a quick substitute.
Bell pepper
Brings colour and a mild crunch.
Tomato sauce
The main sauce that ties everything together. Some cooks also like adding a bit of tomato paste for extra richness.
Worcestershire sauce
adds tang and umami. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can work in a pinch.
Salt & black pepper
are basic seasonings for balance. Fresh herbs can be used if you have them on hand.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making American chop suey is a simple and popular go-to meal.
- First, boil the elbow macaroni for a few minutes in salted water, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- Next, in a large pot, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then add in chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- As the veggies cook, they soften and bring out a gentle sweetness that evens out the tang from the tomato sauce.
- Once that happens, pour in the sauce, add Worcestershire, and season it the way you like. Let it bubble for a few minutes so the flavors come together. Then, stir in the pasta until every piece is nicely coated.
- Some people stop right there, while others like to move it into a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until it’s hot and bubbly. Either way, you end up with a warm, filling dish that’s perfect for the table.
The best part? None of these ingredients is complicated or expensive. You can find these ingredients in your home kitchen.
Nutrition (Per Serving – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
(These values may vary depending on your ingredient choices and portion size.)
Variations & Twists
One of the best things about American Chop Suey is how easy it is to change up.
- If you love cheese, just toss in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella, and it turns wonderfully gooey.
- Want to keep it lighter? Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and switch to whole wheat or even gluten-free pasta.
- If you like a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce will wake it right up.
- Adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach is another simple way to make it healthier and sneak in more greens.
- For a meat-free version, beans or lentils work really well. Some folks even bake it with breadcrumbs on top for a nice crunch. However you make it, the heart of the recipe stays the same: simple, cosy, and easy to adapt to your own taste.
Read Also: Chili Seasoning Recipe: The Secret to Perfect Chili
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making American Chop Suey
American Chop Suey is a pretty easy dish to get right, but there are a few little slip-ups that can throw it off.
One of the big ones is cooking the pasta too long. Since it keeps softening once it’s mixed with the sauce, you’ll want to stop at al dente.
Another common issue is leaving too much grease in the pan after browning the beef, which makes the whole dish heavier than it needs to be.
Seasoning is another thing people forget—if you don’t add a bit of salt, pepper, or herbs as you go, the sauce can end up tasting kind of flat.
And here’s one more tip: don’t toss the pasta into the sauce too early if you plan on letting it simmer, or you’ll end up with mushy noodles.
If you pay attention to these minor details, your American chop suey will turn out delicious, substantial, and perfectly cooked.
What is the Difference Between American Chop Suey and Goulash?
These two dishes are often mixed up, but they’re not quite the same.
American Chop Suey is more of a New England classic made with macaroni, ground beef, and a tomato-based sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and usually kept pretty straightforward.
Goulash, on the other hand, has Hungarian roots and traditionally uses paprika as one of its main seasonings. In the U.S., “American Goulash” is similar to chop suey but often has a slightly different flavour profile—sometimes smokier or spicier depending on the spices used.
American Chop Suey leans more Italian-American with its tomato and herb flavors, while goulash has a distinct paprika kick.
FAQs
1. Is American chop suey the same as goulash?
Not quite the same. Both dishes use pasta, ground beef, and a tomato-based sauce, but goulash is seasoned a bit differently. It often has paprika in it, which gives it a deeper, slightly smoky flavor that sets it apart from American chop suey.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook it a day before, keep it in the fridge, and just warm it up when you’re ready to eat.
3. What pasta shape works best?
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but penne or rotini work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
4. How can I make it more flavourful?
Try adding a splash of red wine, a pinch of chilli flakes, or tossing in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Little touches like these bring extra depth to the sauce.
A splash of red wine, a dash of hot sauce, or fresh herbs like basil can enhance the flavour.
5. Can I bake it with cheese on top?
Absolutely! Many families enjoy it baked with melted cheddar or mozzarella.
6. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes very well. Just store in portions and reheat with a little liquid.
7. Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course—use beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
Conclusion
American Chop Suey is one of those recipes that proves the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create a meal that’s hearty, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.
Its versatility means you can adjust it to fit your preferences, whether that’s cheesy, spicy, or loaded with veggies. It’s also family-friendly, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cosy Sunday dinners.
If you’ve never tried it before, now is the perfect time to give it a go. And if you grew up eating it, maybe this recipe will bring back a little taste of nostalgia. Either way, this American Chop Suey recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.
