American Chop Suey Recipe

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A steaming skillet of classic American Chop Suey featuring tender macaroni pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese.
  • 20 May
  • 2026

The Ultimate American Chop Suey Recipe: A Cozy One-Pot Dinner 🍝🍅

Welcome back to Kings Kitchen! If you know me, you know my kitchen is my happy place, especially when it’s filled with the aroma of sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich, bubbling tomato sauce. When the weather gets a little gloomy or the day has just been too long, I immediately crave the nostalgic, hearty meals that remind me of sitting at my grandma’s table growing up.

That is exactly why I am sharing this American Chop Suey Recipe. Whether you grew up calling it beefaroni, chili mac, or homemade goulash, this dish is the undisputed king of classic comfort food dinners. It is a savory, saucy, and incredibly satisfying easy beef macaroni recipe that comes together in a flash, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

When it comes to feeding a hungry family without spending hours cleaning up, this recipe is a total lifesaver:

  • Minimal Cleanup: This is a true one-pot ground beef meal. Everything, including the pasta, cooks right in the same skillet or Dutch oven, which means fewer dishes for you!
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ground beef, it is a low-cost dinner that stretches far.
  • Fast and Effortless: Need a quick weeknight pasta? You can have this hearty meal on the dinner table from start to finish in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best American Chop Suey Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients:

  • Ground Beef: I prefer an 80/20 blend so it stays juicy, but you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
  • Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice that perfectly traps the thick meat sauce.
  • Aromatics: A diced yellow onion and plenty of fresh minced garlic for that savory flavor base.
  • Tomato Base: A combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste for a deep, rich color and flavor.
  • Beef Broth: To cook the macaroni right in the pot and add an extra layer of savory depth.
  • Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, a pinch of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes), salt, and black pepper.
  • Cheese (Optional but recommended): Shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey, melted topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all your dried seasonings. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

3. Simmer the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

4. Garnish and Serve

Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove the pot from the heat. If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top now, put the lid back on for 2 minutes to let it melt, and then serve hot!

Pro Tips for the Best Results

  • Do Not Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the macaroni during the last few minutes of simmering. You want it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy in the sauce.
  • Spice It Up: If your family loves a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the tomato mixture.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit off the heat for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken and cling beautifully to the pasta.

What to Serve With It

To complete this cozy feast, I highly recommend pairing your chop suey with a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Looking for more inspiration to round out your meal plan?

Storage and Reheating

This American Chop Suey Recipe makes the most amazing leftovers!

  • To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, making it even more flavorful.
  • To Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a tiny splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick.
  • To Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serve It Up!

Pair this comforting bowl of pasta with a crisp green side salad and a big piece of garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce. It’s an effortless, budget-friendly meal that is guaranteed to leave everyone at the table happy and completely stuffed.

Give this American Chop Suey recipe a try tonight, and get ready to add it to your permanent weeknight dinner rotation!