American Chop Suey

Description:

American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food made with macaroni, ground beef, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This hearty, one-pot meal is quick, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni: 1 pound
• Ground beef: 1 pound (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 large (diced)
• Bell peppers: 2 (diced, use a mix of colors for variety)
• Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
• Canned crushed tomatoes: 28 oz
• Tomato sauce: 15 oz
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper: to taste
• Water or beef broth: 1 cup
• Fresh parsley: for garnish

Optional Ingredients:

• Grated Parmesan cheese: for serving
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella: 1 cup (to make it cheesy)
• Mushrooms: 1 cup (sliced, sautéed with vegetables)

Tips for Success:

1. Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercook the macaroni as it will absorb more sauce when mixed.
2. Drain grease: If your ground beef is fatty, drain excess grease to avoid a greasy dish.
3. Simmer for flavor: Let the sauce cook for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Customize vegetables: Add carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Steps to Make It:

1. Cook pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Make the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in water or beef broth. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
5. Combine: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.

Recommendations:

• Serving suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to maintain a saucy consistency.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Cup):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg

This timeless dish is a nostalgic favorite, bringing together simple ingredients for maximum comfort and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!