Best American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef
If you’re looking for a hearty, budget-friendly comfort food that comes together in one pot, this american chop suey recipe beef is a must-make. This classic dish, sometimes called american goulash or even compared to chili mac, is a New England favorite! It has been served everywhere from school cafeterias to family dinner tables for a long time.
Loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage (optional), tender elbow macaroni noodles, and a rich tomato sauce, this is one of those easy weeknight dinners that feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
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Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey Recipe ♡
- One-pot meal = easy cleanup
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Hearty and filling comfort food
- Perfect for leftovers (stores great in an airtight container)
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Noodles cook right in the sauce!
What Is American Chop Suey?
Despite the name, this is not a Chinese dish or related to Chinese food. American chop suey is a classic dish made with pasta, meat, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s especially popular in New Hampshire, where I used to live, and across New England.
♡ We recently moved from New Hampshire to North Carolina, and when I decided to pull this recipe out again, it certainly reminded me of home! ♡
Think of it as a cross between hamburger casserole and Italian-style pasta, simple, cozy, and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This american chop suey recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1lb elbow macaroni (uncooked – noodles cook in the sauce)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional add-ins:
- Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
- Stewed tomatoes or tomato juice for extra saucy texture
- Pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make American Chop Suey
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large pot, Dutch oven, or large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onions, green pepper, and garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in ground beef mixture, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to create a rich tomato sauce.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium heat.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover pot and let simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips for the Best American Chop Suey
- Use a Dutch oven or soup pot for even cooking
- Stir occasionally so noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot
- If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version
- Add cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess
- Toss in bell peppers of different colors for more flavor
- Turn it into a baked casserole dish by topping with cheese and broiling
How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth
- Or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between
This dish thickens over time, so adding liquid helps bring it back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! They are very similar. The name varies depending on region, but both are made with pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce.
No—this recipe cooks the elbow macaroni noodles directly in the sauce, which adds flavor and saves time.
Yes, but for best texture, cook the pasta separately and add it at the end.
Despite the name, this is not related to traditional Chinese food. It’s a completely American comfort food recipe.
American Chop Suey Recipe with Ground Beef (One Pot)
American Chop Suey with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage see notes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 lb elbow macaroni uncooked
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Add diced onions, green bell pepper, and garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat until softened.
- Stir in ground beef mixture, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine into a rich tomato sauce.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni noodles and stir to submerge in liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat. Cover pot and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy this classic comfort food dish.
Notes
- This recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of Italian sausage, but you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef if preferred.
- Add Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor
- Use a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
There’s just something special about a warm pot of homemade American chop suey simmering on the stove. It’s simple, filling, and brings that nostalgic comfort food feeling that never goes out of style. Whether you grew up eating this classic dish or you’re making it for the first time, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
With tender elbow macaroni noodles cooked right in a rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and just the right blend of seasoning, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no fuss, just good food.
