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Nana’s Classic American Chop Suey

Nana’s Irresistible American Chop Suey: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you’ve been following along on our blog, you’ll know that one of our most popular recipes recently was the Old Fashioned Goulash – it’s been the most viewed recipe on our site in the last two years! Building on that love for hearty, satisfying meals, we’re thrilled to share another incredible family favorite that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation: Nana’s American Chop Suey. This isn’t just any American Chop Suey; it’s a time-tested recipe passed down through generations, brimming with rich flavors and the warmth of home. Prepare yourself for a dish that perfectly blends savory ground meat, tender macaroni, and a robust tomato sauce, creating a truly unforgettable experience that both kids and adults adore. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a household staple.

Delicious American Chop Suey served in a large skillet

Discovering American Chop Suey: A New England Classic

Often confused with its Asian counterpart, American Chop Suey is a distinctly New England dish, a quintessential representation of American comfort food. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that typically features ground beef, elbow macaroni, a savory tomato-based sauce, and sometimes bell peppers and onions. Unlike the stir-fried, vegetable-heavy Chinese Chop Suey, this version is a delightful pasta dish, beloved for its simplicity, affordability, and incredibly satisfying taste. Our Nana’s recipe elevates this classic, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and leaves you feeling perfectly content. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a second helping. The beauty of American Chop Suey lies in its straightforward nature, yet the depth of flavor achieved through slow simmering is truly remarkable. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you need a dependable, delicious dinner.

Close-up of hearty American Chop Suey with ground meat, pasta, and vibrant sauce

Colorful Variations and Family-Friendly Portions

While our Nana’s original recipe often uses just green bell peppers for that classic flavor profile, we encourage you to experiment with colors! Adding red and yellow bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal, making the dish even more vibrant and inviting, but also introduces subtle layers of sweetness and flavor. These peppers soften beautifully into the sauce, contributing to the overall richness. One of the many reasons this recipe is a true marvel is its generous yield. It feeds a crowd effortlessly, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply ensuring you have amazing leftovers for days. Imagine a warm, hearty lunch ready to go the next day with minimal effort – that’s the magic of Nana’s American Chop Suey. It’s a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights, and we guarantee everyone who tries it will go crazy over its deliciousness!

Freshly diced green, red, and yellow bell peppers for American Chop Suey

Why Nana’s American Chop Suey is a Cut Above the Rest

What makes Nana’s American Chop Suey so incredibly special? It’s a combination of lovingly selected ingredients and a simple, yet effective, cooking method that maximizes flavor. We start with quality ground beef or turkey, sautéed to perfection with aromatic garlic and onions. The inclusion of bell peppers adds a delightful texture and freshness that brightens the rich tomato base. But the true secret lies in the blend of seasonings: Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaves create a complex, deeply satisfying profile that sets this recipe apart. The process of simmering the sauce with these spices before adding the macaroni allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every strand of pasta soaks up the deliciousness. This dish isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about crafting a harmonious symphony of tastes that evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It truly is such a classic comfort dish that warms you from the inside out.

Large pot of American Chop Suey simmering on the stove

Perfect for Any Occasion: From Weeknights to Potlucks

One of the standout qualities of Nana’s American Chop Suey is its incredible versatility. It’s robust enough to serve as a satisfying main course on a busy weeknight, requiring minimal fuss but delivering maximum flavor. Yet, it’s also a fantastic option for more festive occasions. Planning a casual cookout? This chop suey is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead and kept warm. Attending a potluck? It travels well and is always a hit, guaranteed to disappear quickly from the buffet table. The generous portion size means you’ll easily feed a large gathering, and the simple ingredients make it an economical choice without compromising on taste. Its comforting nature makes it universally appealing, a dish that transcends generations and palates. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free family dinner or a dish to share with friends, this American Chop Suey fits the bill perfectly. It’s truly wonderful for cookouts or potlucks!

Serving of American Chop Suey in a bowl with a fork

Overhead shot of American Chop Suey with cheese topping

Fresh ingredients laid out for American Chop Suey preparation

Ground beef browning in a skillet with vegetables

Tomato sauce and seasonings added to the meat and vegetable mixture

Uncooked elbow macaroni being added to the simmering sauce

American Chop Suey simmering with macaroni in a large pot

Cooked American Chop Suey ready to serve.

Nana’s American Chop Suey!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced (optional, for color)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
  • 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Adobo Seasoning
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Instructions

  1. In a large pan or skillet, brown your ground meat over medium-high heat until about half-cooked. Drain any excess fat, then remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
  2. Add olive oil to the same pan. Add the diced garlic, onions, and bell peppers (green, red, and yellow if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Return the partially cooked meat to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Continue to cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Once the meat is fully cooked, add the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, black pepper, sugar, and Adobo seasoning. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. After 20 minutes, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni into the simmering sauce. Make sure the macaroni is fully submerged in the liquid.
  7. Cover the pan once again and continue to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir every 5-10 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  8. Once cooked, carefully remove the bay leaves from the dish.
  9. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot, optionally topped with your favorite cheese. Enjoy your delicious Nana’s American Chop Suey!

Tips for Making the Best American Chop Suey

  • Bell Pepper Variety: While green bell peppers are traditional, don’t hesitate to use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a more vibrant dish and a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
  • Meat Choice: Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey can be a lighter alternative without sacrificing much flavor, especially with the robust seasonings.
  • Don’t Skimp on Simmer Time: The simmering phase is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen. Resist the urge to rush it! This is where the magic happens.
  • Stirring is Key: Especially after adding the macaroni, stir regularly to prevent the pasta from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Cheese Topping: While optional, a sprinkle of cheddar, mozzarella, or a sharp provolone on top before serving adds an extra layer of deliciousness and creaminess.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed to suit your preference.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Nana’s American Chop Suey is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that savory sauce. For a truly comforting experience, a side of garlic bread is also a fantastic choice. The best part? This dish makes incredible leftovers. Store any remaining chop suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave. This dish is also freezer-friendly! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About American Chop Suey

Q: What is the difference between American Chop Suey and Chinese Chop Suey?

A: Despite sharing a name, these are entirely different dishes. Chinese Chop Suey is a stir-fried dish typically made with meat, eggs, and vegetables like bean sprouts and celery, served over rice or noodles, and often features soy sauce-based flavors. American Chop Suey, on the other hand, is a pasta dish originating in New England, featuring ground meat, elbow macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce, much like a hearty goulash or chili mac.

Q: Can I make American Chop Suey with different types of pasta?

A: Yes, absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini. Just ensure they are small enough to cook evenly within the sauce. Adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen pasta.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: You can certainly prepare parts of it ahead! You can cook the ground meat and vegetable mixture, and even the sauce, a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce mixture and then add the uncooked macaroni, simmering until the pasta is tender. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft if reheated multiple times.

Q: Is American Chop Suey freezer-friendly?

A: Yes, it is! American Chop Suey freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer portions into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid if needed.

Ready to try Nana’s American Chop Suey? We promise it will be a recipe you come back to again and again.

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