American Chop Suey
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
471 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
American Chop Suey
Description
This recipe begins by browning ground beef and seasoning it with Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Diced onions, green peppers, celery, and minced garlic add texture and savory depth. Tomato paste, sauce, and diced tomatoes provide a concentrated tomato flavor, which is complemented by Worcestershire sauce for umami and broth for moisture. Uncooked elbow macaroni is added directly to the mixture and cooked in the simmering sauce until tender, absorbing the flavors around it. Optionally, cheddar cheese can be stirred in at the end for a creamy finish.
The dish simmers partially covered to allow the pasta to cook evenly without sticking. Frequent stirring prevents sticking to the pot bottom. The casserole can be served as a comforting main dish, combining protein, vegetables, and starch in one pan.
Variations include using different meats, vegetables, or adding hot sauce for spice. Cooking methods such as slow cooker or pressure cooker are possible with adjusted timing. Leftovers can be reheated and maintain a hearty texture.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef 85% lean
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 cup green pepper diced
- 1 celery diced, stick
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes undrained
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese optional, shredded
Instructions
- Note: if adding cheese, shred it from a block and set aside before you begin. It shouldn’t be cold when added to the pot. Refrain from packaged shredded cheese if possible as it contains cellulose which prevents it from melting well.
- Cook and crumble the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain grease.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste.
- Add in onions, peppers, and celery cook for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato sauce and stir until combined.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Add the uncooked macaroni, stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover for 4 minutes. Uncover and run a silicone spatula along the bottom. Gently lift up anything that is settled on the bottom.
- Cover partially and boil gently for 4 more minutes. Run a silicone spatula on the bottom again.
- Heat for 2-3 more minutes or until macaroni is cooked through. Taste-test a noodle for doneness before proceeding. Turn off heat. The pasta will continue to absorb remaining liquid.
- If desired, gradually sprinkle in the cheese and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of flour to the ground beef and cook for one minute before adding other ingredients.
- Stir in softened cream cheese at the end if a creamier texture is desired.
- Add hot sauce to taste for a spicy kick.
- Using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth of flavor.
- Frozen vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or jalapenos can be added for variety.
- When using a slow cooker, cook seasoned beef and vegetables first, add liquids, then cook pasta and cheese last.
- In an Instant Pot, brown beef on sauté mode and then add ingredients, pressure cook pasta for 5 minutes, and finish with cheese.
- Use half the broth at the start and add more if needed to control pasta softness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 471 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 471kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1990mg | 83% |
| Potassium | 1072mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 767IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 24mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 224mg | 22% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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