American Chop Suey is a classic American comfort food that has graced kitchens across the country for generations. This hearty dish, a delicious combination of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, is the epitome of an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth or water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth (or water), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the pot again, allowing the cheese to melt for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
