American Chop Suey Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this comforting, hearty dish with friends and family, and I’m excited to tell you all about my favorite American Chop Suey Recipe. This classic meal brings together tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a rich, tomatoey sauce that’s seasoned just right to satisfy any craving. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it holds a special place in my recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey Recipe

What really draws me to this American Chop Suey Recipe is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef melds beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce and the gentle sweetness from the diced tomatoes. When you add in those perfectly seasoned seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, each bite delivers a satisfying, comforting taste that feels both familiar and exciting. The gooey melted cheese on top is the final touch that takes the dish from great to absolutely irresistible.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. There’s something so satisfying about cooking everything in one Dutch oven, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup for you—and who doesn’t want that? Plus, it’s perfect for so many occasions: serve it for a family dinner, bring it to a potluck, or just whip it up for a cozy weeknight meal. It stands out as a truly all-American comfort food that’s both nostalgic and versatile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a spoon holding a thick serving of a layered dish with three main parts: the top layer is melted bright orange cheddar cheese that looks soft and stringy, beneath it is a layer of cooked ground beef mixed with small pieces of red tomato, and at the bottom, there are pale beige macaroni noodles visible mixed throughout. The dish is shown inside a black skillet on a white marbled surface with part of a woman's hand holding the wooden spoon on the right side. The whole dish looks warm, cheesy, and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this dish are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in building the flavors, textures, and hearty feel of the meal. Simple pantry staples come together to create something that tastes much more special than the sum of its parts.

Ground beef: The foundation of this dish, providing rich and savory flavor with a juicy texture.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened and combined with the beef.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a little punch to the sauce.
Water and beef bouillon cubes: Create a flavorful broth base that infuses the dish with savory richness.
Tomato sauce: A smooth, tangy base that brings the whole dish together.
Petite diced tomatoes: Add texture and bright, natural tomato flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend that frames the sauce with cozy Mediterranean herbs.
Seasoned salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Large elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up the sauce and hold onto every bit of flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
Bay leaves: Infuse subtle earthiness and complexity during simmering.
Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy meltiness to the cooked pasta and beef mixture.
Cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, tangy finish when melted on top.

Directions

Step 1: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until there is no pink remaining, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked, drain the grease carefully, then return the beef to the pan.

Step 2: Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Pour in the water and crumble in the beef bouillon cubes to create a rich broth. Stir in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and drop in the bay leaves. Mix everything well. Lower the heat to a slow simmer, cover the pot, and let the flavors meld for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and stir the mixture. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot and stir to combine it evenly in the sauce. Cover it again and allow it to simmer gently for an additional 30 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally, so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom and cooks evenly.

Step 5: When the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened, fish out the bay leaves and discard them. This step is important because you don’t want anyone biting into their unexpected sharp edges.

Step 6: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and incorporated, giving a creamy consistency to the dish.

Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the dish. Allow it to melt for a few minutes—cover the pot to trap the heat and speed up the process.

Step 8: Serve the American Chop Suey piping hot and enjoy every warm, cheesy spoonful.

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 8 hungry guests, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or meal prepping for the week. The prep time takes about 15 minutes, mostly chopping and getting everything ready. Cooking time adds up to roughly 55 minutes, including simmering and pasta cooking, so expect a total time around 1 hour 10 minutes. There is no special resting time needed—once the cheese is melted on top, you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve This American Chop Suey Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with a baked dish that has two main layers. The bottom layer is a thick, brownish mix of ground meat and beans with chunks of red tomato mixed in. The top layer is melted yellow cheese spread unevenly across the surface, creating a textured and slightly golden crust. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a bit of a white and black checkered cloth visible to the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I often serve this dish straight from the pot because it’s so comforting and casual, perfect for family dinners or informal get-togethers. But if you want to elevate the presentation, I recommend scooping generous portions onto warm plates. You can garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of green color and fresh aroma, which balances the richness of the sauce and cheese.

For sides, I love pairing this with a crisp garden salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. If you’re feeling indulgent, roasted or steamed green beans work beautifully to add a crunchy freshness next to the creamy pasta. When it comes to drinks, a light red wine such as a Pinot Noir or a chilled sparkling water with a twist of lime complements the meal perfectly. Non-alcoholic options like iced tea with lemon or a cold glass of apple cider also work wonders during casual dinners.

This dish is best enjoyed warm, right out of the pot, but it also holds up well if kept covered and reheated gently. Portion sizes vary based on appetite, but about one and a half cups per serving gives just the right balance of pasta and sauce. I find this recipe works well for anything from cozy weeknight dinners to casual weekend entertaining because it’s versatile, filling, and hits that comfort food spot every time.

Variations

One of the things I love about this American Chop Suey Recipe is how adaptable it is. For a leaner option, I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute, which also works wonderfully with the spices and tomato sauce. If you want to make it gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free elbow macaroni or substitute with rice pasta which absorbs the sauce beautifully.

If you’re a fan of extra veggies, I encourage adding finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some grated carrots while cooking the onions. It adds both texture and nutrients without changing the core comfort of the dish. For a different flavor twist, you can experiment with using smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes to bring subtle smokiness or heat, depending on your mood.

Cooking method variations can include using an Instant Pot or slow cooker. With the Instant Pot, you can brown the beef using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except cheese and pasta, cooking the pasta separately before combining everything. The slow cooker method requires browning the beef and sautéing onions first but lets the flavors develop over hours, giving you a deeply comforting dish with minimal active cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers to keep the flavors fresh and prevent any fridge odors. American Chop Suey typically stays good for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing and refrigerating to keep the cheese and sauce at their best.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well, making it perfect for meal prep or savoring later. I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Frozen American Chop Suey can keep for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to avoid adding the cheeses on top beforehand; instead, add fresh shredded cheese when reheating for a better texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently until heated through and the cheese melts again. Using a microwave works too, but be sure to cover the dish loosely and stir halfway through to prevent uneven heating and dryness. Avoid reheating at very high temperatures to preserve the tender texture of the pasta and prevent the beef from becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I make this American Chop Suey Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground crumbles or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You can also use lentils or beans for protein. Adjust seasonings as needed, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that still feels hearty and satisfying.

Is it necessary to use bay leaves?

Bay leaves add a subtle layer of earthy flavor that deepens the sauce, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can omit them without drastically changing the dish. Just be sure to compensate with a little extra Italian seasoning or dried herbs for balance.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Monterey Jack and cheddar provide a nice creamy and sharp contrast, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness, gouda for smokiness, or Parmesan for a savory kick. Mixing cheeses is a fun way to personalize this dish.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Stirring occasionally during the simmering stage is important to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and overcooking in one spot. Also, keep the heat low, and be careful not to overcook beyond the recommended 30 minutes once the pasta is added.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Just make sure your cooking pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume if doubling. Cooking times may need slight adjustments, especially for simmering, but overall, it remains straightforward and easy to manage.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this American Chop Suey Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those all-American comfort dishes that fills your home with incredible aromas and your belly with warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers hearty, cheesy goodness in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!