American Chop Suey (American Goulash): The Hearty, Savory Dish Everyone’s Talking About!
If you’ve ever craved something cozy, hearty, and easy to make, American Chop Suey—also known as American Goulash—is the answer. It’s one of those dishes that has been a staple in family kitchens for generations, and for good reason.
With its simple ingredients, comforting flavors, and quick cooking time, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. American Chop Suey is here to deliver whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself.
What is American Chop Suey?
Despite its name, American Chop Suey isn’t related to Chinese cuisine. The dish is a beloved, no-fuss American comfort food—a hearty pasta casserole with ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings. It’s like a big, flavorful hug on a plate.
You’ll often find it called American Goulash in some parts of the U.S., which might make you think of the Hungarian version of goulash (which is very different).
But in this case, it’s all about simplicity. Elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce are mixed into a savory, filling dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for American Chop Suey
You won’t need to scour the store for anything fancy to make this dish. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need:
Ground beef: The star of the show. It gives the dish that rich, savory flavor. You can also swap it out for ground turkey or a plant-based substitute if you want to make a lighter or vegetarian version.
Elbow macaroni (or other pasta): The pasta acts as the base, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce and beef.
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: The tomatoes bring all the tangy, savory goodness to the dish.
Onion and garlic: Essential for building a strong flavor foundation. You can’t go wrong with these two.
Bell peppers (optional): Adding some color and crunch. They’re not a must, but they certainly bring a little extra vibrancy.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning are the basics. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, but these will bring all the right flavors to the dish.
How to Make American Chop Suey
Now that we’ve got the ingredients down let’s cook! This dish is a breeze to make, and you’ll dig in quickly.
Brown the ground beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat so the dish doesn’t get greasy.
Sauté the onions and garlic: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This is where the base of the flavor comes together.
Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir and bring it to a simmer.
Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and a bit of water (enough to cook the pasta). Stir everything together, then cover the pot and simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the delicious sauce.
Optional: Add cheese: If you like a cheesy, baked version, sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great) over the top of the dish. Then, pop the pot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and get a crispy, golden top.
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a big pot of American Chop Suey, ready to be devoured.
Variations of American Chop Suey
While the traditional recipe is simple, there are plenty of ways to customize it.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, beans, or a meat alternative. You’ll still get that hearty texture and flavor without the meat.
Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni. The rest of the dish remains the same.
Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the sauce if you like a little kick. You can also throw in a dash of hot sauce or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Cheese Lovers: For a creamy, cheesy spin, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream right before serving. You can also make it a baked casserole by layering cheese between the pasta and sauce before popping it in the oven to melt.
Tips for Perfect American Chop Suey
Here are a few tips to make sure your American Chop Suey turns out just right:
Don’t overcook the pasta: If you cook it too long in the sauce, it can get mushy. Monitor it and check the texture every few minutes to ensure it’s perfectly tender.
Adjust the seasoning: Add more tomato paste if you like a stronger flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, add Worcestershire sauce or beef broth.
Make it ahead: You can make this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. It also freezes well if you want to save some for later. Just reheat it in a pot or the microwave when ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions
American Chop Suey is a one-pot meal, but pairing it with a few sides can take it to the next level:
- Garlic bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread perfectly accompanies this saucy dish.
- Side salad: A light, fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the main dish.
- Steamed vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans makes for a colorful and nutritious addition.
You can also enjoy American Chop Suey as leftovers—if there are any! It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Conclusion
American Chop Suey is a dish that’s perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or when you just want something that feels like home. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you get a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe—add more veggies, spice it up, or melt some cheese on top to make it your own. Either way, you’re sure to love this American classic!
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can work well in this dish. Just make sure to cook it the same way as the ground beef.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
American Chop Suey can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to eat.
Q: Can I make it without tomatoes?
While tomatoes are a key part of the flavor, you can substitute the tomato sauce with other liquids like beef broth or vegetable broth. For a completely different take, you could also use a creamy base, like a cheese sauce.
Q: Is American Chop Suey the same as Hamburger Helper?
Not exactly. While both are pasta-based with ground beef, American Chop Suey has a more homemade feel and is typically cooked in one pot, whereas Hamburger Helper is a boxed meal with seasoning mixes.