American Chop Suey Recipe (Easy One-Pot New England Style)
This American Chop Suey recipe is the ultimate old-fashioned comfort food dinner. Made with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s hearty, filling, and incredibly easy to make.
Also known as New England American Chop Suey, this classic ground beef and macaroni dish comes together in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something the whole family will actually eat. Finish it with melted cheddar cheese for an extra creamy, comforting dinner.
Why You’ll Love This American Chop Suey
Easy one-pot dinner
Ready in about 40 minutes
Made with affordable pantry staples
Hearty ground beef and macaroni
Great for feeding a family
Delicious reheated the next day
Freezer-friendly
American Chop Suey Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How to Make American Chop Suey
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper.
Cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles as it cooks, until the meat is browned and the vegetables have softened. Drain any excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add the Elbow Macaroni
Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the tomato and beef mixture.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15–18 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
Cook until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened. If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is finished cooking, add a small splash of beef broth.
4. Add the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Let the American Chop Suey sit for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it rests.
5. Serve
Spoon into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve warm with garlic bread, dinner rolls, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best American Chop Suey
For the best flavor, allow the ground beef to brown before adding the liquid ingredients. Those browned bits add extra savory flavor to the sauce.
Freshly shredded cheese also melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. And because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
If you prefer a saucier American Chop Suey, add an extra ½ cup of beef broth or tomato sauce.
American Chop Suey Variations
No cheese: Traditional versions don't always contain cheese, so you can leave the cheddar out for a more classic tomato-based American Chop Suey.
Extra cheesy: Increase the cheddar to 2 cups and sprinkle additional cheese over each serving.
Spicy: Add ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
More vegetables: Add mushrooms, diced red bell pepper, zucchini, or spinach.
Ground turkey: Substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter variation.
What to Serve With American Chop Suey
Because this ground beef and macaroni recipe is already a complete meal, simple sides work best. Try it with garlic bread, dinner rolls, Caesar salad, green beans, roasted broccoli, corn, or a simple garden salad.
How to Store and Reheat American Chop Suey
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the American Chop Suey in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Chop Suey?
American Chop Suey is a classic New England comfort food made primarily with ground beef, elbow macaroni, onions, peppers, and tomato sauce. Despite the name, it isn't related to Chinese chop suey.
Is American Chop Suey the same as goulash?
They're very similar. American Chop Suey is especially associated with New England, while American goulash is a broader name used for ground beef, macaroni, and tomato-based dishes throughout the United States.
Can I make American Chop Suey without cheese?
Absolutely. Cheese is optional, and many traditional American Chop Suey recipes are served without it.
Can I make American Chop Suey ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so add a little broth or tomato sauce when reheating if necessary.
Final Thoughts
This easy American Chop Suey recipe is exactly the kind of comforting dinner that belongs in your weeknight rotation. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, peppers, onions, and savory tomato sauce creates a filling meal without requiring a pile of dishes.
Best of all, everything cooks in one pot, and leftovers taste just as good the next day.