Creating a comforting and hearty dish like Beef American Chop Suey is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal. This classic American recipe combines ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta with savory herbs and spices to create a flavorful and filling dish. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Beef American Chop Suey
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (white or yellow onion)
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, chopped parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Why Beef American Chop Suey?
Beef American Chop Suey is a beloved dish that has roots in American home cooking. It’s known for its simplicity, affordability, and hearty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike. Here’s why you might want to consider making this dish:
1. Easy and Budget-Friendly: Using simple, pantry-staple ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and pasta, Beef American Chop Suey is easy on the wallet and requires minimal prep time.
2. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this dish based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or carrots, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
3. Family-Friendly Comfort Food: The combination of tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and pasta makes Beef American Chop Suey a comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family after a busy day.
4. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat.
5. Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the ground beef and carbohydrates from the pasta, Beef American Chop Suey is a satisfying meal that provides essential nutrients.
Tips for Making Beef American Chop Suey
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess fat in the dish. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning quantities to your taste. Add more herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor depth.
- Fresh Ingredients: While canned tomatoes work well, you can also use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season for a brighter flavor.
- Serve with Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra savory touch.
By following this recipe, you can create a delicious Beef American Chop Suey that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish delivers on flavor and comfort. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of this classic American comfort food!
