American Chop Suey: A Comfort Food Classic
American Chop Suey isn't your typical chop suey. It's a hearty, flavorful pasta dish with a rich history, beloved for its simplicity and satisfying taste. While its name might suggest a connection to Chinese cuisine, this dish is a distinctly American creation – a testament to culinary innovation and adaptation. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and authentic American Chop Suey, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
What is American Chop Suey?
Unlike its namesake, American Chop Suey isn't stir-fried. Instead, it's a one-pot wonder featuring pasta (typically elbow macaroni), ground meat (usually beef, but ground turkey or even Italian sausage can be substituted), and a vibrant mix of vegetables simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. The result is a comforting, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying dish.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of the flavor profile. Lean ground beef is ideal, but you can adjust based on preference.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice. Other short pasta shapes can be used as well, but elbows are traditional.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the savory sauce.
- Green Bell Pepper: Provides a sweet and crunchy counterpoint to the richness of the meat and sauce.
- Canned Tomatoes: Crushed or diced tomatoes create the heart of the sauce, providing acidity and body.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex umami depth to the flavor.
- Spices: A blend of simple spices – salt, pepper, oregano, and sometimes a dash of red pepper flakes – brings everything together.
Step-by-Step American Chop Suey Recipe:
This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes approximately 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and green bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Add the pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Serve hot. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment! Mushrooms, carrots, or peas would be delicious additions.
- Use different meat: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled firm tofu.
American Chop Suey: A Culinary Legacy
American Chop Suey is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary history, reflecting the ingenuity of American home cooks who adapted and transformed ingredients into a unique and delicious dish. This recipe is a starting point – feel free to customize it to your own taste and preferences. Enjoy!
