Old-Fashioned Beef & Macaroni

Indulge in a timeless family favorite tonight with this incredibly easy and utterly satisfying American Chop Suey recipe. Often celebrated under the moniker “American Goulash,” this comforting dish brings together tender elbow macaroni, perfectly seasoned ground meat, and a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with fresh onions and bell peppers. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of a stovetop simmer or the bubbly goodness of an oven-baked casserole, this adaptable recipe is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Crafting delicious weeknight dinners that cater to the whole family can often feel like a culinary challenge. We all seek those dependable recipes that don’t demand a long list of exotic ingredients or hours of preparation. This American Chop Suey recipe is precisely that – a hassle-free, budget-friendly meal made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It’s the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some warm dinner rolls for a complete and wholesome supper that delights every palate.

The Enduring Appeal of American Chop Suey: A Culinary Journey

The name “American Chop Suey” often sparks curiosity, given its association with a Chinese-style dish. Traditionally, chop suey is a stir-fried medley of meat (often chicken or pork) and vegetables like bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, and onions, all coated in a savory sauce. It’s a dish known for its quick preparation and customizable nature. However, American Chop Suey, or American Goulash as it’s widely known, tells a very different culinary story. This distinctly American creation features ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich, seasoned tomato-based sauce. The only true commonality between its Asian namesake and this beloved comfort food is the idea of a “thrown-together” dish – a hearty, adaptable meal that makes good use of available ingredients.

This uniquely American rendition isn’t about Asian flavors; it’s a testament to immigrant communities adapting familiar dishes with local ingredients and tastes. It emerged as a resourceful and budget-friendly meal, particularly during challenging economic times, relying on accessible and inexpensive components like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes. Its simple preparation and satisfying taste quickly cemented its place in American home cooking, evolving into the comforting classic we cherish today.

Regional Delights: What Else Is American Chop Suey Called?

While “American Chop Suey” is the popular designation, particularly in New England, this iconic comfort food boasts several other regional names, each with its own story. In the Midwest, it’s most commonly recognized as “American Goulash,” a nod to the Hungarian stew, though it shares only a loose resemblance in its hearty, meaty, and saucy character. Another intriguing name you might encounter, especially in Ohio, is “Johnny Marzetti.” This moniker originates from a restaurant named Marzetti’s in Columbus, Ohio. In the early 20th century, the restaurant’s owner, Teresa Marzetti, created a baked casserole featuring ground beef, tomato sauce, noodles, and cheese, which she affectionately named after her brother-in-law, Johnny. This baked pasta dish gained immense popularity, spreading across the region and becoming synonymous with hearty, home-cooked meals.

Regardless of what you call it – American Chop Suey, American Goulash, or Johnny Marzetti – this dish consistently delivers on flavor and satisfaction. These diverse names highlight its widespread appeal and how different communities have embraced and made this adaptable recipe their own, solidifying its status as a true American culinary tradition. It’s a delicious reminder of how food connects us, evolving and taking on new identities as it travels through kitchens and across regions.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect American Chop Suey

The beauty of this classic casserole lies in its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a complex and deeply comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this family-favorite dish:

• Elbow Macaroni: 8 ounces, cooked to a perfect al dente. The small, curved shape of elbow macaroni is ideal for catching and holding the rich meat sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound. The foundation of our savory meat sauce. Opt for a lean-to-medium fat ratio (e.g., 85/15 or 80/20) for the best flavor and texture, draining any excess fat after browning.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. These basic seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables, forming a savory base.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Onions contribute a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed, mellowing beautifully into the sauce.
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped. Bell peppers add a fresh, slightly sweet, and vibrant note, complementing the rich tomato and beef flavors. Their texture holds up well during cooking.
• Garlic Cloves: 1 or more, chopped. Fresh garlic is indispensable for its pungent aroma and robust flavor, adding an essential layer to the savory sauce. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your liking.
• Spaghetti Sauce: 1 (32-ounce) jar. A good quality store-bought spaghetti sauce provides a convenient and flavorful tomato base, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
• Chopped Tomatoes: 1 (14-ounce) can. Diced tomatoes add texture and a brighter, fresher tomato flavor compared to pure sauce, enhancing the overall body of the dish.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. This concentrated paste deepens the tomato flavor, adding richness and a subtle umami note that brings the whole sauce together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 teaspoons. A secret weapon for adding a complex, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. It boosts the umami in the meat sauce considerably.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 ½ teaspoons. A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, this seasoning infuses the dish with classic Italian-American aromatics, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup. Stirred in at the end, Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty, and creamy finish that truly elevates the dish.

Adapting Your American Chop Suey: Meat Substitutions and Flavorful Twists

One of the many charms of American Chop Suey is its incredible versatility, allowing you to easily customize it to suit dietary preferences or simply to try something new. While ground beef is traditional, this hearty pasta dish welcomes creative substitutions and additions that can transform its flavor and nutritional profile.

Meat Alternatives:

Absolutely! You can effortlessly substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the ground beef in this recipe. Ground turkey offers a leaner alternative, perfect if you’re looking to reduce fat content without sacrificing the comforting texture. Ground pork, on the other hand, will lend a slightly richer and perhaps sweeter flavor profile to the sauce. Whichever ground meat you choose, the cooking process remains largely the same: brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe.

For those seeking a meatless option, simply omit the ground meat altogether! You can bolster the plant-based protein by adding a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas, or even incorporating a plant-based ground meat substitute. This makes the dish wonderfully adaptable for vegetarian and flexitarian diets, proving that American Chop Suey is truly for everyone.

Other Recipe Variations & Creative Twists

Don’t stop at meat substitutions! This dish is a fantastic canvas for incorporating more vegetables, different cheeses, or other seasonings to suit your palate. Here are some delightful additions to consider for your American Chop Suey:

• Mushrooms: Enhance the umami depth by adding either a small can of drained mushrooms or 1 cup of fresh chopped mushrooms. Sauté them with the green peppers and onions until tender and golden brown to release their earthy flavors.
• Dried or Fresh Herbs: While Italian seasoning is key, don’t hesitate to layer in additional herbs. A sprinkle of dried oregano, fresh basil (added at the end for brightness), or a touch of thyme would beautifully complement the tomato and beef flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For an extra cheesy, gooey experience, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan, or sprinkle it generously over the top of the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking until bubbly and golden.
• Fresh Spinach: Boost the nutritional content and add a touch of color by stirring in a few handfuls of fresh spinach as you sauté the peppers. It will wilt down quickly, integrating seamlessly into the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: For a subtle umami kick and a touch of unique saltiness, a teaspoon or two of soy sauce can be stirred into the tomato sauce. It might sound unconventional, but it adds an unexpected depth that many enjoy.
• Zucchini or Carrots: Finely diced zucchini or grated carrots can be sautéed with the onions and peppers, adding more vegetables and a gentle sweetness without overpowering the main flavors.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Classic American Chop Suey

This heartwarming dish comes together in approximately an hour, with just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly satisfying meal, whether you choose to bake it or prepare it on the stovetop.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Take an 8×8-inch baking dish (or a similar sized casserole dish) and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures a smooth cleanup and a perfectly baked casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni. In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the meat sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or fork, until it is evenly browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics. Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, the leftover bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium-high. Add a tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and toss in the chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they are tender and fragrant, typically 5-7 minutes. This softens the vegetables and releases their aromatic compounds, building the foundation of your sauce’s flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer the Sauce. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine. Pour in the entire jar of spaghetti sauce, the can of chopped tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and integrated into the sauce.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the meat sauce in the skillet. Stir gently until all the noodles are evenly coated with the rich sauce. Pour the entire contents of the skillet into your prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. The baking time allows the flavors to further meld and the casserole to achieve a beautiful, bubbly finish.

Refer to the recipe notes below for instructions on how to make this dish entirely on the stovetop, perfect for those busy nights when you prefer not to turn on the oven.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes for Perfect American Chop Suey

Achieving the perfect American Chop Suey is simple, but a few insider tips can elevate your dish from good to absolutely outstanding. Pay attention to these notes to customize your experience and ensure a fantastic result every time.

• Sauce-to-Pasta Ratio: If you, like me, appreciate a generous amount of luscious sauce clinging to your pasta, you have a couple of options. Firstly, consider covering the baking dish with aluminum foil for the initial part of the baking process. This helps retain moisture and keeps the sauce from reducing too much. Alternatively, you can slightly reduce the amount of cooked pasta used, perhaps by about an ounce or two from the recommended 8 ounces. This ensures a higher sauce-to-noodle ratio, guaranteeing a saucier, more flavorful bite.
• Stovetop vs. Baked – A Flavor Preference: While baking offers a lovely browned top and a bubbling casserole, I have a strong preference for preparing and serving this dish directly from the skillet on the stovetop. When cooked entirely on the stove, the flavors, especially the fresh notes of the green pepper, seem to become more robust and vibrant. This method also results in a faster meal, making it an ideal choice for a hectic weeknight or when you need a delicious dinner without much fuss.
  • Stovetop Method: If you opt for the stovetop route, you can skip preheating the oven entirely. After you’ve combined the cooked noodles with the meat sauce in the skillet, simply cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gentle simmer allows the pasta to absorb more of the sauce’s flavors, creating a wonderfully cohesive and deeply flavored dish.
• Achieving Al Dente Pasta: Always cook your elbow macaroni to al dente as per package instructions. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and unappetizing in a casserole. Al dente pasta retains a slight bite and absorbs the sauce better without falling apart.

Storing & Reheating: Enjoying Your American Goulash Later

One of the many benefits of American Goulash is how well it keeps, making it fantastic for meal prep or enjoying convenient leftovers throughout the week. Proper storage is key to maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

Storing Leftovers: Any leftover American Goulash should be transferred to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent candidate for packed lunches or quick reheated dinners.

Reheating: To reheat, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or gently warm larger quantities in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears a bit thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. For baked leftovers, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a moderate oven (around 300°F/150°C) until thoroughly warmed.

Planning Ahead: Make-Ahead American Chop Suey Strategies

This recipe is a dream come true for meal preppers and busy individuals, as it’s perfectly suited for making ahead of time. Preparing American Chop Suey in advance allows the flavors to deepen and meld, often resulting in an even more delicious meal!

Making Ahead for Baking Later: To prepare this dish in advance, follow all the recipe steps as directed, right up until you are ready to bake it. Instead of placing it in the oven immediately, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. You can then refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply remove it from the refrigerator, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes (if time permits), then bake it covered at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45-60 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbling around the edges. If you desire a slightly browned top, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Freezing Considerations: I generally do not recommend freezing the assembled American Chop Suey once the pasta has been added. Cooked pasta, especially macaroni, tends to become mushy and unappetizing after being frozen and thawed. The texture degrades significantly, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the dish.

However, if you wish to prepare components for freezing, the meat sauce is an excellent candidate! You can make a larger batch of the seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce, allow it to cool completely, and then freeze it separately in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to prepare the meal, simply thaw the meat sauce, cook fresh elbow macaroni, combine, and proceed with either the stovetop or baking instructions. This strategy allows you to have a homemade base ready for a quick and easy dinner whenever you need it.

Beyond Chop Suey: More Hearty Ground Beef Recipes

Ground beef stands out as an incredibly versatile and economical ingredient, capable of transforming simple meals into satisfying, flavor-packed dinners. Its adaptability makes it a staple in countless kitchens. If you’ve enjoyed this American Chop Suey, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic ways to utilize ground beef in your cooking. Here are some of my top picks for hearty and delicious ground beef recipes that are sure to please your family:

• Topping the list of family favorites is my mother’s Lasagna Recipe. This robust dish is packed with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and tender pasta, creating an intensely flavorful experience. It’s a casserole that’s frequently requested and also makes a wonderful meal to share with new parents or to freeze for future enjoyment.
• These Stuffed Green Peppers truly hit the spot. Featuring savory ground meat nestled inside tender bell pepper halves, crowned with a flavorful sauce and a blanket of melty cheese, they offer a perfect balance of taste and texture.
• Discover the comforting embrace of this easy Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie, depending on your preferred name for a beef-based version). It brings together seasoned ground beef, a colorful medley of vegetables, and sweet corn in a luscious gravy, all gloriously topped with a cloud of creamy mashed potatoes.
• For those busy weeknights, these Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are an absolute lifesaver. Prepare the tangy, savory beef mixture in your slow cooker, and it will be ready to pile onto buns. Don’t forget a generous slice of cheese on top for extra deliciousness!
• Combine the convenience of premade crescent rolls with a flavorful, from-scratch filling to create these deliciously savory Taco Pockets! They are an ideal appetizer for game day, a potluck contribution, or a fun way to feed a large crowd with minimal fuss.
• Surprise your family or guests with these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Made with a rich blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses, fresh herbs, and spices, each meatball hides a delightful cube of melting mozzarella, creating a tasty surprise with every bite.

Which hearty beef dinner will you choose to make tonight?

This post was originally published January 2, 2012. It has been updated in format and with pictures on March 27, 2023.