How to Make Classic American Chop Suey: A Step-by-Step Recipe

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American chop suey stands as one of the most beloved comfort dishes in New England households. This hearty combination of pasta, ground beef, and rich tomato sauce has satisfied hungry families for generations. The classic American chop suey recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that makes it a reliable weeknight dinner option.

Home cooks will discover how straightforward this dish is to prepare using basic pantry ingredients and simple cooking techniques. The recipe features a flavorful meat sauce that coats tender pasta, often topped with melted cheese for extra satisfaction. This guide breaks down each step of the cooking process, explores ingredient options, and provides helpful serving suggestions for a complete meal.

The History and Origins of American Chop Suey

The fascinating journey of American chop suey begins in the late 19th century, intertwining with the story of Chinese immigration to America. While most people associate Chinese chop suey with Asian cuisine, its American counterpart evolved into something entirely different, becoming a staple of New England comfort food.

New England roots

During the early 20th century, American chop suey found its strongest foothold in New England. The dish became particularly prevalent in the region between the 1960s and 1980s, appearing regularly in school cafeterias, community functions, and family dinner tables. Its popularity in New England was so significant that it became deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the region, with many residents considering it a quintessential comfort food.

Evolution of the dish

The transformation of American chop suey presents a remarkable culinary evolution. The earliest versions, dating back to 1902, still resembled Chinese chop suey, featuring ingredients like:

• Fresh pork shaved small
• Chinese potatoes
• Celery
• Chinese mushrooms
• Traditional Chinese sauces

By 1908, a significant transformation began, particularly in Illinois, where the dish started incorporating ground beef and tomatoes. This marked the birth of what would become the modern American chop suey recipe. The shift from rice to macaroni occurred much earlier than previously thought, predating the often-cited 1950s timeline.

Regional variations

The dish’s popularity spread across the United States, taking on different names and slight variations depending on the region:

• American Goulash – popular in the Midwest
• Beefaroni – common in various parts of the country
• Hamburger Casserole – found in southern regions
• Johnny Marzetti – specific to certain midwestern areas

Today’s standard American chop suey consists of elbow macaroni, ground beef, and sautéed onions in a thick tomato-based sauce. This version represents the culmination of decades of culinary evolution, combining Italian-American influences with New England’s practical cooking sensibilities. The dish exemplifies how immigrant food traditions can transform and adapt to local tastes while maintaining their comfort food status.

Essential Ingredients and Possible Substitutions

Creating the perfect American chop suey requires careful selection of ingredients, each contributing to the dish’s signature taste and texture. Understanding the essential components and their possible substitutions allows cooks to customize this classic recipe while maintaining its authentic character.

Choosing the right pasta

The foundation of any American chop suey recipe lies in selecting the appropriate pasta. Large elbow macaroni with ridges serves as the ideal choice, as it effectively captures and holds the sauce. For a healthier alternative, whole wheat pasta or brown rice shells work well. The key to perfect pasta lies in the cooking method – it should be prepared in salted water and cooked for two minutes less than the package instructions to achieve the ideal texture.

Meat options

The traditional recipe calls for 85% lean ground beef, but modern variations offer numerous alternatives:

• Extra-lean (99%) ground turkey
• Plant-based meat substitutes
• Finely minced mushrooms (for vegetarian option)
• Combination of ground beef and Italian sausage

Vegetable additions

The classic vegetable base consists of onions, bell peppers, and garlic, but the dish welcomes various additions to enhance its nutritional value. Common vegetable options include:

Traditional Vegetables Optional Add-ins Yellow onions Mushrooms Green bell peppers Carrots Celery Broccoli Garlic Zucchini Sauce components

The signature sauce requires a careful blend of ingredients to achieve its rich flavor. The base consists of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Essential seasonings include:

• Dried oregano and basil
• Fresh parsley
• Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and black pepper

For enhanced flavor, some recipes incorporate red wine (not cooking wine) and soy sauce. The sauce can be customized by adjusting the seasoning levels or adding red pepper flakes for heat. A pinch of sugar helps balance the tomatoes’ acidity, while fresh herbs can brighten the overall taste profile.

When preparing the sauce, it’s crucial to allow proper simmering time for the flavors to meld together. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the pasta without becoming too heavy or dry. For those seeking a slightly thicker sauce, incorporating a tablespoon of flour into the ground meat during cooking provides the desired texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Mastering the preparation of American chop suey requires attention to detail and proper timing. This section breaks down the cooking process into manageable steps that ensure consistent results every time.

Preparing ingredients

Before starting the cooking process, proper preparation ensures smooth execution. The cook should gather all ingredients and equipment needed. A large Dutch oven or deep skillet works best for this recipe. All vegetables should be cleaned and chopped to similar sizes for even cooking. The chef should dice the onions and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces, and mince the garlic finely.

Cooking the pasta

The pasta preparation requires careful attention to achieve the perfect texture. Here are the essential steps:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil
2. Add a generous amount of salt to the water
3. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions
4. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining
5. Drain the pasta but do not rinse

Important timing note: The pasta should finish cooking just as the sauce reaches its final stages.

Making the meat sauce

The heart of American chop suey lies in its rich, flavorful meat sauce. The cooking process follows these crucial steps:

6. Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat
7. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 7 minutes until softened
8. Create a space in the center of the pan for the ground beef
9. Add the beef and break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon
10. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 8 minutes
11. Add minced garlic and cook for one additional minute
12. Stir in tomato paste and seasonings
13. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce

Combining and simmering

The final stage brings all components together to create the signature taste and texture. Here’s a timing guide for perfect results:

Stage Duration Visual Cues Initial Combination 2-3 minutes Ingredients well mixed First Simmer 5 minutes Sauce beginning to bubble Final Simmer 3-5 minutes Desired thickness reached Important tips for the final stage:

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Adjust liquid with reserved pasta water if needed
• Test pasta for doneness before final seasoning
• Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving

The cook should maintain a gentle simmer throughout the final cooking stage, adjusting heat as needed. If adding cheese, it should be incorporated gradually, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. The final consistency should be thick enough to coat the pasta while maintaining a slight sauciness.

For optimal results, the chef should taste and adjust seasonings just before serving, as the pasta will continue to absorb flavors as it sits. The finished dish should showcase tender pasta, well-seasoned meat, and a harmonious blend of vegetables and sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The perfect presentation and accompaniments can elevate a classic American chop suey from a simple comfort dish to a memorable dining experience. Understanding the right garnishes, side dishes, and beverage pairings helps create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both casual diners and discerning palates.

Garnish ideas

A thoughtfully chosen garnish adds both visual appeal and complementary flavors to American chop suey. The most traditional and beloved garnish is freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts slightly when sprinkled over the hot dish. For added freshness and color, finely chopped spring onions create an appealing contrast against the rich tomato sauce. Professional tip: Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese garnish, letting it melt slightly before serving.

Side dish recommendations

The hearty nature of American chop suey pairs exceptionally well with lighter, contrasting side dishes. Here are recommended accompaniments that create a balanced meal:

• Fresh Vegetables

• Caesar salad with crisp romaine
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed broccoli with garlic
• Hungarian cucumber salad
• Bread Options

• Classic garlic bread
• Southern cornbread
• Italian focaccia

Expert serving tip: When serving with garlic bread, time the bread to finish baking just as the main dish is ready to serve, ensuring warm, crispy texture.

Beverage pairings

The robust flavors of American chop suey create excellent opportunities for thoughtful beverage pairings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to both wine and beer selections:

Wine Type Characteristics Pairing Notes Dry Riesling Bright acidity, mineral notes Cuts through rich sauce Burgundy Pinot Noir Red fruit flavors, subtle earth Complements meat and vegetables Chianti Classico Cherry and plum notes Matches tomato-based sauce Malbec Bold, full-bodied Stands up to hearty meat sauce For beer enthusiasts, several styles complement this dish particularly well:

• Traditional Stout: Offers rich maltiness that enhances the savory elements
• Dunkel: Provides balanced flavors that don’t overwhelm the dish
• Bock: Adds subtle sweetness to contrast the savory sauce

Storage tip: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container, and many find the flavors develop even more richly on the second day. The dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.

The versatility of American chop suey allows for creative pairing options. Whether served at a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, these serving suggestions enhance the dining experience while maintaining the dish’s comforting appeal. For seasonal variety, consider taking advantage of fresh, in-season produce for side dishes, and adjust wine selections based on the weather – lighter wines for warmer months and fuller-bodied options during cooler seasons.

Conclusion

American chop suey stands as a testament to culinary adaptation, transforming from its Chinese-inspired roots into a cherished New England comfort food. This versatile dish welcomes customization through various ingredient substitutions while maintaining its core appeal of hearty, satisfying flavors. Home cooks appreciate its straightforward preparation methods, which deliver consistent results through careful attention to timing and technique. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned meat, and rich tomato sauce creates a memorable meal that suits both casual family dinners and larger gatherings.

The enduring popularity of American chop suey speaks to its perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction. Professional chefs and home cooks alike recognize this dish’s ability to deliver comfort food appeal while accommodating modern dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Thoughtful garnishes, side dishes, and beverage pairings enhance the dining experience, proving that this classic recipe continues to earn its place at American tables. Whether served with traditional garlic bread or accompanied by contemporary vegetable sides, American chop suey remains a reliable choice for creating lasting food memories.

FAQs

What ingredients were used in the original chop suey?

The original chop suey was essentially a dish made from leftovers, typically including vegetables, meat trimmings from previous meals (commonly pork, chicken, or beef), and various items like bean sprouts and canned water chestnuts.

What constitutes American chop suey?

American chop suey is a pasta casserole popular in New England and other parts of the U.S., consisting of ground beef, macaroni, and a seasoned tomato sauce. It is also known as American goulash or Johnny Marzetti in different regions.

Can you list the specific ingredients for making chop suey?

Chop suey is made with the following ingredients: ¼ cup of shortening, 1 ½ cups of diced pork loin, 1 cup of diced onion, 1 cup of diced celery, 1 cup of hot water, 1 teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a 14.5 ounce can of bean sprouts, drained and rinsed.

How does American chop suey differ from traditional chop suey?

Traditional chop suey is typically served over rice or crispy noodles, which contrasts with the textures and flavors of the dish. In contrast, American chop suey is usually prepared as a one-pot dish or casserole, incorporating pasta.