There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pot meal that packs a punch, and that’s exactly what this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe brings to the table. It’s hearty, full of bold flavors, and downright easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular dinner rotation.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it hits all the marks—comforting textures, a perfect spicy kick, and simplicity in every step. When I make it at home, everyone, from picky eaters to spice lovers, ends up asking for seconds.
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
- Bold, Layered Flavors: With garlic, Italian seasoning, and a little Worcestershire sauce, this isn’t your typical chop suey—it’s got a spicy twist that wakes up your palate.
- Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice with simple additions like hot sauce or jalapeños, making it just right for your taste buds.
- Family-Friendly and Filling: Packed with ground beef, veggies, and pasta, it’s a balanced meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe has a purpose — from the rich tomato base to the crunchy veggies adding texture and freshness. I’ve picked them specifically to create that perfect balance of spicy, savory, and hearty, so no surprises on flavor here!
- Ground beef: The meaty foundation; 85% lean keeps it flavorful but not too greasy.
- Italian seasoning: Adds savory herbs that brighten the sauce without overpowering it.
- Seasoned salt: A quick way to boost overall flavor with a blend of spices.
- Garlic powder and minced garlic: Double the garlic for that comforting, aromatic punch.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Onion, green pepper, celery: Classic veggies for aroma, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle tang and umami that deepens the sauce complexity.
- Diced tomatoes & tomato sauce: Base of the sauce, creating a luscious, saucy texture.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and infuses gentle savoriness; you can swap for beef broth too.
- Elbow macaroni: The pasta that soaks up all the flavors and keeps it fun and familiar.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the hot dish for a creamy, cheesy finish if you’re feeling indulgent.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it based on what’s in my fridge or how much heat I’m in the mood for. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Heat it up: I usually add a splash of my favorite hot sauce or toss in some diced jalapeños when sautéing the veggies to amp up the spice level—it really wakes up the whole dish.
- Swap meats: When I want an extra flavor boost, I mix half ground beef with Italian sausage. It’s richer and even more satisfying.
- Veggie boost: Tossing in frozen peas, corn, or even grated carrots adds color and nutrition without fuss.
- Make it creamy: Stirring in a dollop of cream cheese at the end adds a silky texture that softens the spice gently.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor
I start by browning the ground beef over medium-high heat—it usually takes about 8 minutes until it’s all nicely crumbled and cooked through. Draining the grease here is key to keeping it from getting too oily. Then, I add Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste right in the pot, stirring things together to really start layering that savory flavor base.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Next, toss in the diced onion, green pepper, and celery. I cook these for about 4 minutes to soften them up while preserving a little bite. Garlic goes in last because it can burn easily; just a minute until fragrant is all it needs.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Add Pasta
Now comes the saucy part—stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Then add uncooked elbow macaroni and give it all a good mix to combine. Bring it to a gentle boil, cover, and let the pasta do its thing. I like to unzip the cover halfway, gently scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking, then cover it back partially. This step really helps achieve the perfect consistency without mushy pasta.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
When the pasta is tender but still has a little bite (I always taste a noodle to check), turn off the heat. If you’re a cheese fan like me, this is when you gradually stir in shredded cheddar—preferably fresh, not pre-packaged—to get that luscious melt. Then serve it hot and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!
Top Tip
Having made this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe a dozen times, there are a few little tricks I swear by to get the best result every time.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will keep cooking even after you turn off the heat, so pulling it off a touch early avoids that mushy texture.
- Fresh Cheese Matters: Using freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded helps the cheese fully melt and blend beautifully with the sauce.
- Scrape the Pot: Running a spatula along the bottom between cook times prevents the macaroni from sticking and burning—trust me, it makes cleanup much easier too!
- Adjust the Spice: I learned to add hot sauce gradually—start small and work your way up, so it’s just right for your heat tolerance.
How to Serve Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions—it adds a pop of color and fresh brightness. Sometimes, a little extra shredded cheddar on top before serving is a cheesy dream come true.
Side Dishes
For sides, a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli pairs nicely to lighten things up. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are great too if you want something to scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I’ve served this in mini ceramic bowls with a garnish of sliced jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream for a festive, customizable touch everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before storing, I let it cool completely to avoid condensation that can make the pasta soggy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well when wrapped tightly. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it keeps great for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened up. The cheese melts right back in, making it taste fresh again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep all the flavor without the meat. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini works wonders too.
Elbow macaroni is classic and holds the sauce really well, but you can also use small shells, rotini, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cook times according to the pasta shapes to avoid over or undercooking.
Start by adding jalapeños or hot sauce in small amounts, taste as you go, and remember that the spice can mellow as the dish sits. You can also tone down heat by adding a little cream cheese or extra cheese at the end.
Yes! For slow cooker, brown the beef first then combine all ingredients except pasta and cheese, cook on low for 4-5 hours, add pasta and cheese near the end. For Instant Pot, sauté browned beef, add veggies and sauce, pressure cook with pasta for 5 minutes, then stir in cheese. Both methods save time and simplify cooking on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple but never boring—just the right mix of hearty comfort and lively spice. If you’re looking for a flavorful meal that comes together quickly and makes everyone happy, give this recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food featuring ground beef, vegetables, and elbow macaroni simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with cheese or additional veggies for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef, 85% lean
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth, or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pot.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add diced onion, green pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Broth: Pour in tomato sauce and stir until blended. Add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate Macaroni: Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to distribute evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer with Covering: Cover the pot and cook for 4 minutes. Remove the cover and gently scrape along the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.
- Continue Boiling: Partially cover the pot and simmer gently for another 4 minutes. Scrape the bottom again with the spatula.
- Finish Cooking the Pasta: Cook uncovered for 3 more minutes or until the macaroni is tender yet firm (al dente). Taste a noodle to check doneness. Turn off the heat, allowing the pasta to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and combined. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of flour into the ground beef after browning and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Stir in a dab of softened cream cheese at the end for added creaminess.
- Add a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Combine ground beef with Italian sausage for deeper flavor.
- Feel free to incorporate frozen vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or jalapenos for extra texture.
- For Crock Pot: Use half the broth initially, brown beef separately, and cook on high 2-3 hours or low 4-5 hours before adding macaroni and cheese for the last 30-45 minutes.
- For Instant Pot: Use half the broth initially, sauté beef and vegetables on sauté mode, then pressure cook with macaroni for 5 minutes, add remaining broth and cheese at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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