This might be the richest, coziest pot meal you'll make all week—packed with flavor and just a touch of heat. If you’re ready for comfort food with a spicy twist, this Spicy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
American Chop Suey might not get the same spotlight as other pasta dishes, but it seriously deserves a place in your regular lineup—especially when it’s loaded with ground beef and a spicy kick. I first tried this twist on a classic at a friend’s house, and it instantly felt like a warm hug on a busy weeknight.
- Speedy and Simple: You can have this hearty meal on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to everything coming together in the same pot, saving time and effort.
- Comfort Food with a Kick: The spicy element adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering classic flavors.
- Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to toss in extra veggies or swap ground beef for sausage to fit what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here is a little flavor powerhouse, working together for a rich, savory, and spicy experience. The ground beef makes it filling, the tomato elements build a hearty sauce, and the veggies add freshness and depth. Simple pantry staples that turn into magic.
- Ground Beef: I prefer 85% lean to keep enough fat for flavor without too much grease.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds that familiar herby note that ties everything together beautifully.
- Seasoned Salt: Boosts the beef’s flavor and helps make this a savory, balanced dish.
- Garlic Powder & Fresh Garlic: Layered garlic is key—it’s subtle but adds depth you’ll definitely notice.
- Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: The trio creates a rich, thick sauce with just the right tang.
- Onion, Green Pepper & Celery: Classic aromatics that bring brightness and texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami, elevating every bite.
- Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta and infuses the sauce with extra flavor.
- Elbow Macaroni: This shape is perfect for holding onto the sauce—comfort food at its best.
- Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Adds creamy richness and a melty finish that's hard to resist.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Spicy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe is how it’s a total blank canvas. I love adding a little extra heat or swapping veggies depending on what I want or have around. Make it truly yours!
- Variation: Once, I swapped half the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage and tossed in some chopped jalapeños—it turned up the heat perfectly while adding tons of flavor complexity.
- Vegetable Boost: Frozen peas or corn stirred in at the end add a pop of sweetness and color, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids too.
- Dairy-Free Version: Omit the cheddar or use a plant-based cheese alternative for those who want to keep it dairy-free without losing creaminess.
- Slow Cooker Option: I sometimes use the crockpot method when I need a no-fuss dinner waiting for me after work. Just brown the meat first, load everything in, and go!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef to Build Flavor
Start by cooking your ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned and crumbled—about 8 minutes. This step seals in flavor and adds richness. Don’t rush it—take time for a nice sear. Once browned, drain the excess grease so the sauce won’t get oily.
Step 2: Season and Add Tomato Paste
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Next, add the tomato paste and cook it with the beef and spices for a minute or two. This gradually deepens the flavor and thickens the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in diced onion, green pepper, and celery, cooking them for about 4 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute—you want the garlic fragrant but not burnt, which can quickly happen if you’re not watching.
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Add Liquids
Stir in the tomato sauce until everything is well combined. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. This flavorful mixture will meld beautifully as it simmers with the pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni Right in the Sauce
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to mix everything together. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 4 minutes. Uncover and carefully run a silicone spatula along the bottom to free any stuck macaroni. Cover partially and let it simmer for another 4 minutes, then repeat the spatula step.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Add Cheese
Let the pasta cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until it’s tender but not mushy. Taste a noodle to check for doneness—you want a little bite, not floppy. Turn off the heat, then gradually add the shredded cheddar while gently stirring to melt it into the sauce. Serve immediately for the best melty, cheesy goodness!
Top Tip
Having made this Spicy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe more times than I can count, a few tricks really help take it from good to unforgettable. These tips keep it flavorful, keep pasta perfectly cooked, and reduce cleanup stress.
- Don’t Skip the Spatula Move: Stirring along the bottom mid-cook stops macaroni from sticking and burning, which can spoil the whole dish.
- Use Fresh Shredded Cheese: I always shred my own cheddar because store-bought pre-shredded stuff often doesn’t melt smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
- Adjust the Heat to Your Taste: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños if you want more spice, or keep it milder for the kids—it’s super adaptable.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Watch those last few minutes carefully and taste test, so you get tender pasta without a mushy texture.
How to Serve Spicy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness—it brightens the dish nicely. Sometimes, a grating of extra sharp cheddar on top is irresistible too!
Side Dishes
Simple sides work best here—think crusty garlic bread or a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of a salad with crisp cucumbers and a squeeze of lemon balances the rich, hearty chop suey.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at family dinners or potlucks, try serving this in mini bread bowls or stuff bell peppers with it and bake for a colorful presentation. It also freezes beautifully, so baking it in a casserole dish topped with cheese is another great idea!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and usually find they stay great for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they mingle overnight, making them perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream—just let it cool completely, then pop into freezer-safe containers. I recommend freezing without cheese and adding fresh shredded cheese when reheating to maintain that melty texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and add cheese near the end to refresh that creamy, cheesy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make the full dish, cool it, and reheat before serving. It also freezes well without the cheese, which you can add fresh when reheating.
The spice level is mild by default, coming mainly from the seasonings and optional hot sauce additions. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Yes, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination with Italian sausage. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the rich, savory flavor profile.
Definitely! Brown the ground beef first, then transfer all ingredients except the macaroni and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Add macaroni and cheese near the end and cook until the pasta is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. I hope it brings you the same comforting warmth it does me—perfect for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and enjoy every hearty, spicy bite like you’re sharing it in your own kitchen with friends.
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Delicious 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 hearty, comforting dish featuring ground beef, vegetables, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni all cooked together in one pot. This classic American casserole blends savory flavors with tender pasta, making it perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef, 85% lean
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- Prepare 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.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and tomato paste to the cooked beef and mix well.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, green pepper, and celery to the pot and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until combined, then add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Add Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, mix to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook Covered: Cover the pot and cook for 4 minutes. Uncover and gently scrape the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to lift any settled bits.
- Continue Cooking: Partially cover and cook for another 4 minutes. Scrape the bottom again with a silicone spatula.
- Finish Cooking: Heat for 3 more minutes or until the macaroni is tender. Taste a noodle to ensure it is done, then turn off heat. The pasta will absorb remaining liquid as it sits.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until melted and combined. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, stir 1 tablespoon of flour into the ground beef during cooking and cook for 1 minute before adding other ingredients.
- Adding a dab of softened cream cheese at the end will add creaminess to the sauce.
- Add a dash of hot sauce if you like a spicy kick.
- Mixing ground beef with Italian sausage enhances the flavor depth.
- Incorporate frozen vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or jalapenos for added nutrition and taste.
- When using cheese, avoid pre-shredded varieties containing cellulose to ensure smooth melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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