Description
This hearty American Chop Suey recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. Topped with creamy Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting one-pot meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Broth
- 3 cups water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 bay leaves
Pasta
- 2 cups large elbow macaroni, uncooked
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking apart, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease and return beef to the pot.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are softened and translucent, releasing their sweetness.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in water and crumble in beef bouillon cubes to form a broth. Stir in tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaves. Mix well, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add macaroni and cook: Remove lid and stir the sauce. Add uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to evenly distribute. Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove bay leaves: Once macaroni is tender and sauce thickened, remove and discard the bay leaves to avoid sharp edges in the dish.
- Melt Monterey Jack cheese: Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Add cheddar cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes, trapping heat to speed melting.
- Serve warm: Dish out the American Chop Suey hot and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful spoonful.
Notes
- Stir occasionally when simmering macaroni to prevent sticking.
- Removing bay leaves before serving ensures no unpleasant bites.
- Letting the cheese melt covered helps achieve a smooth, gooey top layer.
- Drain excess grease from beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if desired, especially salt and pepper.
- Resting the dish a few minutes before serving helps flavors fully meld.
