Introduction
Beef American Chop Suey is a delicious and hearty dish that has its roots in American Chinese cuisine. It is a popular comfort food, typically made with ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This dish is known for its simplicity and versatility, making it a favorite among families and individuals alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to serve at a gathering, Beef American Chop Suey is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
To make Beef American Chop Suey, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 pound ground beef
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 green bell pepper, chopped
5. 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
6. 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
7. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
8. 1 teaspoon dried basil
9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
10. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11. 2 cups cooked macaroni
12. Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Steps
Follow these steps to prepare Beef American Chop Suey:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
While the sauce is simmering, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the macaroni with the flavorful sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations
While the classic Beef American Chop Suey recipe is delicious on its own, you can always customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Veggie Delight
If you’re looking to add more veggies to your dish, feel free to throw in some additional vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onions, garlic, and bell pepper for added flavor and nutrition.
2. Spicy Kick
If you like a bit of heat, you can spice up your Beef American Chop Suey by adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount according to your preference for a mild or fiery kick.
3. Cheese Lover’s Twist
For all the cheese enthusiasts out there, you can create a cheesy twist by melting some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of your Beef American Chop Suey. Simply sprinkle the cheese over the dish during the final minutes of cooking, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt to gooey perfection.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best Beef American Chop Suey:
1. Use lean ground beef to minimize the amount of grease in the dish.
2. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more herbs and spices if you prefer a bolder flavor.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Conclusion
Beef American Chop Suey is a classic American comfort food that combines ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or serve it at gatherings, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of Beef American Chop Suey.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While the classic recipe calls for macaroni, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti can work well in this dish.
Q: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.
Q: Can I freeze Beef American Chop Suey?
A: Yes, Beef American Chop Suey can be frozen for future use. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Beef American Chop Suey
Beef American Chop Suey is a delicious and hearty dish that combines ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It is a popular comfort food rooted in American Chinese cuisine, known for its simplicity and versatility.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
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1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups cooked macaroni
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
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Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
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Add onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook until vegetables soften.
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Prepare the sauce by adding diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
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Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Combine the macaroni with the sauce in the skillet. Cook together for 5 minutes.
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Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
