American Chop Suey

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You only need few pantry staples and a couple items from the fridge.
• Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy goulash recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• The entire family will love this flavorful and hearty meal.

🧂 Ingredients

This is meant to be a brief overview of the American Goulash Recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.

• elbow macaroni
• ground beef
• onion
• green pepper
• fresh garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• petite diced tomatoes
• store-bought or Homemade Italian Seasoning
• shredded cheese – I like cheddar cheese but you can also use mozzarella cheese.
• salt and black pepper

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package in a large pot of salted water and drain once they are al dente.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet or large Dutch oven, cook the diced onions and bell peppers until tender.
4. Next, add the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and brown the beef.
5. Add the minced garlic cloves and cook 1-2 minutes more.
6. Mix in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, along with the salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning mix.
7. Fold the macaroni into the meat mixture.
8. Then, top with shredded cheese.
9. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

🥄Equipment

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Here is what you will need to make this easy pasta recipe:

• Large stock pot and Colander
• Large Skillet OR Dutch Oven – 6 quart
• Wooden Spoon

⭐ Tips

Here are a few tips for making the best chop suey:

✔️ Take care not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook a little bit in the oven.

✔️ Taste the tomato and ground meat mixture before you add the pasta. If it is very acidic, add a little sugar – about a tablespoon. That will help neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes.

🍲 Storage

To Store: Leftover goulash should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave.

To Freeze: This is one of those dinner recipes that’s perfect for the freezer. Allow the casserole to cool completely then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, slide the whole casserole into a 2-gallon freezer bag. Don’t forget to label it!

To Thaw: Remove from the freezer and allow your goulash to thaw overnight in the fridge.

📖 Variations

The first time you try any new recipe we recommend that you make it just as it is written on the recipe card since that is how the recipe has been tested. However, the next time you make our easy American goulash recipe, you might want to try one of these ideas:

• You can also use yellow, orange, or red bell pepper if you like.
• Substitute the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage. And, if you have leftover beef or chicken meatballs on hand, chop them up and use them instead.
• For a little kick, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
• Use whatever your favorite marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce – whatever you have on hand.
• If the mixture seems too dry, add a little bit more sauce or a splash of beef broth.
• Swap out the Italian seasoning for spaghetti seasoning instead, which also has garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.

Slow Cooker Method

Sometimes I make this with stew meat in place of ground beef (especially if it’s on sale). In that case, I like to cook the meat in the tomato sauce in the slow cooker. Here’s how:

1. Cook the onions and peppers until tender and add them to the crockpot.
2. Sear the stew meat, then add it to the crockpot.
3. Top with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
4. Add in the Italian seasoning and 1-2 bay leaves.
5. Set on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
6. When the meat is tender, mix in cooked elbow pasta and serve hot.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this with a bit of parmesan cheese on top. If you have fresh herbs on hand like basil or parsley, it’s a nice finishing touch.

For me, every pasta dish needs some Easy Italian Bread Sticks, dinner rolls, or your favorite crusty bread! Add an easy side salad and you’re good to go.

😋 Similar Recipes

Next time, try one of these great recipes for delicious pasta dishes:

• Italian Sausage Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
• Pasta with Sausage and Broccolini
• Easy Eggplant Parmesan + Pasta
• Chicken Caesar Pasta
• Shepherd’s Pie with Tater Tots
• Cheesy Big Mac Casserole
• Hamburger Potato Casserole

You’ll also love this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole – It’s like a tastier version of hamburger helper that’s super cheesy, meaty, and comforting.