American Chop Suey (American Goulash) Recipe

Introduction

American Chop Suey, also referred to as American Goulash, is a classic comfort food dish that’s popular across the United States. This hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a blend of savory spices. It’s the perfect dish to whip up for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating this delicious American classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups of elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Remove any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them with the ground beef for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and the onion turns translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.

Creating the Sauce

1. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Cooking the Pasta

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the cooked pasta.

Combining the Dish

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated evenly with the flavorful sauce.
2. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

Serving Your American Chop Suey

1. Serve your American Chop Suey hot.
2. If desired, top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Conclusion

American Chop Suey (American Goulash) is a beloved American comfort food classic that’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that’s sure to bring back fond memories of family dinners and warm gatherings. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, it’s bound to be a hit with everyone at the table.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Certainly! You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

2. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat or crumbles instead of beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

3. Can I use different types of pasta for this dish?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti.

4. What can I serve with American Chop Suey?

This dish is often served as a complete meal, but you can complement it with a side salad or some garlic bread for added variety.

5. Can I make American Chop Suey in advance?

Yes, you can make it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It actually tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Enjoy your homemade American Chop Suey, and savor the comforting flavors of this classic American dish!

Source: thecozycook.com