Name: Easy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (90/10); 1 medium yellow onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 3 cups (730ml) beef broth; 29oz (820g) can tomato sauce; 28oz (790g) can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 bay leaves; 2.5 cups (375g) uncooked elbow macaroni noodles; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Parsley (for garnish)

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings the nostalgia of childhood dinners, you’ve got to try this Easy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of chewy elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese all swimming in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. I absolutely love how this turns out—plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Trust me, once you make this, your family will be asking for it on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less mess and more time enjoying your food.
Family-Friendly Flavors: The comforting mix of beef, noodles, and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—even for picky eaters.
Flexible & Adaptable: You can easily tweak the seasoning or swap ingredients to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry.
Quick & Hearty: Ready in about 45 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

A close-up view of a white pot filled with a thick, rich macaroni and ground beef stew. The dish has three main layers: small elbow macaroni noodles in a creamy light orange sauce, dark brown cooked ground beef pieces, and small bits of bright red tomatoes mixed throughout. The stew is sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs on top. A wooden spoon holds a scoop of the stew above the pot, showing the textures of the noodles, meat, and sauce. The background is a soft white marbled surface with some blurred green plants in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese, easy American chop suey recipe, hearty ground beef pasta, cheesy American chop suey, quick weeknight dinners

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic American Chop Suey flavor—rich, meaty, and with just the right balance of tomato tang and warming spices. Here are some quick shopping tips so you’re stocked and ready.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a mound of raw ground beef with a natural fresh texture, a medium yellow onion halved to show the layers, four cloves of peeled garlic, a white ceramic bowl filled with rich red tomato sauce, another white bowl with bright red diced tomatoes, a simple white ceramic bowl holding dark Worcestershire sauce, a small heap of dried Italian seasoning herbs, two white ceramic bowls each containing a fine light brown garlic powder and a vibrant rust-colored paprika powder, two fresh bay leaves lying flat, a neat pile of uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, a small white bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese in a rich golden-yellow color, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese, easy American chop suey recipe, hearty ground beef pasta, cheesy American chop suey, quick weeknight dinners

Olive oil: I prefer extra virgin for the best flavor, but regular olive oil works just fine.
Ground beef: I use 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio—it keeps the meat juicy without too much grease.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed; make sure to chop it finely for an even cook.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings amazing aroma and flavor; don’t substitute with powder here.
Beef broth: Adds richness to the sauce; low sodium if you want better control over salt.
Tomato sauce: Use a good quality brand since it’s a base for your sauce.
Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness; canned is perfect for convenience.
Worcestershire sauce: A game-changer for that umami boost; don’t skip it.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers in flavor effortlessly.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth.
Salt & pepper: Season to taste, but start light and adjust as it cooks.
Bay leaves: Infuse an earthy note—remember to remove before serving!
Elbow macaroni noodles: Classic choice—holds sauce beautifully and cooks nicely right in the pot.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Goes in at the end for a melty, gooey finish.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish with color and a hint of herbal freshness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is like a blank canvas—you can add your favorite veggies, spice it up, or keep it classic. I’ve played around with several tweaks, and it’s fun to make it your own.

Add veggies: I love tossing in bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the onions for extra texture and flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken: A leaner swap that still works beautifully if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to your American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe.
Cheese variations: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese vibe—just use what you love most melted over the top.

How to Make Easy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef to Perfection

Heat your olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. You want to cook until there’s no pink left—this ensures even cooking and great flavor. Once browned, drain excess grease carefully (this avoids a greasy sauce) and transfer the beef to a bowl, setting it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic Until Aromatic

In the same Dutch oven, toss in your chopped onions. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent, about 3 minutes. This step softens the onions and brings out their sweetness. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes—keep stirring so the garlic gets fragrant but doesn’t burn. The smell here will have your kitchen smelling amazing!

Step 3: Build the Rich Sauce

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Now pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add Worcestershire sauce (trust me, this adds that savory depth), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni Right in the Sauce

Stir in your uncooked elbow macaroni—this is my favorite trick. The pasta cooks in all that rich sauce, soaking up great flavor. Keep the pot covered, simmer on low heat, and stir occasionally so the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick. After about 10 minutes, check the pasta—it should be tender but still a tiny bit firm (al dente). If you like your pasta softer, give it a few more minutes.

Step 5: Cheese It Up and Garnish

Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the bay leaves (don’t forget this step!). Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of your American Chop Suey and gently stir it in so the cheese melts into the warm mixture. I like adding fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Skip Draining the Beef Grease: It keeps your sauce from getting too oily and heavy—your sauce will be smooth and flavorful instead.
Cook Pasta Covered and Stir Often: This helps the noodles cook evenly and absorb sauce without sticking or burning at the bottom.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Simmering brings out flavors, but always keep tasting near the end to bump up salt or spices if needed.
Remove Bay Leaves Before Serving: Forgetting this can make a sharp fibrous bite, so double-check to remove all before plating.

How to Serve Easy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

A white bowl filled with a warm dish made of soft elbow macaroni mixed with chunky pieces of browned meat and bits of tomato in a thick red sauce. The top is sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same dish and a small clear bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheese, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese, easy American chop suey recipe, hearty ground beef pasta, cheesy American chop suey, quick weeknight dinners

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a fresh herbal note and a burst of green color. Sometimes, I add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced green onions for a little extra zing if we’re feeling adventurous. A little cracked black pepper on top really finishes it off too.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but I like pairing it with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or buttery garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make a nice, easy addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in cast iron skillets straight from the oven, topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It looks rustic and inviting on the table. You could also scoop it into individual ramekins, sprinkle with Parmesan, and broil for a crispy cheesy crust—kids love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors really develop overnight, though the pasta will continue absorbing sauce and thicken, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the texture of the pasta softens a bit, but the taste holds up great. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out or sticking. You can also microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, heating in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, you can use penne, rotini, or small shells. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
Is American Chop Suey the same as goulash?

In many American households, yes! What we call American Chop Suey is similar to American-style goulash—a comforting mix of ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce. Regional names differ, but the deliciousness stays constant!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a hearty, tasty vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?

Simmering with the lid on allows the sauce to thicken nicely. Also, by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, it absorbs excess liquid. If it seems watery, removing the lid for the last few minutes helps reduce it. Drain pasta beforehand if you want a less saucy version, but I personally love it saucy and comforting.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Add pasta and cheese when ready to cook and serve to keep noodles from getting mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy American Chop Suey with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s simple, satisfying, and reminds me of cozy family dinners. I used to struggle with making quick weeknight meals that everyone agreed on, but this recipe quickly became a staple. I hope you enjoy the process and the delicious results as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just have found your new favorite comfort food!