A step-by-step recipe for American chop suey with pictures. American veg chopsuey is one of the most well-known fusion Chinese recipes developed in India. This crunchy, crispy snack is well-liked by both adults and children. You’ll enjoy this vegetarian American chop suey recipe, so try it now!
I’ve shown you how to make fried noodles in this recipe. In essence, vegetable chopsuey noodles are similar to a combination of crispy, fried vegetables and sauce. With the crunchy mixed vegetables and the crispy fried noodles, the sauce—which is tart, sweet, and spicy—tastes just delicious.
Other than the mixed veggies, this dish is not particularly healthful. Therefore, if you cook it occasionally, it’s okay if the kids beg for it. Chinese bhel is a similar dish that children enjoy.When preparing vegetable chopsuey, some preliminary work is necessary. It is necessary to boil and then fry the noodles. I often fried the noodles the day before and store them in an airtight container. I just need to prepare the vegetables, stir-fry them, then make the sauce the next day. Thus, things get simpler.I’ve already published a thorough recipe for crispy fried noodles. The recipe is available here: How to Make Fried Noodles.
Here’s a classic American Chop Suey recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or other short pasta
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 225g) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve:
- Once heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the American Chop Suey hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve this delicious American Chop Suey as a hearty main dish for dinner or lunch. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
This recipe captures the comforting flavors of American Chop Suey and is sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences
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Taste:
American Chop Suey is a comforting and flavorful dish with a combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Here’s how it typically tastes:
- Rich Tomato Flavor: The base of American Chop Suey is a hearty tomato sauce, often seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs. This sauce provides a rich and tangy flavor that coats the pasta and other ingredients.
- Savory Ground Beef: Ground beef is a common protein component in American Chop Suey, adding a savory depth to the dish. The beef is usually seasoned and browned before being simmered in the tomato sauce, infusing it with meaty goodness.
- Al dente Pasta: The pasta component of American Chop Suey is usually elbow macaroni or another short pasta shape. Cooked to al dente perfection, the pasta provides a satisfying texture and serves as a hearty base for the sauce and other ingredients.
- Vegetable Medley: While the exact vegetables may vary, American Chop Suey often includes a colorful medley of diced bell peppers, onions, and sometimes carrots or celery. These vegetables add crunch, sweetness, and a hint of freshness to the dish.
- Comforting and Filling: Overall, American Chop Suey is a comforting and filling meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite. It strikes a balance between the familiar flavors of tomato sauce and ground beef while incorporating a variety of textures and aromas.
Appearance:
American Chop Suey typically has a homestyle, rustic appearance, with the ingredients mixed together in a single pan or pot. Here’s how it looks:
- Colorful and Vibrant: The dish features a colorful array of ingredients, including vibrant reds from the tomato sauce, deep browns from the ground beef, and assorted hues from the vegetables. The combination of colors creates an inviting and appetizing presentation.
- Hearty and Cozy: American Chop Suey has a hearty and cozy appearance, with the pasta, meat, and vegetables nestled together in a thick and saucy mixture. It exudes warmth and comfort, making it an appealing option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Generous Portions: This dish is often served in generous portions, piled high on plates or in bowls. It has a wholesome and substantial look that promises to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
FAQS
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about American Chop Suey:
- What is American Chop Suey?
- American Chop Suey, also known as goulash or beefaroni, is a classic American comfort food dish consisting of elbow macaroni or other short pasta, ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a seasoned tomato-based sauce.
- Is American Chop Suey the same as traditional Chinese chop suey?
- No, American Chop Suey is a distinct dish that originated in the United States and is not related to traditional Chinese chop suey. While both dishes feature a mixture of ingredients, American Chop Suey typically includes pasta, ground beef, and a tomato-based sauce, whereas traditional Chinese chop suey often contains stir-fried vegetables and meat or seafood in a savory sauce.
- Can I make American Chop Suey ahead of time?
- Yes, American Chop Suey can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You may need to add a splash of water or additional tomato sauce to loosen the sauce if it thickens upon reheating.
- Can I freeze American Chop Suey?
- Yes, American Chop Suey can be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I customize American Chop Suey with additional ingredients?
- Absolutely! American Chop Suey is a versatile dish that can be customized according to personal preferences. Feel free to add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots, or incorporate different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- What should I serve with American Chop Suey?
- American Chop Suey pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including garlic bread, dinner rolls, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Is American Chop Suey gluten-free?
- American Chop Suey is not inherently gluten-free due to the use of pasta made from wheat flour. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta in place of traditional wheat-based pasta. Additionally, be sure to check the labels of other ingredients such as tomato sauce and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.