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Classic American Chop Suey (Easy Ground Beef Macaroni Recipe)

A spoonful of rich american chop suey, featuring elbow macaroni coated in a hearty meat and tomato sauce, lifted from a white bowl.
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Make this hearty, homestyle American pasta bake. This recipe delivers the simple, satisfying flavor of classic American comfort food using ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomato sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the tomato sauce, water, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  7. Stir the cooked, drained macaroni into the beef and tomato mixture. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated.
  8. If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top of the mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Serve this quick dinner idea with ground beef hot.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of beef broth for 1/4 cup of the water.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use only 1/4 cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water during the simmering step.
  • This recipe is a great family friendly weeknight meal because it uses simple, accessible ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/american-chop-suey-recipe/