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American Chop Suey Recipe

March 25, 2014 Main Dish Recipes, Recipes

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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This American Chop Suey recipe is a delicious, healthy alternative to Hamburger Helper. It's a quick, easy meal that kids and adults love.

This healthy American Chop Suey recipe is a delicious, easy alternative to Hamburger Helper. It’s a quick meal that kids and adults love.

This healthy American Chop Suey recipe is a delicious, easy alternative to Hamburger Helper. It's a quick meal that kids and adults love.

It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I first tried American Chop Suey. I remember seeing it in my college cafeteria, but I wasn’t impressed. In retrospect, I was missing out. This is great comfort food.

This dish can be made quickly, and it’s much healthier than Hamburger Helper or other boxed dinner kits. I first started making this recipe a few years ago when I was looking to replicate Annie’s “P’sghetti Loops” for my children.

Easy American Chop Suey Tips

By making American Chop Suey at home, you can tailor the sauce to meet your tastes.

Add extra tomato sauce for a soupier version, and throw in a little cayenne pepper if you want it spicy.

Mushrooms or other vegetables make a delicious addition as well.

You can substitute lentils for the ground beef if you want a vegetarian version, and garnish with grated cheddar or parmesan if desired.

Is American Chop Suey a New England Thing?

Apparently this dish has many names around the country. I first discovered it as American Chop Suey during college in Massachusetts.

I’ve heard in the comments below that this is called everything from chili mac, to goulash, to slum gullion. What’s it called in your part of the country?

Watch this short video to see the easy process behind this American chop suey recipe:

American Chop Suey Recipe

This American Chop Suey recipe is a delicious, healthy alternative to Hamburger Helper. ($.97 per serving)
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: American Chop Suey
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 188kcal
Author: Annemarie Rossi

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef preferably grass-fed or organic
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 15 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. honey or to taste
  • 12 oz. whole wheat macaroni

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bell pepper and cook over medium heat for another minute.
  • Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, onion powder, paprika, salt, chili powder, cinnamon, and honey. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until it reaches the thickness you want.
  • While the sauce is simmering, boil the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings. Different canned tomatoes have different amounts of salt and seasoning, so add extra seasonings if needed.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 188kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @realfoodrecipes or tag #realfoodrealdeals!

Healthy American Chop Suey Price Breakdown

This recipe costs a total of $7.79 to make, or $.97 per 1½ cup serving. This easy American Chop Suey recipe is a delicious, frugal dinner that’s much healthier than the boxed version.

Try my Crock Pot Taco Soup for another frugal, healthy dinner recipe that your family will love.

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Comments

  1. Tina says

    February 6, 2018 at 9:43 am

    5 stars
    How funny to read the comments. In the Army they call is Chili Mac and it was delicious! It didn’t look like much either but they forced us to eat it which is how I learned how good it was. Saving this recipe!

    Reply
  2. Traci says

    February 6, 2018 at 9:41 am

    Reminds me of something my mom made when I was a kid…only it was in the Midwest. Such comfort food…never disappointed when dinner rolled around 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  3. Rebecca says

    February 6, 2018 at 9:30 am

    I want some right now!

    Reply
  4. Julia says

    February 6, 2018 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    This is definitely the perfect comfort food for cold winter days! 🙂

    Reply
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Welcome!

Annemarie Rossi

I’m Annemarie, a regular mom who got tired of feeding my family processed food. Read more. . .

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