Easy American Chop Suey for Cozy Dinners

If you are craving a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this easy American Chop Suey recipe is your new go-to. Perfect for cozy dinners any night, it combines tender elbow macaroni, smoky turkey bacon, savory tomato sauce, and creamy plant-based cheese for a classic comfort dish everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight meal or feeding a crowd, this simple twist on an old favorite brings family and friends right to the table with full bellies and big smiles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food charm: Classic American Chop Suey delivers rich, nostalgic flavors that feel like homemade love.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Versatile for any diet: Easily adaptable with plant-based options and fresh additions.
• Family favorite: This dish appeals to kids and adults alike with familiar ingredients that satisfy every craving.
• Budget-friendly: Affordable and filling, it offers great value with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This American Chop Suey recipe is all about simplicity and taste. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing textures and layers of flavor, making your dinner both easy and memorable.

• Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the delicious sauce and create a fulfilling base.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky depth and satisfying chewiness without overpowering the dish.
• Canned tomatoes: Use diced or crushed for a rich and tangy sauce foundation.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle umami and complexity to the tomato sauce.
• Onion and garlic: Fresh aromatics to build a savory and inviting flavor profile.
• Plant-based cheese: Provides creamy, melty goodness to finish the dish with richness.
• Herbs (oregano & basil): Fresh or dried, they infuse vibrant, classic Italian-American warmth.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of brightness and balanced acidity to the sauce.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and enhancing the overall flavor with its fruity notes.
• Natural gelling agent (optional): To thicken the sauce if you prefer a heartier texture.

Variations for American Chop Suey

This American Chop Suey recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Feel free to tailor it to your taste, dietary needs, or whatever is available in your kitchen.

• Vegetarian style: Skip the smoked turkey bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or diced eggplant for a meaty texture.
• Spicy kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to turn up the heat.
• Cheese upgrade: Mix in different plant-based cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for varied melt and flavor.
• Greens boost: Fold in fresh spinach or kale just before serving for extra nutrition and color.
• Different pasta shapes: Swap elbow macaroni for shells, rotini, or penne to experiment with bite and sauce hold.

How to Make American Chop Suey

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey Bacon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Toss in chopped smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until they turn crispy and golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Pour canned tomatoes into the skillet with the aromatics and bacon. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, oregano, and basil. Let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to thicken and develop rich flavors. Add a pinch of the natural gelling agent if you want a thicker sauce texture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta into the simmering sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Melt the Plant-Based Cheese

Sprinkle torn or shredded plant-based cheese over the pasta and cover the pan for a few minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Give everything a final gentle stir to combine the melted cheese, then serve immediately for the best comforting experience.

Pro Tips for Making American Chop Suey

• Use quality canned tomatoes: They make a noticeable difference in sauce flavor and texture.
• Cook pasta al dente: Prevents mushy noodles and helps them hold up better in the sauce.
• Sauté aromatics gently: Slow cooking onion and garlic brings out their natural sweetness and aroma.
• Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar: It brightens the sauce and balances the rich flavors perfectly.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate the dish subtly but importantly.
• Prepare plant-based cheese in advance: Having it shredded or torn beforehand speeds up the final melting step.

How to Serve American Chop Suey

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil scattered on top adds a lovely herbal freshness and pops of green that invite you in. A dusting of plant-based parmesan cheese (plant-based) can also add a nutty, salty punch that complements the dish amazingly.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted green beans for a well-rounded meal. Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread make perfect dipping companions to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, serve American Chop Suey in large bowls, allowing everyone to help themselves. For a special occasion, plate individual portions topped with a fresh herb sprig and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top for gloss and flavor. You could even turn leftovers into a baked casserole by topping with extra plant-based cheese and baking until bubbly and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover American Chop Suey to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy later with minimal effort.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep meals in advance. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

What is American Chop Suey?

American Chop Suey is a classic pasta dish featuring elbow macaroni tossed in a savory tomato-based sauce often mixed with meat and cheese, perfect for comforting dinners.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit smoked turkey bacon and add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, its mild flavors, familiar ingredients, and cheesy texture make it an excellent option for feeding children who enjoy simple comfort foods.

How long does it take to cook American Chop Suey?

From start to finish, it typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal for busy evenings.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Definitely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use shells, rotini, penne, or any favorite pasta shape you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This easy American Chop Suey recipe has all the elements that make a dinner truly cozy and satisfying from smoky bites of turkey bacon to melted plant-based cheese and bright, savory tomato sauce. It’s a wonderful staple to keep in your recipe collection for any time you want something quick but wholesome and deeply comforting. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a family favorite in your own home!

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