Description
This easy American Chop Suey recipe is a comforting, hearty meal combining tender elbow macaroni, smoky turkey bacon, savory tomato sauce, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, it brings rich nostalgic flavors with simple ingredients, adaptable to various diets and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce Base
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 (14 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of natural gelling agent (optional)
Protein & Aromatics
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or torn
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Plant-based parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water for later use, and set aside.
- 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. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy and golden.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Pour the canned tomatoes into the skillet with the aromatics and turkey bacon. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken and develop flavors. If preferred, add a pinch of natural gelling agent to achieve a heartier texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the simmering sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Melt the Plant-Based Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded or torn plant-based cheese over the pasta. Cover the pan and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully into the sauce.
- Serve Warm: Give everything a final gentle stir to combine the melted cheese with the sauce and pasta. Serve immediately for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- Use quality canned tomatoes for the best sauce flavor and texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushy noodles.
- Sauté onion and garlic gently to bring out their natural sweetness and aroma.
- Do not skip the apple cider vinegar; it brightens and balances the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste.
- Prepare plant-based cheese in advance by shredding or tearing to speed up the melting step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, plant-based cheese, comfort food, pasta recipe, turkey bacon substitute, easy dinner
