When it comes to hearty, nostalgic comfort food that evokes childhood memories and cozy family dinners, few dishes capture the spirit of American home cooking like American Chop Suey, also known as American Goulash. This dish is a warm, comforting medley of tender macaroni pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce simmered to perfection with onions, garlic, and herbs. Every bite offers a balance of tangy tomato flavor, cheesy richness, and the savory depth of perfectly seasoned meat.
This beloved recipe is the American cousin of Hungarian goulash — but instead of paprika-laden stew, it’s a cozy casserole-like pasta dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Popular across New England and the Midwest, American Chop Suey is the epitome of weeknight comfort food: inexpensive, quick, and endlessly customizable. Whether you call it American Chop Suey or American Goulash, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.
What Is American Chop Suey (American Goulash)?
Despite its name, American Chop Suey has nothing to do with Chinese cuisine. The term “chop suey” loosely means “mixed pieces,” and this American dish lives up to the name—it’s a hearty mix of elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce.
In New England, it’s known as American Chop Suey, while across much of the U.S., it’s simply Goulash. No matter what you call it, this dish is all about comfort, nostalgia, and a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy and budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples like pasta, beef, and canned tomatoes.
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One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together, minimizing cleanup.
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Family favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this cozy, cheesy pasta dish.
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Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
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Customizable: Add vegetables, spices, or cheese to make it your own.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (80–85% lean)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1–2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer for Flavor
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the flavors develop and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and gently fold it in until everything is evenly coated. Let it cook together for another 2–3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce’s flavors.
Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional but Delicious)
If you want a cheesy version (highly recommended!), sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover for a few minutes to let the cheese melt into the pasta.
Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Spoon generous portions into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot, with garlic bread or a crisp salad on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect American Chop Suey
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Don’t overcook your pasta: Slightly undercooked macaroni holds up better in the sauce.
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Use quality canned tomatoes: Good tomatoes make a noticeable difference in flavor.
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Adjust the texture: For a saucier version, add a bit of beef broth or tomato juice.
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Layer flavors: A dash of Worcestershire or soy sauce enhances the meaty depth.
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Cheese it up: Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella adds gooeyness—try both!
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Make it a bake: If you like a crispy cheesy topping, bake it briefly before serving.
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Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Variations to Try
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Classic Midwest Goulash: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ cup sour cream for a creamier base.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
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Turkey or Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
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Veggie Lover’s Version: Skip the meat and load up with mushrooms, spinach, and corn.
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Cheesy Baked Goulash: Top with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the pasta.
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Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch on the side.
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Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or peas make great pairings.
Storage and Freezing
To Store:
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze in individual portions or as a whole batch in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta, combine, and heat through. For busy weeknights, this trick saves a ton of time.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 6 servings
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Calories: 410 kcal
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Protein: 27g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 8g
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Sodium: 790mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Why This Recipe Works
This American Chop Suey (American Goulash) recipe balances classic flavors and modern convenience. The ground beef brings savory richness, the tomato sauce provides acidity and depth, and the herbs create that comforting Italian-inspired profile. Baking it with cheese transforms the dish into a gooey masterpiece, while the one-pot method makes it quick and easy.
It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and keeps everyone asking for seconds. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, maximum flavor—that’s the magic of this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything except the pasta to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add cooked pasta just before serving.
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
A: Definitely. Penne, rotini, or shells work well, though elbow macaroni remains the classic choice.
Q: What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
A: Substitute with soy sauce or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato sauces are gluten-free.
Total Time Breakdown
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 6–8
Final Thoughts
American Chop Suey (American Goulash) is the definition of feel-good food. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time in American households for decades — a perfect blend of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and tangy tomato sauce, all tied together with a touch of cheese and nostalgia.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. Affordable, customizable, and loaded with flavor, it’s a dish that feels like home.