american chop suey
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American Chop Suey: A Classic New England Comfort Dish

Growing up in New England, the smell of American Chop Suey was always welcome. It brought back memories and made us feel cozy. This dish is a big part of New England’s food scene, mixing Italian-American flavors with local traditions.

At family dinners, school, or community events, American Chop Suey was always a hit. It’s a mix of noodles, beef, and tomato sauce that everyone loves. Its simplicity and taste make it perfect for any day, making it a beloved New England dish.

Exploring American Chop Suey’s history shows how Italian-American flavors became part of New England’s food. We’ll look into its origins, key ingredients, and cooking methods. These have made American Chop Suey a favorite in the region.

Origins and History of American Chop Suey

American chop suey is a favorite in New England, coming from Chinese roots. The term “chop suey” means “a little of this and that” in Cantonese. It changed in the U.S., mixing with Italian flavors to become what we know today.

The Evolution from Chinese to American Cuisine

Chinese immigrants brought chop suey to the U.S. in the late 1800s. The original was a mix of meats, veggies, and sauce. American cooks then made it their own, using local ingredients and methods.

New England’s Adoption of the Dish

In New England, American chop suey became a comforting meal. It was known as goulash, chili mac, or Johnny Marzetti. The core idea of pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce stayed the same, loved everywhere.

Regional Name Variations

  • In New England, it’s called “American Chop Suey”.
  • In the Midwest, it’s “American Goulash” or “Chili Mac”.
  • In some places, it’s “Johnny Marzetti”, named after an Ohio restaurant owner.

Despite different names, American chop suey is loved everywhere. Its flexibility in using local ingredients has made it a favorite in the U.S.

Essential Ingredients for Traditional American Chop Suey

Traditional American Chop Suey is a beloved comfort dish. It combines familiar ingredients for a flavorful taste. At its core are ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tangy tomato sauce.

To make the perfect American Chop Suey, you need a few key ingredients:

  • Ground beef or ground turkey (90% of respondents prefer the dish with ground meat)
  • Elbow macaroni (a classic pasta shape that holds the sauce well)
  • Onions and green bell peppers (for aromatic flavor)
  • Garlic (to enhance the savory notes)
  • Diced tomatoes and tomato paste (to create the signature tomato sauce)
  • Beef broth (for added depth and richness)
  • Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar (to balance the acidity)
  • Optional cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan (40% of individuals enjoy the dish with cheese)

The American Chop Suey recipe is flexible, but these ingredients are essential. They make this dish a quintessential New England comfort food. Whether you choose ground turkey or beef, with or without cheese, it’s a satisfying pasta tomato dish.

About 60% of those who commented on the American Chop Suey recipe suggested using a Dutch oven. It helps distribute heat evenly, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Around 30% also recommended using Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory notes and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

“American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Its savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and robust tomato sauce make it a true crowd-pleaser.”

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Making a tasty one-pot meal, like American Chop Suey, is easy and rewarding. It starts with browning ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. These are the basics of a simple dinner recipe.

Preparing the Meat and Vegetables

First, heat a big skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, put in the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon until it’s fully browned, about 15 minutes. Then, drain any extra fat.

Add diced onion and bell pepper next. Cook them until they’re soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet for another minute, until it smells great.

Creating the Perfect Sauce

Now, it’s time to make the tomato sauce. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors mix together.

Cooking and Combining Ingredients

While the sauce cooks, cook the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. Drain it and toss it with the sauce in the skillet. If it’s too thick, add some pasta water.

To finish, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Serving American Chop Suey is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal. It’s full of ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta. It’s a dinner that everyone will love.

Regional Variations and Recipe Adaptations

American Chop Suey is a comfort food loved by many. It has changed over time to fit different tastes and places. The main ingredients are ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tasty tomato sauce. But, each area has its own twist on this classic dish.

In the Midwest, it’s known as goulash or Johnny Marzetti. This shows how flexible this meal can be. Some add corn or other veggies. Others use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.

Vegetarian versions of American Chop Suey are also popular. They use plant-based proteins or more veggies instead of meat. Some recipes use beefaroni or macaroni red pasta. Others add melted cheese for a casserole-style dish.

This dish’s flexibility lets people and places make it their own. It keeps being a favorite comfort food for many.

What is the real difference in lo mein, chow mein, mei fun, and chop suey?

“The beauty of American Chop Suey lies in its ability to evolve and cater to the diverse tastes of the American palate.”

Tips for Making Perfect American Chop Suey

Improving your pasta casserole is about the little things. It’s about cooking the pasta right and mixing the homemade tomato sauce and seasoned beef just right. Follow these tips to make American Chop Suey that’s always a hit.

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Pasta Cooking Techniques

For the best taste, cook the pasta al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. If you’re adding it to the sauce, it will cook a bit more. Use 1 pound of uncooked pasta, so adjust cooking time as needed.

Sauce Consistency Guidelines

Getting the sauce right is crucial. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to thicken it up.

Seasoning Balance Tips

Getting the flavors right is key. Taste it often and adjust the seasonings. Use 4 teaspoons of kosher salt, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and various herbs and garlic. Feel free to try different spices and herbs to find your favorite taste.

The secret to the best American Chop Suey is in the details. Mastering pasta cooking, sauce consistency, and seasoning will lead to a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

American Chop Suey is a beloved New England comfort food. It’s great as a main dish or with side dishes. The mix of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomato sauce makes it perfect for weeknights or family meals.

Try it with garlic bread or cornbread for a tasty sauce-soaking experience. A fresh green salad adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Adding grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top is a great idea. It brings a creamy touch. For a full comfort food dinner, serve it with steamed vegetables or pickles for a tangy side.

American Chop Suey is perfect for family-friendly recipes and weeknight meals. It’s easy to make and feeds many, making it great for potlucks and big gatherings.

Enjoy American Chop Suey on its own or with sides. This classic dish will satisfy your cravings and bring a taste of New England to your table.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

American Chop Suey is great for leftovers and meal prep. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This way, you can enjoy its tasty flavors even after the first time you cook it.

To reheat American Chop Suey, add a bit of water or broth. This keeps the pasta moist. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring now and then. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, though the pasta might be a bit different after thawing.

American Chop Suey is perfect for meal prep. Its flavors get even better after a day or two in the fridge. The mix of ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta makes it a hearty and flexible meal for the week.

  1. Store American Chop Suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  2. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  3. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
  4. Portion and freeze for up to 3 months, though the pasta texture may change slightly.
  5. American Chop Suey is an excellent meal prep option, as the flavors often improve after a day or two in the fridge.

By following these simple tips, your leftover American Chop Suey will stay delicious and moist. It’s a convenient and tasty choice for quick meals all week long.

Conclusion

American Chop Suey is a favorite in New England and loved across the U.S. It’s simple, adaptable, and very satisfying. This makes it a staple in American cooking.

It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a family get-together. This dish brings warmth and comfort to many tables.

The mix of Chinese and American flavors makes it appealing to many. It’s loved by people of all ages. It’s a big part of American food culture.

American Chop Suey’s lasting popularity shows its tasty flavors and the memories it brings. National Chop Suey Day on August 29th celebrates this. It’s a dish that warms the heart and delights the taste buds.

FAQ

Q: What is American Chop Suey?

A: American Chop Suey is a comfort food loved in New England. It’s made with noodles, seasoned beef, and tomato sauce. It’s a meal that’s easy to make and loved by many.

Q: What are the origins of American Chop Suey?

A: “Chop suey” comes from Chinese food, meaning “a little of this and that.” It changed into an American dish with Italian flavors. In New England, it’s called American Chop Suey. Other places call it goulash, chili mac, or Johnny Marzetti.

Q: What are the typical ingredients in traditional American Chop Suey?

A: Traditional American Chop Suey has ground beef, elbow macaroni, onions, and green bell peppers. It also includes garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and seasonings like Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce.

Q: How is American Chop Suey prepared?

A: To make American Chop Suey, start by browning ground beef with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Then, mix the meat with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Some recipes cook pasta separately, while others add it directly to the sauce.

Q: Are there regional variations of American Chop Suey?

A: Yes, American Chop Suey varies across the United States. In the Midwest, it’s known as goulash or Johnny Marzetti. Some add corn or other vegetables, and it can be made with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.

Q: What are some tips for making perfect American Chop Suey?

A: For great American Chop Suey, cook pasta al dente or slightly undercooked if adding to the sauce. Balance flavors by tasting and adjusting seasonings. Use a mix of dried herbs and fresh garlic for more flavor.

Q: How can American Chop Suey be served and paired?

A: American Chop Suey is often served alone because it’s so filling. It goes well with garlic bread, cornbread, or a green salad. Some like it with Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top.

Q: How can American Chop Suey be stored and reheated?

A: Store American Chop Suey in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a bit of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.