American Chop Suey Recipe (American Goulash)

This American chop suey recipe is one of my go-to comfort food recipes. Tender macaroni noodles are tossed with seasoned ground beef, sautéed veggies, and a rich tomato-based sauce that’s the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. The best part? You can have this hearty one-pan dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver.

Why I Love This American Chop Suey

American chop suey—sometimes referred to as American goulash—has always been one of those recipes that feels like the king of comfort food. I first had it thanks to my aunt, who would make a giant pot whenever the family got together in the winter. It’s simple, filling, and somehow even better the next day. Over the years, I’ve perfected my own version, and it’s become a regular on our dinner rotation.

What makes this recipe so special is the sauce. It’s similar to Hamburger Helper or a cheeseburger casserole, but the homemade tomato sauce really sets it apart. It’s so flavorful that I often find myself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pot before serving.

On top of the flavor, this dish is incredibly easy to make. You just cook the pasta, brown the beef with veggies, stir in the sauce ingredients, and let it all simmer together until everything is coated in that deliciously rich tomato goodness. And since it comes together so quickly, I like to serve it with something equally comforting—like my soft, buttery Texas Roadhouse rolls. Trust me, dipping those rolls into the sauce takes this dinner over the top.

Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it's made with all really common ingredients. Honestly, you probably have most - if not all - of them in your pantry or kitchen already!

Here's what you'll need to make it:

• 8oz. elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5lb. ground beef
• ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 8oz. can chopped tomatoes, with juices
• 8oz. tomato sauce
• 2 ½ tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

If you're looking for more ground beef recipes, I definitely suggest you check out this beefaroni, ground beef vegetable soup, or this epic beef lasagna recipe next! You can use a few of the ingredients from this American chop suey recipe to make 'em.

How To Make American Chop Suey

Now it's time for the fun part, it's time to make some American chop suey! This recipe couldn't be easier to make. Honestly, you've probably cooked all of the components in this recipe a bunch of times before, so it'll be a breeze to put together. Anyway, let's stop wasting time and get cooking!

Step 1: Cook The Noodles

First things first, you'll want to begin by cooking the elbow macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Then, when they're done, you can drain the pasta and set it aside while you continue to work on the rest of the recipe.

Step 2: Cook The Beef And Veggies

While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the meat and veggies. Begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has fully melted, you can add the onions and cook 'em for about 4 minutes until they're tender and slightly translucent.

Then, you'll want to add the ground beef and garlic powder to the skillet with the onions. I recommend breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon once you add it to the pan. Also, just so you know, you'll want to cook everything together until the beef has just started to brown slightly on all sides. Once it does, you can add the green bell pepper to the skillet and cook everything for an additional 5 minutes or until the bell peppers are soft.

Step 3: Make The Sauce

Now that you've cooked the beef and veggies, you can add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of salt and pepper to the skillet. Then, you'll want to give everything a mix so it combines into a sauce, and continue to cook everything together until the sauce warms up.

Step 4: Add The Noodles And Serve

Last but not least, you can add cooked pasta to the skillet with the rest of the ingredients and give it all a big mix to combine. For what it's worth, I usually transfer everything to a large pot - it just makes everything way easier to mix.

Finally, you'll want to serve your American chop suey warm.

Enjoy it!

Expert Tips

• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Since the macaroni will finish cooking in the sauce, boil it just until al dente. This way it won’t turn mushy when mixed with the tomato sauce.
• Layer the Flavors – Let the onions and bell peppers soften before adding the beef. This gives the sauce a sweeter, richer base that tastes like it simmered all day.
• Don’t Skip the Sugar – A small spoonful balances the acidity of the tomatoes and gives this American goulash its signature sweet-savory flavor.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water – Add a splash of the starchy cooking water if the sauce seems too thick. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully.
• Let It Rest Before Serving – Give the finished dish a couple of minutes off the heat before serving. The pasta will absorb even more flavor, and the sauce will thicken up slightly.
• Make It Ahead – American chop suey tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• Add Cheese – For extra comfort food vibes, stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving, or sprinkle some Parmesan on top.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the Protein – While ground beef is classic, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a leaner or spicier twist. Each gives this American chop suey its own unique flavor.
• Cheesy Baked Version – After simmering, transfer the pasta mixture to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella or cheddar cheese, and bake or broil until golden and bubbly for a cheesy American chop suey casserole.
• Add More Veggies – Bulk it up with bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition without losing that cozy comfort food feel.
• Spice It Up – Mix in crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce for a spicier American goulash variation.
• Make It Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to create a richer, creamier sauce.
• Herb Upgrade – Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano can brighten the sauce and add an extra layer of flavor.
• Tomato Twist – Use fire-roasted tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, or tomato paste for a deeper, bolder flavor.
• One-Pot Instant Pot Method – Cook the beef and veggies on sauté mode in the Instant Pot, then add pasta and sauce ingredients, and pressure cook on high for 4 hours, then do a quick release and serve hot for a hands-off dinner.

FAQs About This American Chop Suey Recipe

How do I store leftovers?

Let the chop suey cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the leftovers?

The stovetop is best: add leftovers to a skillet with a splash of water or beef broth and heat on medium until warmed through. You can also bake in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. American chop suey tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, then just reheat before serving, like I suggested above.

Can I bake this into a casserole?

Yes! After cooking, transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a casserole dish, top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

What's in American Chop Suey?

Traditionally, American chop suey (also called American goulash) is made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a seasoned tomato sauce. Many versions—like my recipe—also include onions, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

What is the difference between Chop Suey and American Chop Suey?

American chop suey is a pasta dish made with beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce. Classic chop suey, on the other hand, is a Chinese-American stir fry of meat and vegetables—like bean sprouts, cabbage, and baby corn—served over rice or noodles. The two dishes are completely different despite sharing a name.

What is the difference between Goulash and American Chop Suey?

In the U.S., “goulash” and “American chop suey” usually refer to the same thing: ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce all cooked together. The main difference is regional naming. In some areas, goulash may be topped with cheese, while New Englanders stick to calling it chop suey.

My Final Thoughts

Well, that's how to make American chop suey!

As far as comfort food recipes go, it honestly doesn't get much better than this - at least I don’t think it does. Not only is the combination of flavors flat-out delicious, but when you see how easy it is to make, I just know you'll fall in love with this recipe.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this American chop suey as much as I do. As always, if you give this recipe a try, let me know how it goes in the comments below.

More Of My Favorite Comfort Food Recipes

If you liked this pasta dish, we’ve got a ton of other easy comfort food recipes on the blog for you to try next!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Ham loaf
• Chicken divan
• John Wayne casserole
• Loaded baked potato casserole
• Chicken and rice casserole

Oh, and if you're looking for even more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. We post new recipes on 'em every day!