Spicy American Chop Suey | Quick & Flavorful Comfort Dinner

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs. ground beef, 85% lean; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced green pepper; 1 stick celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained; 16 oz. tomato sauce; 2 ½ cups chicken broth, or beef broth; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

This might be the most comforting Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe you'll ever make—hearty, saucy, with just the right kick. It's a one-pot wonder that lands on the table fast and feels like a warm hug every time.

The image shows a close-up of a large pot filled with a thick, saucy macaroni pasta dish. There is a mix of three main layers visible: tender elbow macaroni noodles in light orange color coated with the sauce, chunky browned ground meat scattered throughout, and diced green bell peppers and red tomatoes adding pops of green and red colors in the mix. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the pot, lifting some of the pasta, sauce, meat, and vegetables, showing a moist and textured surface. The background is a soft white marbled texture, and the lighting highlights the glossy and hearty texture of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I'm telling you, this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe became my go-to on busy weeknights. It’s simple, flavorful, and just feels like a classic American comfort meal with a spicy twist that keeps it exciting.

Quick and Easy: You can have this all made in about 30 minutes, which is perfect when life gets hectic.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means you’ll actually want to make this regularly.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat easily to suit your taste buds without losing the classic flavors.
Comfort Food with a Kick: It hits that cozy, nostalgic spot but keeps you coming back for more thanks to the subtle spice.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays its part perfectly to make this spicy American chop suey sing. From the richness of ground beef to the zing from Worcestershire sauce and the cozy pasta soaking it all in—each component is essential.

Flat lay of raw ground beef, a small pile of Italian seasoning and seasoned salt sprinkled nearby, a tiny heap of garlic powder, a small white bowl filled with thick tomato paste, a simple white bowl holding diced white onion, a white bowl with diced green bell pepper, diced celery stalk pieces arranged neatly, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a white bowl heaped with undrained diced tomatoes, a white bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, uncooked elbow macaroni pasta scattered naturally, a small pile of freshly shredded cheddar cheese from a block all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and a meaty base; leaner beef keeps it from getting too greasy.
Italian Seasoning: Adds subtle herbaceous notes to complement the tomato-forward sauce.
Seasoned Salt & Garlic Powder: Elevates overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Onion, Green Pepper, Celery: The classic soffritto trio adds depth, sweetness, and a bit of crunch.
Garlic: Essential to giving that savory background kick—don’t skimp here.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami that amps up complexity.
Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Layers of tomato build that classic, robust American chop suey sauce.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce broth-like enough for the pasta to cook right in, adding flavor and moisture.
Elbow Macaroni: That perfect little pasta shape that traps sauce and melts in your mouth.
Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Adds creamy, melty goodness at the end if you’re feeling indulgent.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the veggies or add more heat depending on the season or my mood—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: Mixing ground Italian sausage with the beef adds a smoky depth I can’t resist on chilly nights.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef for lentils or a plant-based crumble and add extra mushrooms for umami.
Spice Booster: Toss in jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you want to seriously up the heat.
Veggie Add-Ins: Frozen carrots, peas, or corn sneak in extra nutrients and color effortlessly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe

This close-up image shows a hearty dish of elbow macaroni mixed thickly with ground meat sauce. The top layer is made of large pieces of cooked ground meat mixed with a rich reddish-brown sauce that has visible chunks of green bell peppers and small bits of tomato. The bottom layer consists of soft, yellowish-white elbow macaroni noodles coated evenly with sauce. A stainless steel fork is lifting some of the dish from the white bowl, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Flavor Town

Start by cooking about 1.5 pounds of ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled, usually about 8 minutes. Drain off the excess grease so your sauce doesn't get too oily. This step sets the meaty, savory foundation for your chop suey.

Step 2: Layer in the Seasonings and Veggies

Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder, then mix in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor. Toss in diced onions, green pepper, and celery, cooking for about 4 minutes until they soften up. Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Tomato Time and Broth Boost

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well, then add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and 2 ½ cups chicken broth. This combo creates a rich, saucy base for the pasta and beef to soak up all those flavors.

Step 4: Pasta and Simmer

Stir in 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni, bring it all to a gentle boil, then cover and cook for 4 minutes. Uncover and gently scrape any bits stuck at the bottom with a silicone spatula, then cover partially and boil for another 4 minutes. Scrape again, then cook for 2-3 more minutes or until pasta reaches your preferred doneness.

Step 5: Cheese It or Serve It Straight

If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle in about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey. Otherwise, you’re ready to dish up this cozy bowl of Spicy American Chop Suey magic. Either way, it’s fantastic!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that really elevate this spicy American chop suey recipe and make it almost foolproof.

Don't Skip Removing Grease: Draining excess fat after browning your meat keeps the sauce from being greasy and heavy; trust me, it changes everything.
Use Fresh Shredded Cheese: For melty cheese magic, always shred your own from a block instead of pre-shredded bags that often contain anti-caking agents.
Gentle Stirring: When the pasta is simmering, move gently and scrape the bottom often to prevent sticking and burning—patience pays off!
Broth Control: If you want a thicker sauce, hold some broth back and add it gradually so you nail the texture perfectly every time.

How to Serve Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe

A round white bowl with a light beige inside holds three separate piles of ingredients. On the left is a mound of finely chopped white onions, their small pieces forming a neat layer. On the right is a pile of bright green bell peppers cut into medium cubes, creating a textured patch. At the bottom, smaller green celery pieces are diced finely, forming a light green section. Underneath all three ingredients is browned ground meat that fills the bottom of the bowl. A blue spoon is partially buried in the ground meat near the center, angled slightly toward the top right corner. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love topping mine with a little extra shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even some sliced green onions—they add a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for freshness or some buttery garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce. Sometimes, I add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted green beans to keep things veggie-heavy and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual get-togethers, I sometimes serve it in individual ramekins topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden on top—like a cozy pasta gratin. It always earns extras compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day meals even tastier—just be sure to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you leave out the cheese first. Freeze the chop suey in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add cheese fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding small amounts of broth or water to loosen the sauce as the pasta soaks up liquid over time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for lentils, plant-based crumbles, or finely chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture, and increase the veggies to keep it hearty. The flavors still shine bright!

How spicy is this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe really?

The heat level is mild to moderate by default, thanks to the Italian seasoning and a little kick from Worcestershire sauce. You can easily add jalapeños or hot sauce to increase spiciness without changing the core flavor.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Sure! While elbow macaroni is traditional here and holds the sauce beautifully, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or mini penne also work well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?

Gentle stirring after the first 4 minutes of cooking and scraping the bottom of the pot carefully prevent the pasta from sticking or burning. Adding broth gradually if the mixture thickens too much also helps keep everything moving smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I love this Spicy American Chop Suey Recipe because it’s nostalgia on a plate with a little modern kick. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, and anytime you crave something both comforting and lively. Give it a go—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way