Easy American Chop Suey for Family Meals

American Chop Suey is a comforting, family-friendly meal that brings together simple pantry staples in a delicious and hearty way. This easy American Chop Suey recipe features smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and a natural gelling agent for added texture, making it a perfect dinner option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. The flavors blend beautifully, offering a rich, home-cooked taste that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Balanced flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese add protein and creaminess without heaviness.
• Comfort Food Classic: Brings back nostalgic vibes with a fresh twist for modern tastes.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with your favorite veggies or seasonings to suit your mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, delicious ingredients is the first step toward making this American Chop Suey a staple in your home. Each plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly for every bite.
• Smoked Turkey Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky punch with a lean protein boost.
• Diced Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed to golden perfection.
• Garlic Cloves: Essential for fragrant sharpness and rich aroma.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Forms the saucy base that’s tangy and vibrant.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce naturally.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Adds umami magic to elevate the overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning (natural): A blend of herbs that give warmth and herbaceous notes.
• Plant-Based Cheese: Melts smoothly to offer creamy, cheesy goodness without dairy.
• Natural Gelling Agent: Helps enhance texture and bring everything together seamlessly.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies and boosting richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, perfectly balance the flavor profile.

Variations for American Chop Suey

This American Chop Suey recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak the dish based on what’s on hand or your dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for any household.

• Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to pack in extra nutrients and color.
• Protein Swap: Substitute smoked turkey bacon with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you love a little heat.
• Cheese Variation: Use a sharp plant-based cheddar or a smoky smoked plant-based mozzarella for different cheesy notes.
• Herbs Change-Up: Fresh basil or parsley make for a bright, fresh finish.

How to Make American Chop Suey

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add chopped smoked turkey bacon. Cook until slightly crispy and browned, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey bacon. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and Italian seasoning (natural). Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and thicken.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese

Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring well to coat every piece. Sprinkle in the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent, stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce gains a rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste and season with salt and pepper. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you achieve the perfect consistency.

Pro Tips for Making American Chop Suey

• Cook Pasta Slightly Under: It will finish cooking in the sauce, keeping it perfectly tender.
• Use Quality Canned Tomatoes: They make a huge difference in sauce flavor and freshness.
• Don’t Skip the Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): It layers the sauce with rich umami complexity.
• Melt Cheese Slowly: Stir in plant-based cheese off heat for a smooth, creamy texture without clumps.
• Adjust Herbs Last: Fresh herbs added just before serving keep their vibrant color and flavor.

How to Serve American Chop Suey

Garnishes

Top your bowl of American Chop Suey with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal touch. A sprinkle of extra plant-based cheese (melted or grated) adds extra creaminess that’s always welcome.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables, balancing the hearty pasta with fresh crunch and vibrant colors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve American Chop Suey in individual ramekins or mini skillets for a cozy, rustic feel. You can also stuff it into bell peppers or portobello mushrooms for an exciting twist that invites creative plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover American Chop Suey should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavor and texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or vegetable broth to revive the sauciness and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Is American Chop Suey gluten-free?

Traditional American Chop Suey uses elbow macaroni, which contains gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! By using smoked plant-based bacon and plant-based cheese, this recipe becomes completely vegan while maintaining rich, satisfying flavors.

What is the natural gelling agent used for?

The natural gelling agent helps to thicken the sauce slightly and enhance the texture, making the final dish creamy and cohesive.

Can I add vegetables to American Chop Suey?

Absolutely. Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms either sautéed with the onions or stirred in at the end for extra nutrition.

Is American Chop Suey a traditional American dish?

While it has roots in classic American comfort food, American Chop Suey combines Italian-American flavors with familiar home-style ingredients to create a beloved family meal.

Final Thoughts

This easy American Chop Suey recipe delivers hearty, satisfying flavor with simple ingredients that come together quickly for a perfect family meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish invites warmth, comfort, and smiles around the table. Give it a try and discover how a few pantry staples can turn into something truly special.

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