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Homestyle American Chop Suey with Macaroni

A comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons butter For cooking the vegetables
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped Can substitute with other colored bell peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef Lean or medium beef recommended
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 14.5-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup tomato juice
  • 1 pinch sugar, to taste Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, then cook until they soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it is no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the oregano, basil, black pepper, and kosher salt to taste.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, tomato juice, and a pinch of sugar. Stir well to blend.
  4. Let the sauce simmer gently while you cook the pasta.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain it well.
Combining
  1. Stir the drained macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated.
  2. Let it sit over low heat for a minute or two so the flavors come together.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting dinner.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.