🍲 American Chop Suey, also known as Escalloped Macaroni, is a classic American comfort food dish that has its roots in the United States. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that typically consists of elbow macaroni noodles, ground beef or sometimes ground turkey, tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, and various seasonings. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or a group of friends.
📜 History:
The exact origin of American Chop Suey is a bit unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from Chinese-American cuisine. The term “Chop Suey” itself originally referred to a Chinese-American dish of stir-fried meats and vegetables served with rice. However, over time, it transformed into this Americanized pasta dish, which has become a staple in many households across the United States.
🥘 Components:
The key components of American Chop Suey include:
- Elbow Macaroni: The pasta base for the dish, cooked al dente.
- Ground Beef (or Turkey): Typically browned and seasoned with spices.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a rich and tomatoey flavor to the dish.
- Onions: Sautéed for sweetness and flavor.
- Green Bell Peppers: Chopped and added for a mild, slightly tangy taste.
- Spices: Common seasonings include garlic, salt, pepper, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a basic recipe for American Chop Suey:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix everything together. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
⏱️ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for American Chop Suey typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and the speed of your stovetop. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to make, making it a popular choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Enjoy your delicious American Chop Suey! 🍽️🇺🇸😊
Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for American Chop Suey:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 300-400
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-50 milligrams
- Sodium: 700-900 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 5-6 grams
- Protein: 15-20 grams
Health Information:
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Protein: American Chop Suey is a decent source of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: The dish is relatively high in carbohydrates, mainly due to the pasta. It provides a good source of energy but should be consumed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your carb intake.
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Fiber: The inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes adds some fiber to the dish, which is beneficial for digestive health.
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Saturated Fat: Keep an eye on saturated fat content, as it can contribute to heart health concerns. You can reduce this by using lean ground meat or turkey and limiting the amount of added cheese.
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Sodium: The sodium content can be high, primarily from canned tomato sauce and any added salt. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, consider using low-sodium canned tomatoes and reducing salt in the recipe.
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Vegetables: American Chop Suey contains vegetables like onions and bell peppers, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as overeating can lead to excessive calorie and carbohydrate intake.
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Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using whole wheat pasta for added fiber and choosing lean protein sources. You can also increase the vegetable content for added nutrients.
Remember that the specific nutrition facts may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. It’s always a good idea to customize the dish to fit your dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
