🍝 American Chop Suey, also known as “Macaroni and Beef” or “Pasta Shells with Meat,” is a classic American comfort food dish that combines pasta, ground meat, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that has been enjoyed by many for decades.
📜 History:
The exact origins of American Chop Suey are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. Some say it has roots in Chinese-American cuisine, while others suggest it was created as a way to make an affordable and filling family meal during the Great Depression. Regardless of its origins, it has become a staple in American home cooking.
🥘 Components:
Here are the key components of American Chop Suey:
- Pasta: Typically, elbow macaroni or pasta shells are used, although you can choose your favorite pasta shape.
- Ground Meat: Ground beef is the most common choice, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce is essential, often flavored with onions, garlic, and various seasonings.
- Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Cheese (Optional): Some variations include grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, for added richness and flavor.
👩🍳 Preparation:
Here’s a basic recipe for American Chop Suey:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (macaroni or shells)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese for serving (optional)
Steps:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with grated cheese.
⏰ Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for American Chop Suey can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes to prepare. This makes it a convenient option for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Enjoy your American Chop Suey! 🍽️🇺🇸
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of American Chop Suey:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup):
- Calories: 300-400 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-50 mg
- Sodium: 500-800 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugars: 5-7 grams
- Protein: 15-20 grams
Health Information:
- Protein: American Chop Suey is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Carbohydrates: It provides carbohydrates for energy, but the dish may also contain refined carbs from the pasta. Whole grain pasta can be a healthier choice.
- Fiber: The dish has some dietary fiber, especially if you use whole grain pasta. Fiber aids digestion and can help you feel full.
- Fat: It contains moderate amounts of fat, mainly from the ground meat and any cheese added. Consider lean meat or reducing cheese for a lower-fat version.
- Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, as canned tomato products and seasonings can add salt. Reducing added salt can make the dish healthier.
- Vitamins and Minerals: American Chop Suey provides essential nutrients like vitamin C from tomatoes and B vitamins from meat. It may also contain iron, zinc, and calcium.
- Vegetable Variation: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can increase the dish’s nutritional value and add vitamins and antioxidants.
Remember that the nutrition values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. To make American Chop Suey a healthier option, consider using leaner meat, whole grain pasta, and reducing added salt and cheese. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables can boost its nutritional content.
