Beef Chop Suey
Beef Chop Suey is a hearty, savory dish combining ground beef with vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce. Its bold flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, especially when served with rice and a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in 2 tablespoons of fat until browned.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomatoes (with juice) and small can of mushrooms (with juice).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add washed uncooked rice to the mixture.
- Cook in a pressure cooker on high until it steams well, then cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the pressure go down naturally. Alternatively, cook slowly in a regular pan to prevent rice from sticking.
- Serve hot, preferably with a fruit salad and rye bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and pork. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Adding some soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor, reminiscent of classic Chinese recipes. Be mindful of the cooking time for the rice; you can also use pre-cooked rice to save time.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Chop Suey pairs beautifully with a refreshing fruit salad and slices of hearty rye bread for a complete meal. You might also serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a light salad. For an added touch, a sprinkle of sesame seeds can provide a nice crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out. You can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Chop Suey contains roughly 338 calories, with 13g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute and will work well in this recipe. Just add them to the pot after browning the beef, and cook until heated through. This can save time while still providing a nutritious meal.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is a popular choice, as it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t clump together. However, you can also use brown rice for a healthier option, just be aware that it will require a longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It's often even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just reheat it when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).