Grandma Eleanor'S American Chop Suey
Grandma Eleanor's American Chop Suey is a hearty, comforting dish featuring pasta, ground beef, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions.
- Brown ground beef; sauté onion and green pepper.
- Mix all ingredients together and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian seasoning to the beef while browning. You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or rotini. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using ground turkey instead of beef. For a bit of sweetness, add a dash of sugar to the tomato sauce, reminiscent of the flavors in Sweet -N- Sour Wieners.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Eleanor's American Chop Suey with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with other comforting American recipes like Beef recipes or a hearty Oven Stew Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Eleanor'S American Chop Suey contains roughly 191 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2132mg per serving (93% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare American Chop Suey a day in advance. Cook the pasta and beef mixture separately, then combine and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just heat it through on the stove or in the microwave. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container for freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
You can incorporate a variety of vegetables into this dish. Consider adding diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing the onion and green pepper. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds flavor and texture, making it a heartier meal.
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).