Spaghetti Chop Suey
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring a savory vegetable and tomato sauce, topped with crumbly browned steak—perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti as directed on the package.
- Melt butter in a frying pan and add chopped green pepper, onions, and celery.
- Cook slowly for 15 minutes, stirring a few times.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, sugar, and black pepper to the pan.
- Continue cooking until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the vegetable mixture, cooking together for 20 minutes.
- Cook steak until crumbly and slightly brown.
- Spread cooked steak on top of the spaghetti mixture before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of soy sauce. You can substitute spaghetti with rice noodles for a gluten-free option or use different vegetables based on your preference, such as broccoli or mushrooms. If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spaghetti Chop Suey hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad like Raspberry Layer Salad for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Chop Suey contains roughly 490 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this Spaghetti Chop Suey vegetarian, simply omit the steak or replace it with crumbled tofu or tempeh for added protein. The vegetable mixture is hearty enough to stand alone, and you can enhance the flavor with additional spices or sauces. This makes it a great option for vegetarian recipes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. You'll need about 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes, diced. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a little more cooking time to break down into a sauce-like consistency. Simmer them longer to achieve the desired thickness.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or snap peas. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is cooked to perfection. This flexibility allows you to create a unique version of the dish.
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).