Description
This comforting cheesy pasta dish is perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner version)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
- Red pepper flakes – for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan cheese – for extra richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish.
- Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach – to sneak in more veggies.
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm but tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside, allowing it to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic. This step forms a flavorful base for your sauce!
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it frequently for about 6-7 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease in the pan, feel free to drain it to avoid a greasy dish.
- Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to elevate the flavors! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, along with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, ensuring you stir occasionally. This will give all the ingredients a chance to meld and create a rich flavor profile.
- After the sauce has simmered, it’s time to incorporate the pasta. Add the drained elbow macaroni directly into the skillet with the sauce and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. This not only enhances the taste but ensures every bite is deliciously flavored!
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the pasta mixture until it’s melted and mixed evenly. Then, transfer this cheesy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish to prepare for the final touch.
- Now for the finishing flourish! Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of your pasta dish. Preheat your broiler and place the baking dish under it for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to ensure the cheese melts and bubbles achieve that beautiful golden brown hue.
- Finally, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley adds a beautiful presentation and fresh flavor. Serve your homemade American Chop Suey hot and watch it disappear before your eyes!
Notes
For an even more flavorful dish, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes in the sauce to add a smoky taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g