admin1 Homemade American Chop Suey Soup is a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal that brings together tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It is an easy one-pot recipe that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a delicious family dinner.
This cozy soup is inspired by the classic New England American chop suey dish, which is traditionally made with ground beef, macaroni, onions, and a tomato-based sauce. This soup version adds extra broth to create a spoonable, hearty meal that is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you crave homemade comfort food.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You do not need expensive ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. Everything comes together in one pot, making preparation straightforward and cleanup easy. The beef adds rich, savory flavor, the tomatoes provide a gentle sweetness and tang, and the macaroni makes every bowl filling and satisfying.
Whether you are preparing dinner for your family, feeding a crowd, or making leftovers for the next day, this Homemade American Chop Suey Soup is a recipe you will want to keep close at hand.
Why You Will Love This American Chop Suey Soup
- Easy one-pot meal: Cook the beef, vegetables, broth, and pasta in one pot for convenient preparation.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Ground beef, macaroni, canned tomatoes, and broth are affordable kitchen staples.
- Rich tomato flavor: Tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and beef create a savory, comforting broth.
- Family-friendly: The mild flavors make this soup appealing to adults and children.
- Easy to customize: Add vegetables, extra herbs, or a little cheese to suit your preferences.
- Great for meal planning: Leftovers make a convenient lunch or quick dinner.
Recipe Details
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Servings
6 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Cooking method
Stovetop
Ingredients for Homemade American Chop Suey Soup
This recipe makes approximately six servings.
1 pound (450 g) ground beef
Choose lean ground beef for a hearty, savory base with less excess fat.
2 cups (about 200 g) dry elbow macaroni
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells or other short pasta shapes can also work.
1 medium onion and 1 green bell pepper
Dice both vegetables to help them soften evenly and blend into the soup.
3 cloves garlic and 1 can diced tomatoes
Use 3 minced garlic cloves and one 14.5-ounce (411 g) can of diced tomatoes.
1 can crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Use one 14.5-ounce (411 g) can of crushed tomatoes for a rich broth, plus tomato paste to deepen the flavor.
6 cups (1.4 liters) beef broth
Choose regular or reduced-sodium broth depending on your preference. Add extra broth later if needed.
Seasonings
Use 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste.
1 tablespoon olive oil and fresh parsley
Use the oil if needed for browning the beef, and finish with chopped parsley for freshness.
Optional additions include 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 small grated carrot, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
How to Make Homemade American Chop Suey Soup
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil if needed, followed by the ground beef. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add the vegetables
Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring so it does not burn.
Step 3: Build the tomato base
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and crushed tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to help the tomato paste develop a deeper, richer flavor.
Step 4: Add the broth and simmer
Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes so the vegetables soften and the flavors blend together.
Step 5: Cook the macaroni
Stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Simmer according to the pasta package directions, usually 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.
Step 6: Adjust the seasoning
Taste the broth and add salt as needed. If the soup is too thick, stir in additional hot broth or water. For a deeper savory flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Best American Chop Suey Soup
Brown the beef properly. Allow the meat to develop a little color before adding the vegetables. Browning contributes a deeper, more savory flavor.
Do not overcook the pasta. Macaroni continues absorbing liquid as it sits in the hot soup. Cooking it just until tender helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
Adjust the broth to your taste. For a thicker, stew-like consistency, use slightly less broth. For a lighter soup, add more broth before serving.
Season gradually. Beef broth and canned tomatoes can contain different amounts of sodium. Taste the soup before adding extra salt.
Give the soup time to develop flavor. A short simmer before adding the pasta allows the tomato, beef, and herb flavors to blend.
Easy Variations
- Cheesy American chop suey soup: Stir a small handful of grated cheddar into individual bowls just before serving.
- Vegetable-packed soup: Add diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onion and pepper.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Italian-inspired version: Add extra Italian seasoning and a little fresh basil.
- Ground turkey version: Replace the beef with ground turkey or chicken, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Gluten-free version: Use certified gluten-free elbow macaroni and check the labels on the broth, seasonings, and sauces.
What Is the Difference Between American Chop Suey and American Chop Suey Soup?
Traditional American chop suey is a New England comfort-food dish made with ground beef, macaroni, onions, and a tomato-based sauce. It is generally served as a pasta dish rather than a soup.
This soup version uses the same familiar flavor combination but includes more broth, making it ideal for serving in bowls. It is also similar to American goulash, another popular ground beef and macaroni dish. Recipes vary between households, so the names and ingredients may overlap.
What to Serve With American Chop Suey Soup
This soup is filling enough to serve on its own, but a few simple sides can make it feel like a complete family meal.
- Garlic bread or toasted sourdough.
- A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted green beans or broccoli.
- Warm dinner rolls.
- Grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar for topping.
For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside a fresh salad. For a heartier dinner, add warm bread for dipping into the rich tomato broth.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Allow leftover soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Refrigerator: Store for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. The pasta may soften after thawing.
- Stovetop reheating: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.
- Microwave reheating: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through, until steaming hot.
For the best texture when making soup ahead, cook the macaroni separately and add it to individual portions when serving. This prevents it from becoming overly soft as it sits in the broth.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C). Avoid repeatedly cooling and reheating the same batch.
Nutrition Information
The following nutrition values are estimates per serving, assuming six servings and excluding optional cheese or bread.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–430 kcal |
| Protein | 20–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35–45 g |
| Total fat | 12–18 g |
| Saturated fat | 4–7 g |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
| Sugar | 7–10 g |
| Sodium | 500–850 mg |
Actual nutrition depends on the fat percentage of the beef, pasta brand, broth, and portion size. Reduced-sodium broth and lean ground beef can help lower sodium and saturated fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make American Chop Suey Soup ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the beef and tomato broth a day in advance and refrigerate it. For the best pasta texture, cook the macaroni shortly before serving and combine it with the reheated broth.
Why is my soup too thick?
The macaroni absorbs broth as it cooks and continues absorbing liquid during storage. Simply add extra beef broth or water until the soup reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Small shells, rotini, ditalini, and other short pasta shapes work well. Cooking times vary, so follow the package instructions.
Can I make this soup without beef?
Yes. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based mince can be substituted. The flavor will differ slightly, so adjust the herbs and seasoning as needed.
Is American Chop Suey Soup spicy?
This version is mild and tomato-rich. Add chili flakes or cayenne if you prefer a little heat.
