This delicious, comforting dish named American Goulash, aka American Chop Suey, aka Beef and Macaroni, has simple, economical, filling ingredients such as lean ground beef, green bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasoned with herbs that are reasonably family-friendly and super simple to find at any market or local grocer.
If you grew up in the ’50s, ’60s, and 70’s across America, there is a 95% chance your parents or grandparents made this recipe for American Goulash at least once in your childhood. Now, some of you may know this recipe by the name American Chop Suey or even Beef and Macaroni with tomatoes. Whatever name you prefer to call, it is okay.
I spent part of my childhood in the Mid-West, Warren, Ohio, to be exact; in the ’70s and our family called it American Goulash. Back then, our family recipe didn’t have cheese added to it; so I guess some of the recipes I have seen on the net are variations of the old-school method that my parents used, I’m not 100% sure; so if you feel the need for cheese, feel free to add some cheese to your American Goulash – American Chop Suey recipe.
My father was the one who would usually whip this recipe up at least once every two weeks or so. How could he go wrong with us children? Did we love it? American Goulash is so yummy, simple, economical, and reasonably quick to throw together for dinner. There were no serious complaints from his peanut gallery that night; that’s for sure. We went back for seconds every time.
Ingredients needed for American Goulash
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One and 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
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A splash of Worcestershire sauce
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A few pepper flakes
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1/4 of a teaspoon of Hungarian paprika
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Kosher salt to own taste
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Freshly cracked pepper to own taste
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One large yellow onion chopped
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One large green bell pepper diced
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Two teaspoons of minced fresh garlic
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Two-14.5-ounce cans of organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes
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One -8-ounce can of organic tomato sauce
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One tablespoon of organic tomato paste
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1/2 of a teaspoon dried garlic powder
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1/4 of a teaspoon dried onion powder
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One teaspoon of Italian herbs
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8 to 12-ounces of dry macaroni noodles cooked al dente
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Chopped parsley for the garnish, optional
Tips for the American Goulash – American Chop Suey recipe
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Use lean ground beef of 93/7 to keep the fat content to a minimum in your recipe.
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Splurge and use a quality Worcestershire sauce if possible
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Do not use smoked Parika; the taste is too overpowering for this recipe.
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Organic tomatoes are preferred in this recipe due to the regular tinned tomatoes being too acidic and bitter.
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Be sure not to overcook the macaroni noodles. Follow the package instructions on the box for al dente method of cooking.
This delicious comforting dish named American Goulash, aka American Chop Suey, aka Beef and Macaroni, has simple, economical, filling ingredients such as lean ground beef, green bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasoned with herbs
- 1 ½ pounds Lean ground beef 93/7 80/20 can be substituted
- 1 splash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pinch Red Pepper flakes or to own taste
- ¼ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- Kosher salt to own taste
- Freshly cracked pepper to own taste
- 1 large Yellow onion chopped
- 1 large Green bell pepper diced
- 2 teaspoons Minced fresh garlic
- 2 14.5-ounce Cans of organic diced tomatoes
- 1 1.5-ounce Can of organic tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Organic tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 12 ounces Cooked macaroni noodles
- ¼ cup Chopped parsley to garnish
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In a large deep metal skillet on medium heat, add lean ground beef, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a few pepper flakes, Hungarian Paprika, kosher salt, and pepper to own taste, and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the lean ground beef as you go.
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Add chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the metal skillet over medium heat and cook until ground beef is completely done. Drain the ground beef if necessary.
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Add 2 cans of organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 can of organic tomato sauce, organic tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper to own taste, to metal skillet; stir to mix ingredients together with ground beef. Cook for about 15-20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook 8-12-ounces of macaroni noodles al dente, according to package directions. Drain the noodles and do not rinse noodles This helps the pasta to adhere to the noodles better.
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Combine the macaroni noodles and tomato beef mixture in a large serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
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I make American Chop Soy all the time. It’s such a great dish to throw together on a busy weeknight. I love the ingredients you have in yours. I’m definitely going to try your recipe next time for a change!
Hey there, Nicole, glad you dropped by. I love it! So simple to make and clean-up is simple too.
I totally agree with this Nicole, so easy yet delish!
They sure knew something for making this meal during that time. It is filling, with ingredients you can easily find and pleases a crowd!
Thank you, I hope you enjoy the recipe!
My whole life we have made something much like this. My Mom made something like this often. I don’t even think we had a name for it! It is a yummy dish!!
I love goulash, your American version sounds wonderful, perfect fall comfort food!
Heidi, this beef and macaroni dish is the kind of comfort food we look for in our family on a weekly basis, especially during colder months. Thanks for sharing this tasty recipe!
Thank you, Helga, I could go for some right now and it’s 90 degrees…lol I think I just love pasta.
oooh, a new recipe for me to use my hot peppers in!! Thank you, it looks great!
Oh, hot peppers in it sound pretty good too! Let me know if you make it how it went with the hot peppers.
I don’t remember eating American Chop Soy growing up but I know my family will love this combination of flavors.
Really? Oh my goodness you have to make it once to see what you have been missing. I hope you enjoy it!!!
Been craving a good goulash lately! this looks gorgeous!!
Thank you, one of my favorites for busy nights.
Have a wonderful day!
You can’t go wrong with a classic recipe for American Goulash! This goulash is a winner in my opinion!
Thank you, Michelle, we love this as well. I have to say my dad made it best though! I miss his American Goulash! Thank you for stopping by the blog other day to share your comment.
This recipe for American Goulash – American Chop Suey looks so good! Packed with so much flavor and super easy to make! Just perfect for the Fall season!
Good morning, Ms. Shanika, and thank you so much for the comment. You brightened my day.
This American Goulash aka American Chop Suey looks hearty and comforting! Perfect for cold autumn nights.
I totally agree with Iryna, you just cannot go wrong with this recipe. So easy and filling.
Such a delicious comfort food meal, great for fall! I’ve never heard it called American Chop Suey before. Love the flavors!
Thank you, so much, Marlynn, I really appreciate the sweet comment and glad you enjoy the recipe. Let me know if you make it. Have a wonderful day.
This American Goulash is one of my go-to comfort dishes when I’m missing home! So delicious and just like I remember the recipe my mom used.
Thank you so much, Ms. Sara, for the sweet comment and sharing today. I bet your mom’s recipe was fabulous too! Have a fab day!