Name: Cheesy One-Pot American Chop Suey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, chopped (or 2 teaspoons onion powder); 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (won’t make it spicy); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (granulated or base); 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste); 1 32 oz. carton reduced sodium beef broth; 1 32 oz. jar marinara sauce; 1 15 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; Fresh parsley (optional)

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There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a warm bowl of pasta simmered with rich flavors and melting cheese, and that’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy One-Pot American Chop Suey Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, hearty hug on a plate—simple to make, packed with savory goodness, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. This recipe takes classic American flavors, folds in plenty of sharp cheddar, and brings everything together in one pot, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. If you’ve been searching for that perfect go-to pasta dish that feels familiar but special, this is the one to try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat white marbled surface shows an arrangement of cooking ingredients for a meal, with a white speckled plate holding a rectangular block of raw ground beef at the center left. Above it to the left, an off-white bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, and to its right, another bowl of the same style containing yellow cooked macaroni. At the top right, there is a red and silver can of fire roasted diced tomatoes next to a fresh green bell pepper. Below them across the bottom, a jar of red marinara sauce with a dark lid, a purple and white carton of beef broth, a small dish with a mixture of dried herbs labeled Dijon, a small container of pale yellow Dijon mustard, and a small dish with dark Worcestershire sauce. On the left side near the bottom, a round yellow onion, several celery stalks, and three garlic cloves are scattered around. Each ingredient is labeled with black text on a white background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cheesy One-Pot American Chop Suey Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role, from the hearty ground beef and crunchy veggies to the sharp cheddar that adds that irresistible melty cheesiness.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and beef for a flavorful base.
1 lb. lean ground beef: Adds richness and protein to make the dish filling.
1 large yellow onion (chopped or 2 tsp onion powder): Brings sweetness and depth.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle warmth without too much heat.
4-6 cloves garlic (minced or 1 tsp garlic powder): Gives a fragrant punch of flavor.
1 green bell pepper (diced): Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
2 stalks celery (diced): Contributes mild earthiness and texture.
1 32 oz. carton reduced sodium beef broth: Forms a rich, savory liquid base for cooking the pasta.
1 32 oz. jar marinara sauce: Provides the classic tomato flavor that ties everything together.
1 15 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices: Adds smoky, tangy brightness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the umami for a deeper flavor profile.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang to balance the richness.
1 teaspoon beef bouillon (granulated or base): Enhances the beefy taste.
1 tsp each paprika, dried parsley: Adds color and a fragrant herbal note.
1/2 tsp each dried thyme, dried oregano, salt: Provides aromatic complexity.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Gives a mild background heat.
1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly.
3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar (divided): The star of the dish bringing gooey, cheesy goodness.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.

How to Make Cheesy One-Pot American Chop Suey Recipe

Step 1: Cook Beef and Onions

Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil to get the pan nicely coated. Toss in the chopped onions and let them sauté for about three minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until the meat is just about done, letting it soak up the savory aroma of the onions. This first step builds a flavorful base that’s crucial for the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Bell Peppers and Celery

Once the beef is nearly cooked through, stir in the diced green bell peppers, celery, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook this combination for another three minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the garlic to release its fragrant oils. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it now to keep the dish from becoming too oily. This step adds a wonderful freshness and subtle complexity.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Now crank the heat up to high and pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in the beef bouillon, paprika, dried parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine those layers of flavor. Cover the pot to help bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. This rich liquid will cook the pasta and create the deep, savory sauce.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Once the mixture is boiling, add the elbow macaroni and let it cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Cook just until the pasta reaches al dente, which will take about six to eight minutes. It’s important not to overcook because the pasta will continue to absorb flavors and soften from the residual heat after you remove the pot from the stove. The pasta will soak up the delicious sauce as it cooks, resulting in that perfect saucy consistency.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Take the pot off the heat and begin stirring in two cups of the sharp cheddar cheese, adding it gradually so it melts smoothly into the hot pasta and sauce. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired—you may want a little extra seasoning to bring out the best flavors. If you prefer a thinner sauce, toss in a splash more beef broth. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the cheese perfectly. Finish with a little fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Cheesy One-Pot American Chop Suey Recipe

A close-up view of a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a thick, chunky reddish tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat; the middle layer consists of light yellow curved elbow pasta coated in the sauce; scattered on top are small pieces of green herbs adding a fresh touch. The food is in a white bowl, with a wooden spoon partially visible on the right side. The surface underneath is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only brightens the plate visually but adds a subtle herbal note that complements the rich cheese and tomato sauce beautifully. For a little extra zing, consider adding a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a tiny pinch of smoked paprika for some warmth. A handful of extra shredded cheddar on each serving is a welcome indulgence too.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a hearty main course on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. If you want to keep it light, steamed broccoli or a mix of sautéed mushrooms round out the meal nicely without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family dinner, serve the chop suey straight from the pot and let everyone dig in family-style. If you want to impress guests, plate individual servings in shallow bowls, garnish with a parsley sprig, and drizzle a little extra olive oil or chili oil over the top for color and heat. You can also sprinkle crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top for an unexpected textural contrast that makes this humble dish feel a little fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. This Cheesy One-Pot American Chop Suey Recipe keeps well for up to four days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors actually meld together nicely after resting overnight.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Just scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It’s best to freeze before adding the final cheese topping—you can melt fresh cheese when reheating. Frozen chop suey will stay good for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cheddar and a quick cover to melt it before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the lean ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will keep it rich without meat.

What’s the best pasta to use in this dish?

Elbow macaroni is classic and holds the sauce perfectly. However, small pasta shapes like shells or penne work well too as they catch the cheesy sauce in every bite.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has only a mild warmth from the red pepper flakes, which won’t feel spicy to most palates. You can easily omit them if you prefer a completely mild flavor.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for convenience?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and has a fresher flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Is this recipe freezer friendly after cooking?

Absolutely! It freezes well once cooked but consider adding the cheese after thawing and reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, the Cheesy One-Pot American Chop Suey Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Easy to throw together, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do sharing it with you. Dive in and savor every cheesy bite!