Description
American Chop Suey is a comforting, easy-to-make pasta dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, smoky turkey bacon, fresh bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. Enhanced with plant-based cheese and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this family-friendly meal is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners. Customizable with various veggies and protein alternatives, it delivers hearty satisfaction with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Protein and Cheese
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
Tomato Sauce Base
- 1 can (14 oz) canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping warm to prevent overcooking when mixed with the sauce.
- Sauté Vegetables and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add diced bell peppers and smoked turkey bacon, cooking until the bacon is crispy and the vegetables are softened.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Season with Italian seasoning (natural), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently to marry the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece. Mix in shredded plant-based cheese off the heat until melted and creamy.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra plant-based cheese if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta; aim for a firm yet tender texture.
- Use fresh onions and garlic for the best flavor.
- Simmer sauce on low heat to enhance tomato sweetness and richness.
- Stir in plant-based cheese after removing from heat for a creamy consistency.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, pasta casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, family dinner, quick meal, vegetarian pasta
