Name: American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni or other tubular pasta, such as cavatappi; Kosher salt, for boiling; 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 large green pepper, finely diced (about 1 cup); 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons); 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley leaves; 1 pound 80/20 ground beef; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, plus more for serving; 1 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 pound low moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 3 ounces roughly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

If you’re craving a comforting, nostalgic, and downright delicious dinner that’s easy to pull together, you’re going to love this American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those hearty meals that just feels like home, with tender pasta, savory beef, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce all mingling in one pan. I absolutely love how this dish comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation before you know it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in the same skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s that nostalgic dish your family will gobble up happily.
Flexible Ingredients: You can swap pasta types and tweak seasoning to your taste.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready in about 40 minutes, it fits snugly into your hectic schedule.

A round pan filled with a baked pasta dish featuring spiral pasta mixed with a red tomato sauce and browned ground meat. Melted white cheese patches spread unevenly across the surface, with a topping of chopped fresh green herbs scattered over it. The pan sits on a wooden board with a green and white striped cloth nearby. To the left is a white plate with a fork resting on it, and a spoon with some cheese crumbs is placed to the right. The background is a white marbled surface covered partly by a red cloth with a white pattern photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe plays an important role in building those rich and layered flavors you’ll love. I’ve found that using whole peeled tomatoes for the sauce and quality cheese makes a noticeable difference. Don’t overlook fresh parsley—it brightens everything up beautifully.

Elbow macaroni or tubular pasta: Classic elbow macaroni works perfectly, but cavatappi adds fun twists to your dish.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both water and sauce well.
Whole peeled tomatoes: Using canned whole tomatoes and pureeing them gives the sauce wonderful texture and freshness.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds depth and smoothness when sautéing veggies and beef.
Unsalted butter: Helps create a lovely richness in the sauce base.
Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and a bit of bite.
Green pepper: Adds crunch and subtle earthiness—make sure it’s diced finely!
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses that irresistible savory aroma.
Dried oregano: Gives the sauce a classic Italian-American flair.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch adds welcome warmth without overwhelming.
Fresh parsley: Finely minced for brightness and color at the end.
Ground beef, 80/20: Juicy and flavorful, the fat content keeps the meat tender in this dish.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity—don’t skip it!
Chicken stock: Enhances sauce moisture and overall richness.
Freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning to taste.
Low moisture whole milk mozzarella: Cubed for melty stringy goodness right in the skillet.
Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated—this finishing touch adds that sharp, nutty flavor that seals the deal.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe is super adaptable—you can make it your own with just a few tweaks. After making this a dozen times, I discovered some great ways to switch things up depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu—my family was surprised how good the lentil version tasted.
Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce for those who like heat.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Mix in some sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese with the mozzarella for an extra melty, flavorful punch.
Seasonal Veggie Boost: Toss in diced zucchini or mushrooms with the peppers and onions for added nutrition and texture.

How to Make American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Pasta

Start by placing the elbow macaroni into a large bowl and covering it with hot water. Season generously with kosher salt—it might feel like a lot, but this ensures your pasta tastes seasoned through. Stir twice during the first 10 minutes to prevent sticking. This soaking method jumpstarts the cooking, freeing up stove space and helping you manage everything else easily.

Step 2: Puree Those Tomatoes

While the pasta is soaking, puree your canned whole peeled tomatoes. I like using a hand blender right in the jar, but a countertop blender works just as well. You want them mostly smooth but still a bit chunky to keep that rustic homemade vibe going.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is nearly melted, add your diced onions and green peppers. Lower the heat to medium and cook them gently, stirring often, for about 7 minutes until they’re soft but not browned. Then stir in the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and half of the parsley—cook for just another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Create a cleared-out space in the pan and add your ground beef. Crank the heat to high and break up the meat with a wooden spoon and even a potato masher. Keep cooking and stirring until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink—about 4 minutes. This method helps get that great texture without clumps.

Step 5: Build the Sauce and Combine

Pour in the pureed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Meanwhile, drain your soaking pasta in a large colander. Add the noodles to the skillet along with Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock. Fold everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the tomato-beef sauce.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the skillet and let it cook on a hard simmer until the noodles are just about tender—usually about half the time instructions recommend on the pasta box. This technique lets the noodles finish cooking right in the sauce, soaking up all that savory goodness.

Step 7: Add the Cheese and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and stir to combine everything well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Now add half of the cubed mozzarella, folding it in quickly but gently to avoid making the cheese stringy and sticky in a clump. Then spread the remaining mozzarella over the top and sprinkle half the Parmesan evenly. Cover again and cook over the lowest heat possible for 3 minutes.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Turn off the heat and let the whole skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This melting and resting step is the secret to hitting that perfect, cheesy, creamy texture we all crave. Just before serving, sprinkle on remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley, and don’t forget to pass extra Worcestershire sauce at the table for that umami boost.

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Pro Tips for Making American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe

Soaking Pasta Shortcut: Soaking the pasta in hot water before cooking saves time and stove space—perfect for busy weeknights.
Don’t Over-Stir the Cheese: When folding in mozzarella, quick and gentle motions keep that perfect melty texture without the cheese turning into a sticky mess.
Use Quality Tomatoes: Fresh-tasting canned whole peeled tomatoes are a game-changer. Avoid pre-blended sauces for deeper flavor.
Control Simmer Heat: Keeping the final melt on the lowest heat prevents burning and uneven cheese melting—give it time and patience.

How to Serve American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe

A large silver pan filled with a baked pasta dish made of small spiral noodles in a red tomato sauce mixed with melted white cheese that stretches from the pan to a silver spoon lifting some pasta. The pasta top is sprinkled with green herbs and bits of meat mixed in, showing a slightly browned cheese layer with sauce underneath. The background is a white marbled surface with folded gray and red cloths visible near the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish this skillet with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Sometimes, I even add torn basil leaves for a fresh herbal kick. A drizzle of Worcestershire sauce on the side is my secret weapon—it amps up the savory depth just before digging in.

Side Dishes

This American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet pairs beautifully with simple green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies like carrots and asparagus. For a cozy combo, crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I’ve served this in colorful cast iron skillets right from stove to table—looking rustic and inviting. For parties, spooning it into individual ramekins topped with a fresh Parmesan sprinkle makes it feel a little fancy but keeps prep easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so sometimes I actually prefer the next-day version. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing the container.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the cheese from separating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen things up if needed. Microwave works too in a pinch, but stirring halfway ensures even heat and keeps the cheese from clumping.

FAQs

What is American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe?

American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe is a classic one-pan American comfort dish featuring elbow macaroni cooked with ground beef, a tomato-based sauce, and cheesy goodness. It’s similar to beefaroni or chili mac, but in a skillet form that’s quick and simple.
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, tubular pastas like cavatappi or small shells work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking times as needed since different shapes hold sauce differently.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground “meat” alternatives. Adding extra veggies for texture keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Yes! This recipe stores well in the fridge and freezer and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners that taste great the next day.
What’s the secret to the melty cheese texture?

Folding in half the mozzarella gently and spreading the other half over the top before finishing on very low heat allows the cheese to melt evenly without turning rubbery or sticky.

Final Thoughts

I remember the first time I made this American Chop Suey Pasta Skillet Recipe—my family went absolutely wild for it. It’s such a satisfying, cozy meal that’s surprisingly quick to pull together. I love sharing it because it feels like a warm hug on a plate and fits perfectly into busy nights. Whether you’re new to this classic or revisiting a childhood favorite, I’m confident you’ll enjoy every cheesy, tomato-rich bite just like I do. So, grab your skillet and get cooking—you’re in for a comforting treat!