
What is American Chop Suey?Īmerican Chop Suey is a classic American one pot dish consisting of beef, pasta, and a thick tomato sauce. The Mandarin word for these “odds and ends” is tsa sui, and shap sui is Cantonese for “mixed bits,” so it’s easy to see how the pronunciation evolved to the name we use now. These resourceful chefs had to make the most of what they had, which undoubtedly resulted in some unusual stir-frys. The good news is the recipes for American Chop Suey are definitely not an afterthought they’re a wonderful, deliberate combination of tasty ingredients you can serve for dinner without having to trick your children.Īs the name suggests, chop suey has some Chinese origin, though it’s possibly the brainchild of Chinese-American immigrants working on the railroads during the 1840s’ Gold Rush. Rumor has it “chop suey” is a provocative name some parents use to lure children to the dinner table on just such an occasion! It can apparently be an effective tool for eliminating the groans and grumbles that often accompany these “creative” meals. Unfortunately, some days we’re stuck making do with what we have, combining whatever’s looming in the fridge or pantry to cook a “unique” (i.e., unpopular) dish.


We’ve all been there – exhausted after a long day and surrounded by a chorus of, “What’s for dinner?”

Pin it to your DINNER BOARD to save for later! Be Sure To Follow Gonna Want Seconds on Pinterest for more great recipes! Winner, winner, it’s American Chop Suey for dinner! This Americanized classic is a favorite coast-to-coast, with savory bits of ground beef in a hearty tomato sauce, mingling with tender macaroni and melty mozzarella.
