Slow Cooker American Chop is a hearty, comforting dish that has become a staple in my kitchen. This classic American Chop Suey recipe features ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and elbow macaroni all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, offering a warm, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With the convenience of a slow cooker, I can set it and forget it while I tackle other tasks, knowing a delicious dinner awaits.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker American Chop
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Minimal prep time: With just 20 minutes of prep, you’re set for a fantastic meal.
- Hearty and filling: Packed with protein and veggies, it satisfies even the biggest appetites.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the pasta and meat combo, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep: This slow cooker recipe is great for leftovers!
- Comfort food: Warm and hearty, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
- Easy cleanup: One-pot meal means less dishwashing!
With its rich flavor and simple American cuisine style, this dish is a must-try for your next family dinner.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker American Chop
Gather these items:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker American Chop Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Step 2: Add chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Step 3: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Step 7: Stir the cooked macaroni into the slow cooker mixture. Cover and cook on low for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Step 8: Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker American Chop
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- For a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker American Chop
This dish is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a comforting dinner experience.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker American Chop
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker American Chop
What is American Chop Suey?
American Chop Suey is a classic American dish made with ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce. This Easy American Chop Suey recipe adds a delightful twist with bell peppers and spices.
Can I make Slow Cooker American Chop ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and then cook them in the slow cooker the next day for a quick and easy meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker American Chop?
To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it in the last 15 minutes of cooking. Also, ensure you don’t overfill the slow cooker, as it can affect cooking time.
Variations of Slow Cooker American Chop You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add more vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Try different pasta shapes such as penne or shells for a fun twist.
- Make it a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat and adding beans or lentils.
For more information on the benefits of slow cooking, check out this article on Healthline.
PrintSlow Cooker American Chop: Comforting Family Favorite
This Slow Cooker American Chop Suey is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. It’s an easy, classic American comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the slow cooker mixture. Cover and cook on low for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg











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