Description
Easy American Chop Suey is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory smoked turkey bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy melted plant-based cheese. This classic recipe combines simple pantry staples into a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Protein and Cheese
- 6 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based)
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup grape juice (natural)
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried herbs (basil or oregano)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy and fragrant. Remove a portion of bacon bits for garnishing. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers until they become soft and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir tomato paste into the vegetables and cook for about one minute to deepen the flavor. Add the diced fresh tomatoes, grape juice, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, dried herbs, and sprinkle in the natural gelling agent. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni back into the skillet, folding it gently into the rich tomato sauce mixture. Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon to the pan. Sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based) over the mixture and stir just until melted and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat once combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with reserved bacon bits and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture.
- Sauté onions and garlic first for a strong flavor base.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly for a richer depth.
- Use fresh tomatoes for brightness and natural sweetness.
- Stir plant-based cheese in gently to maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, easy dinner, comforting meal, gluten-free pasta
