Johnny Marzetti Recipe (Easy American Chop Suey)
This easy American Chop Suey recipe is classic comfort food at its finest. Tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce come together in one hearty, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Also known as old-fashioned goulash, this family favorite is packed with flavor and even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 35 MINUTES
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces bacon, diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the ground beef to the bacon drippings and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked macaroni and reserved bacon to the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.
- The flavors get even better the next day.