Description
American Chop Suey is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful tomato sauce, smoked turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prepping, this recipe blends smoky, savory, and rich flavors into a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes, enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta)
Protein and Aromatics
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp and browned. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build the dish’s flavor foundation.
- Create the Tomato Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes along with apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Italian seasoning (natural), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently to meld all the flavors beautifully.
- Thicken with Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the simmering sauce to develop a luscious texture that clings to every pasta piece, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni into the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together over low heat so the pasta absorbs some of the rich tomato mixture.
- Finish with Plant-Based Cheese: Sprinkle plant-based cheese on top and cover the skillet briefly to allow it to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer that brings the whole dish together.
Notes
- Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick to loosen and help bind to the pasta.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm for best texture after mixing with sauce.
- Sauté onions and garlic slowly to maximize the flavor depth of the dish.
- Simmer sauce gently for the best flavor infusion without rushing.
- Choose a high-quality plant-based cheese for optimal melting and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, quick dinner, gluten-free
