American Chop Suey—also widely known as American Goulash—is the ultimate New England comfort food. While the classic version is often heavy on sodium and saturated fat, this healthy American Chop Suey recipe delivers that same nostalgic, savory flavor in a much more nutritious package. By using extra-lean ground beef and a simple baking soda tenderizing trick, we ensure the meat stays juicy without the extra fat.
This simple one-pot dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, coming together in just 30 minutes. It’s a heart-healthy, high-protein meal that even the pickiest eaters will love. Whether you grew up calling it "slumgullion," "goulash," or "chop suey," this version is designed to keep your health goals on track while satisfying those classic comfort food cravings.
If you love this quick and easy recipe, check out our delicious collections of healthy one-pot meals and 30-minute dinners!
This recipe transforms a traditional heavy pasta dish into a balanced, high-protein meal by prioritizing lean ingredients and nutrient-dense swaps. By controlling the sodium content through no-salt-added tomato products and utilizing protein-enriched pasta, we’ve created a diabetic-friendly and heart-healthy dinner that doesn't sacrifice the rich, beefy sauce you expect.
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In the United States, they are essentially the same dish! "American Chop Suey" is the common term in New England, while "American Goulash" (or just goulash) is used in the Midwest and South. Both feature macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce.
Despite the shared name, they are completely different. Chinese Chop Suey is a stir-fry dish made with meat, eggs, and vegetables (like bean sprouts and celery) in a thickened sauce, usually served over rice. American Chop Suey is a pasta-based comfort food.
Yes! This specific version is very high in protein. By using 96% lean ground beef and Barilla Protein+® pasta, one serving provides 28 grams of protein, which helps with muscle maintenance and keeps you feeling full longer.
We’ve optimized this recipe for heart health by using extra-lean beef to minimize saturated fat and no-salt-added tomato products to keep the sodium low (only 207mg per serving). Additionally, the fiber from the protein-enriched pasta helps support healthy cholesterol levels.
Yes. While elbows are traditional, rotini or penne work well and hold the sauce effectively.
The key is to follow the cooking times exactly and remove from heat while the pasta is still slightly firm (al dente). It will finish softening during the 5-minute rest period.
Try these high-protein, heart-healthy beef recipes for more simple and comforting one-pot dinner ideas that your whole family will love.
Discover our favorite healthy pasta recipes, featuring high-protein and low-sodium options that deliver classic comfort without the extra saturated fat.
To boost the nutritional profile of this comfort classic, we recommend using Barilla Protein+® Elbows. This pasta is crafted with a blend of golden wheat and protein from lentils, chickpeas, and peas. It provides a good source of fiber and contains 17 grams of protein per 3.5-ounce serving, making it an excellent choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting a GLP-1 or high-protein lifestyle.
Recipe yields 6 servings
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the water and baking soda and mix until baking soda is fully dissolved. Add the ground beef and stir to coat the meat completely; let stand for 5 minutes (this helps tenderize the beef).
Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden utensil. Drain the grease.
Add the parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and tomato paste; stir to combine. Add in onion, bell pepper and celery; stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth and water.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Cover and cook for 4 minutes; uncover and stir. Cover partially and boil gently for 4 more minutes; uncover and stir. Partially cover again and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until desired doneness of macaroni. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes (Note: the pasta will continue to absorb the remaining liquid).
Serve warm sprinkled with cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Because this is a hearty "one-pot" meal, it pairs best with light, crisp sides. A simple green side salad with a low-sodium dressing or some roasted vegetables balances the richness of the beef and tomato sauce perfectly.
You can easily swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. Just ensure they are at least 93% lean to maintain the heart-healthy profile.
If you are following a gluten-free diet, substitute the protein macaroni with your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta, like Barilla Gluten Free Elbows.
Feel free to swap green bell peppers for red or yellow peppers for a sweeter flavor, or add finely chopped carrots for extra vitamins.
If you need a vegetarian-friendly or lower-sodium alternative, a splash of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar tang.
If you enjoyed this nutritious twist on American Goulash, explore more of our heart-healthy beef recipes designed for flavor and wellness. These simple, protein-packed meals make it easy to stick to your health goals without giving up the beefy comfort foods you love.