Description
This easy American Chop Suey recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, smoky turkey bacon, vibrant tomato sauce, and creamy plant-based cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a plant-based cheese twist on a classic American comfort food. Enjoy a flavorful, hearty dish that warms the soul and pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Protein and Vegetables
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce Base
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded (plant-based)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Then add diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Build the Tomato Sauce: Pour the canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet with the cooked bacon and vegetables. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), dried Italian herbs (natural), salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni into the skillet with the tomato sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is well coated with the rich sauce.
- Melt the Plant-Based Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese over the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and gives the dish a creamy, indulgent texture that brings all the flavors together.
Notes
- Under-cook the pasta slightly since it will continue to soften when combined with the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant aroma and taste compared to powders.
- Adjust diced tomato size to prefer chunky or smoother sauce texture.
- Serve the dish immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal, weeknight dinner, pasta recipe, tomato sauce
