Description
This Easy American Chop Suey is a quick, hearty, and flavorful comfort food featuring tender elbow pasta, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. With a rich tomato sauce accented by vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar (natural), this family-friendly dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Customizable with additional vegetables or protein swaps, it offers a balanced and satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow pasta
Protein and Vegetables
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded, melty type like cheddar-style or mozzarella-style)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and chop it into pieces. Add the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the bacon drippings in the skillet and sauté until tender and fragrant.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar (natural), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chopped smoked turkey bacon back into the sauce. Stir gently to mix evenly. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese on top and cover briefly to allow it to melt into a creamy texture.
- Final Touches and Serve: Give the dish a final stir, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting family meal.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain a good texture that holds up in the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables for brighter flavors and colors.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning on the pan bottom.
- Cover the pan briefly after adding plant-based cheese to ensure it melts well.
- Add apple cider vinegar (natural) gradually to balance acidity without overpowering the sauce.
- 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: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, easy dinner, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick pasta recipe, family meal, gluten free option
