I’m always looking for easy dinner ideas that bring comfort and smiles to our dinner table. The savory aroma of an old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef cooking on the stovetop always makes my family gather in the kitchen. This comforting old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef is a true family favorite, perfect for busy parents, satisfying hungry kids, and a smart meal prep option. It’s quick, packed with wholesome veggies, and delivers nostalgic, comforting flavors, making it a keeper for a weeknight meal.
What You’ll Need for Ground Beef Chop Suey (Ingredients & Their Roles)
Creating our easy, hearty old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here are the essentials, along with some great swaps for healthier choices or convenience:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (for lighter fare; choose organic ingredients if possible for healthy family meals; provides essential protein).
- Onion: 1 large (about 1.5 cups chopped) yellow onion (the aromatic base that builds deep flavor).
- Celery: 2 large stalks (about 1 cup chopped) celery (adds that classic chop suey crunch and freshness).
- Bell Peppers: 1 large (about 1.5 cups chopped) bell pepper, any color (for vibrant color and a sweet-peppery bite; I often use a mix of red and green to make the dish pop).
- Cabbage: 4 cups (about 1/2 medium head) shredded green cabbage (adds bulk and traditional flavor, a great source of fiber; readily available year-round).
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) (for umami depth; use gluten-free tamari for a gluten-friendly option that’s just as savory).
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) (for simmering and flavor infusion; chicken broth works well too if that’s what’s in the fridge).
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (30g) (essential for thickening our savory sauce to the perfect consistency).
- Serving Option: Steamed white rice, brown rice, or crispy chow mein noodles (a family-friendly way to complete this high-protein meal).
For a low-carb alternative, serve this old fashioned chop suey with Ground Beef over cauliflower rice, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas for an even healthier meal prep recipe.
Cooking Old Fashioned Chop Suey, Simplified
Making this old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef is straightforward, even on the busiest weeknights. Just follow these steps for a delicious, hearty meal:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large 10-inch skillet or wok, cook 1 lb (450g) ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and it’s nicely browned. The beef should look crumbly and slightly crispy. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add 1 chopped onion, 2 stalks chopped celery, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 4 cups shredded cabbage to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they begin to soften but still have a tender-crisp texture. For a quick meal, use pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 cup beef broth, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps. This ensures a silky sauce.
- Combine & Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything well to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon and the vegetables are cooked through to your liking. If the sauce looks too thick, splash in 1-2 Tbsp more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve Hot: Ladle your delicious old fashioned chop suey with Ground Beef over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even instant rice or quick-cook noodles for extra convenience. This makes for a perfect, easy dinner idea.
Remember not to overcook the vegetables; they should maintain a slight bite for the best texture. Always ensure your cornstarch mixture is fully dissolved to avoid a lumpy sauce.
Perfect Moments to Serve Your Hearty Ground Beef Chop Suey
This hearty old fashioned chop suey, made with flavorful ground beef, fits so many occasions. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or when you need easy dinner ideas during a busy week.
- For family meals: A warm, inviting dish for weeknight dinners.
- For gatherings: It’s a great choice for casual potlucks or feeding a small crowd.
- For meal prep: Prepare a big batch on Sunday for easy, healthy lunches all week.
For kids’ lunchboxes, I often pack smaller portions in thermos containers for a satisfying school meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a festive touch when serving guests.
Pair this delicious dish with:
- Sides: Steamed white or brown rice, crispy chow mein noodles, a light green salad, or spring rolls.
- Drinks: Ginger ale or unsweetened iced tea complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition and Wellness Benefits of This Comforting Dish
This old fashioned chop suey recipe, featuring lean ground beef and vibrant vegetables, offers a balanced plate. It combines wholesome ingredients for healthy family meals without compromising on flavor.
- Protein Power: Ground beef provides essential protein for energy and muscle support.
- Fiber & Vitamins: The generous amount of fresh vegetables delivers vital fiber and vitamins.
- Wholesome Balance: It’s a well-rounded meal, contributing to healthy eating habits.
This dish is fantastic for meal prep recipes for weight loss when portioned mindfully. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a genuinely low-calorie, low-carb meal option.
Everyday Practical Benefits for Busy Families
Our version of chop suey with ground beef is designed for real life. It helps busy families enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals efficiently.
- Time Saver: Often ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable pantry staples.
- Easy Cleanup: A convenient one-pan meal minimizes dishes after cooking.
- Versatile Storage: Excellent for batch cooking, offering easy storage and portability for packed lunches.
Expert Tips and Flavor Upgrades for Your Chop Suey
Elevate your classic chop suey with these simple cooking techniques and flavor enhancements.
- Browning Beef: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned for deep, savory flavors.
- Pan Space: Avoid overcrowding the pan; this ensures vegetables sauté properly instead of steaming.
- Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
For more variety, I love adding a dash of ginger powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A teaspoon of sesame oil stirred in at the very end offers a lovely nutty aroma.
If you need dietary adjustments, use gluten-free tamari for a gluten-friendly option. For a lighter meal, consider ground turkey or chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, though that changes the core old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef concept.
Common Questions About Making Old Fashioned Chop Suey Answered
Is this old fashioned chop suey suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this traditional chop suey with Ground Beef can be low-carb. Serve it over cauliflower rice or extra steamed greens instead of traditional rice or noodles to cut down on carbs. This makes a great low-carb meal.
What’s the best way to store leftover ground beef chop suey?
Store cooled ground beef chop suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet.
Can I use different ground meats in this old fashioned chop suey recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for the ground beef in this chop suey recipe. Adjust cooking times slightly until no pink remains and the meat is cooked through.
How do I make the sauce thicker for this dish?
For a thicker chop suey sauce, mix an extra tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water. I always ensure it’s a smooth slurry before stirring it into the simmering dish; cook for another minute until desired consistency is reached.
Where can I find high-quality ingredients for this old fashioned chop suey with Ground Beef?
Look for fresh produce at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. For the best flavor in your dish, choose a reputable butcher or trusted brand for your ground beef.
Is this old fashioned chop suey freezer-friendly?
Yes, this old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef freezes beautifully. Ensure it’s fully cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers for easy meal prep when you need a quick meal.
Whip up this old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef tonight and rediscover a comforting, easy classic for your family dinners. Pin this recipe to your board, share it with family, and enjoy a delicious meal that brings everyone to the table!
old fashioned chop suey recipe with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This old-fashioned ground beef chop suey is a comforting and easy family favorite, packed with wholesome veggies and nostalgic flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, any color, chopped
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Serving options: steamed rice or chow mein noodles
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef: Cook 1 lb ground beef in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and shredded cabbage to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until tender-crisp.
- Whisk Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 cup beef broth, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Ladle hot chop suey over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Notes
Do not overcook vegetables; they should remain tender-crisp. Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid a lumpy sauce. For a low-carb alternative, serve over cauliflower rice, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (about 250 g)
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef, chop suey, weeknight, meal prep, wholesome, family favorite