Description
American Chop Suey is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner featuring smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese. This hearty skillet meal combines simple pantry staples into a rich, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With fresh vegetables, a tangy tomato sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent, and melted plant-based cheese, it delivers warmth and satisfying taste in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Cheese
- 6 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
Pasta and Grains
- 2 cups macaroni pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup grape juice
Oils and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the macaroni pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy and fragrant. Then add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Pour in canned crushed tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural gelling agent, and grape juice. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer gently to blend flavors and thicken while maintaining a fresh, tangy richness.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, fold in the cooked macaroni pasta. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese over the top, stirring gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, velvety texture.
- Final Touches: Finish by folding in chopped fresh basil or parsley. Give everything a gentle toss, then serve hot with inviting aroma.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten the dish just before serving.
- Simmer the sauce slowly for richer flavor development.
- Add smoked turkey bacon early to render fat and infuse smoky undertones.
- Adjust sauce thickness incrementally with natural gelling agent to preferred consistency.
- 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: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, macaroni, comforting dinner, quick recipe, vegan cheese
