how2heroes » American Chop Suey

Quick & Easy » American Chop Suey

Martha Correia shares a family favorite recipe that's warm, comforting and nutritious. In her version, Martha chooses gemelli spiral-shaped pasta that's tossed with sauteed onions and garlic, ground beef, cuushed tomatoes, red wine and lots of Parmesan cheese. It's quick and easy to assemble for a busy family who, at the end of the day, want to share stories, time and dinner together.

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Ingredients

1 lb of pasta (gemelli, bow tie or elbow macaroni)
pinch of salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 bay leaves
1 tsp dried Italian spice blend
1½ lbs ground beef (pork, chicken or turkey)
12 oz tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
¾ - 1 cup red wine
½ cup beef broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish Suggestions

freshly grated Parmesan cheese
sprig of fresh basil

How-to

Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil and add a pinch of salt
Add pasta and cook until al dente (according to package directions), drain and set aside
During this time, add olive oil to a sauté pan and heat oil over medium-high heat
Add onions, garlic, bay leaves and dried Italian spice blend and sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until meat is thoroughly browned, about 5-10 minutes, mixing it in with vegetables
Pat excess fat on meat mixture with a paper towel
In the pasta pot, add the beef mixture and pan drippings, tomato paste and crushed tomatoes
Return the pasta to the pot and add red wine and beef broth (adjust liquids to desired thickness)
Add Parmesan cheese and bring it to a simmer to heat through, about 5 minutes, then serve and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese