American Chop Suey is a beloved comfort food classic, and this vegetarian twist featuring veggie crumbles and a rich tomato soup brings a hearty, flavorful meal to your table without any meat. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with savory plant-based crumbles, simmered in a delicious tomato sauce that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and taste.
Using veggie crumbles makes this recipe accessible for vegetarians and those looking to reduce their meat intake without compromising on texture or flavor. The accompanying tomato soup is simple yet comforting, adding a warm, tangy side that pairs beautifully with the chop suey.
It’s a meal that’s perfect year-round and especially cozy on cooler evenings.
Ready to cook up this comforting, plant-based American Chop Suey with veggie crumbles and tomato soup? Let’s dive into the recipe and all the tips to make it perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This American Chop Suey with veggie crumbles is a fantastic vegetarian alternative to the traditional version, offering all the hearty satisfaction with less fat and cholesterol. The dish is:
- Easy to make: Uses simple pantry staples and veggie crumbles that cook quickly.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the familiar pasta and tomato flavors.
- Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants from tomatoes and veggies.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or spice levels.
- Comforting: The tomato soup adds warmth and moisture, making this a perfect cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup veggie crumbles (such as Beyond Meat or homemade soy crumbles)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Optional: red chili flakes for heat
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Large saucepan for tomato soup
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the veggie crumbles: Add the veggie crumbles to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up any clumps, until lightly browned and heated through.
- Add the bell pepper and spices: Stir in the diced green bell pepper, dried oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and soy sauce. Stir to combine everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta: Stir the drained elbow macaroni into the skillet with the sauce and veggie crumbles. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta in the rich tomato mixture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add red chili flakes if you like some heat. Simmer another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Prepare the tomato soup: While the chop suey simmers, heat 2 cups of vegetable broth in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of tomato sauce or canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Ladle the hot American Chop Suey into bowls alongside or topped with the tomato soup for a comforting meal experience.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Vegetable add-ins: Feel free to add diced mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots for more nutrition and texture.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or vegan cheese on top just before serving for a cheesy flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties and check that your veggie crumbles are gluten-free.
- Spice it up: Incorporate your own chilli powder spice blend to add depth and heat.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Vitamin A | 25% DV |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your American Chop Suey hot with a bowl of the warm tomato soup on the side or poured over the top for extra sauciness. This meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for added greens.
For a cozy dinner, add some crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up any leftover sauce. A simple vegan coleslaw or roasted vegetables also complement the rich tomato flavors.
If you’re interested in more wholesome pasta dishes, check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals to explore a variety of healthy, plant-based options.
Conclusion
This American Chop Suey with veggie crumbles and tomato soup recipe is a perfect example of how comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious without relying on meat. It’s a warm, filling dish that satisfies cravings, packed with plant-based protein and vibrant flavors from fresh vegetables and herbs.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to try a new twist on a classic, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or batch cooking for the week. The tomato soup adds a lovely, tangy side that complements the pasta beautifully, making the meal feel complete and comforting.
For more wholesome vegetarian and vegan recipes, be sure to browse our collection like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love to keep your menu exciting and healthy every day.
📖 Recipe Card: American Chop Suey with Veggie Crumbles and Tomato Soup
Description: A comforting American classic made with veggie crumbles and tender elbow macaroni, served alongside a warm tomato soup. This hearty meal is perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz veggie crumbles
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato soup (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add veggie crumbles and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well.
- Heat tomato soup in a separate pot until warm.
- Serve American chop suey hot, garnished with parsley if desired, alongside tomato soup.
Nutrition: Calories: 420 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 62 g
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