5 Easy ACP Recipe Variations You Must Try

Are you craving the rich and comforting taste of traditional American Chop Suey but looking to explore new flavors and twists? American Chop Suey, commonly known as ACP, is a versatile dish that provides a blank canvas for various ingredients, allowing for endless creativity in the kitchen. Here, we delve into 5 delicious ACP recipe variations that you can try at home to elevate your dinner game.

ACP with a Spicy Kick

If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, this spicy variation of ACP is perfect for you. It adds layers of flavor with a spicy twist that will tingle your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish

Preparation Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until softened.
• Mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
• Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors.
• Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

🍴 Note: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat tolerance.

ACP with Smoky Sausage and Corn

Give your ACP a delightful smoky flavor with sausage and the sweetness of corn to balance out the savory.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps:

• Cook macaroni as directed, drain, and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage slices until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
• In the same skillet, cook the onion until translucent.
• Add corn, tomato sauce, beef broth, and paprika; bring to a simmer.
• Return sausage to the skillet, stir in the cooked macaroni, and let it cook together for 5-10 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley before serving.

ACP with Fresh Herbs and Feta

Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this ACP variation, featuring the bright flavors of fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps:

• Cook macaroni, drain, and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground lamb. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until tender.
• Stir in oregano, thyme, and diced tomatoes; simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Combine with the cooked macaroni, and fold in half of the feta cheese.
• Serve hot with the remaining feta crumbled on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

🧀 Note: Feta can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.

ACP with Creamy Tomato Sauce

For those who prefer a creamier texture, this version of ACP incorporates a rich tomato cream sauce that will make you swoon.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Preparation Steps:

• Cook macaroni, drain, and set aside.
• Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain fat.
• Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, stir in heavy cream, and add Italian seasoning.
• Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
• Mix with the cooked macaroni, season with salt and pepper, and serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

ACP with Asian-Inspired Flavors

Explore an east-meets-west fusion by adding some Asian flavors to your ACP for a truly unique experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup sliced bok choy
• Scallions for garnish

Preparation Steps:

• Cook macaroni, drain, and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat sesame oil and cook the ground pork until no longer pink.
• Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, mushrooms, and bok choy.
• Once the vegetables are tender, combine with the macaroni.
• Garnish with scallions before serving.

In this exploration of ACP recipes, we’ve journeyed through a spicy rendition to a creamy delight, with stops in Mediterranean, smoky, and Asian flavors. Each of these variations on the American Chop Suey theme not only offers a distinct taste but also showcases the dish’s adaptability to different palates and preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to diversify your weeknight meals, these ACP variations provide a comforting yet exciting culinary experience.