American Chop Suey or Goolash?

Question

Ok, this is driving me nuts. I have an ongoing stalemate argument going on with my girlfriend...to the point that I can't even accept this meal she cooks anymore because she _always_ calls it by the wrong name. 

To me, a meal made of hamburger, elbow macaroni and tomato sauce is called (American) Chop Suey.

My girlfriend calls this Goolash.

Seriously. Is this a Vermont thing? I'm from Massachusetts and I have never heard of this before. American Chop Suey was a lunch menu item at least twice a month at every school I went to growing up. 

To me, Goolash has always been a Hungarian meal made of leftovers that resembles some kind of stew.

I admit, some foods are confusing. I have a hard time telling green onions from scallions. But really, is the nomenclature for chop suey so difficult to agree on?

Vote please and solve this -- Is the proper name for the pasta dish Chop Suey or Goolash? What did you grow up with? Is it a state thing?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I don't think it's either. Chop Suey is a Chinese dish. My parents used to order it from Chinese restaurants when we were young.

Here's a definition. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chop_suey

Goulash is a Hungarian stew - made with beef, vegetables and paprika. 

I would call the dish you're talking about baked macaroni, or macaroni casserole. But whatever you call it - it sounds good!

? · Answer

My mom always called that American Chop Suey, and I live in NY. Goulash is something entirely different.

shootingstars957 · Answer

We  are from Michigan and I make this dish for the family alot.  And I was raised on it when I was a kid.   We have always called it "Goolash" and always will.....never heard of American chop suey!!!....No disrespect to your girlfriend though.....

GP · Answer

Goolash is 'typically' a stew made up of lima beans, meat, potatos, etc.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goulash

I have heard of lima beans & corn being called goolash also.

Her version sounds like a hamburger helper meal.

The only "American Chop Suey" that I know of is like a stir fry with sauce - served on rice.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chop_suey

Green onions are scallions.

dENISE D · Answer

This Mass. girl will only eat american chop suey!  Maybe with a nice cold glass of coffee milk!

Andre · Answer

I'll back you up in that I've never heard of American Chop Suey!

beijaflor · Answer

I don't know what is the name of that stuff that you friend cooks, sounds like hamburger helper gross food, but is definitely not goulash which it is a Hungarian stew of beef and paprika

Anonymous · Answer

its called goolash here in minnesota

bluepassion_life · Answer

I think your girlfriend is right...goulash it is. Sorry!

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American Chop Suey or Goolash?

9 Answers