Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
Nothing says comfort food like a creamy, cheesy pasta dish brimming with tender beef and savory mushrooms. This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare. The rich, velvety cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta, and the beef brings a satisfying depth of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone come back for seconds.
This recipe takes the classic beef stroganoff and gives it a modern twist by swapping egg noodles for penne pasta and incorporating the unmistakable creaminess of Velveeta. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to serve when you have friends or family over. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
You’ll love this dish because it’s a delightful fusion of familiar comfort and cheesy indulgence. The penne pasta holds up beautifully to the thick, creamy sauce, making each forkful satisfyingly rich. Velveeta melts seamlessly, giving you a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta and beef without any lumps. Best of all, the recipe uses straightforward ingredients and delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
While this recipe calls for penne pasta, you can easily adapt it to your preference. Rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work wonderfully to catch the creamy sauce in their nooks and crannies. Penne offers a nice balance between sturdiness and sauce-holding ability, making it a perfect choice for this rich, cheesy stroganoff.
Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
This dish is all about creating layers of flavor with a creamy, cheesy finish. Each ingredient plays a role in building that satisfying comfort food experience.
- Ground beef – Provides the hearty base and rich, savory flavor.
- Penne pasta – Sturdy enough to hold the sauce while offering a satisfying bite.
- Velveeta cheese – Melts smoothly into the sauce for unbeatable creaminess.
- Mushrooms – Add earthy depth and texture.
- Onion – Brings sweetness and aromatic flavor.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with warm, savory notes.
- Beef broth – Enhances the meaty richness of the sauce.
- Sour cream – Balances the cheese with tangy creaminess.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to bring everything together.


How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it apart as it cooks, then drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add butter to the skillet, followed by chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are tender.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the vegetables and beef. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add the Creaminess
Reduce the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
This hearty pasta dish serves about 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, casual feel, or plate it individually for a more polished presentation. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, so serving it fresh ensures the creamiest texture.
To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta?
Garlic Bread
A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.
Steamed Green Beans
The freshness and slight crunch of green beans balance the richness of the pasta.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized sprouts bring a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to the table.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil lighten up the meal beautifully.
Sautéed Spinach
A simple side of spinach adds color and extra nutrition.
Mixed Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted veggies provide texture and a pop of flavor.
Crusty Baguette
For those who can’t get enough bread with their pasta.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a bold, smoky kick.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti when you crave baked pasta comfort.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine for a spicy, creamy twist.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for indulgent, cheesy goodness.
• Seafood Stuffed Shells when you’re in the mood for something decadent.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra vegetables or keep it classic? Did you try swapping the pasta shape?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated comfort food and pasta recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dinner!
Conclusion
Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is the definition of weeknight comfort. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you make it for a quick dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
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Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is a quick weeknight dinner featuring tender ground beef, penne pasta, and a velvety Velveeta cheese sauce with mushrooms, onion, and garlic. This family-friendly, one-pan stroganoff delivers rich flavor, easy steps, and reliable results. Keywords: Velveeta beef stroganoff, penne pasta, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef recipes.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces penne pasta
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a wide deep skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
3. Add butter, onion, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are soft and mushrooms are tender.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cubed Velveeta and stir until completely melted and smooth.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add cooked penne and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use 85 to 90 percent lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
If the sauce thickens on standing, loosen with a splash of beef broth or milk while reheating.
Rotini or rigatoni can replace penne if you prefer a different pasta shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heaping cup
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg