Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine tender penne pasta smothered in a savory, cheesy Velveeta sauce that clings to every curve. Add to that hearty, seasoned ground beef and the classic stroganoff twist, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner that’s easy enough for any day but rich enough to feel like a treat.
What makes this dish so satisfying is its blend of creamy and savory. The Velveeta melts into a velvety sauce, balanced by the umami-rich mushrooms and the tang of sour cream. It’s a nostalgic meal with a modern, creamy upgrade that both kids and adults devour.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have everything on hand. And the flavor is unbeatable — rich, creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting. Plus, it makes plenty to feed a hungry family and still leave leftovers.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Stroganoff?
While egg noodles are traditional in beef stroganoff, penne pasta gives this version a heartier bite and holds up better under the creamy sauce. The tubular shape catches the sauce beautifully, ensuring flavor in every forkful. If you prefer another shape, rigatoni or even rotini would be great alternatives.
Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
This dish brings together simple, comforting ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. Each element plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef – This gives the dish its hearty base and rich flavor.
- Penne Pasta – Holds up well to the creamy sauce and adds a satisfying chew.
- Velveeta Cheese – Melts into a smooth, luscious sauce that binds everything together.
- Sour Cream – Adds a tangy creaminess that defines stroganoff.
- Beef Broth – Builds the savory depth of flavor.
- Onion – Sautéed until soft and golden, it provides sweetness and umami.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavor with its warm, aromatic bite.
- Mushrooms – Add an earthy richness that complements the beef.
- Butter – Helps with sautéing and adds an indulgent touch.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.


How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce. Reduce heat to low and mix in sour cream.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to soak up the flavors, then serve warm.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Penne needs to be al dente to hold its structure when mixed with the rich sauce. Also, don’t rush the cheese melting process—Velveeta needs a bit of gentle stirring to become creamy without clumping. Lastly, avoid adding sour cream at high heat. Doing so can cause it to curdle instead of blending smoothly.
Serving and Storing This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
This recipe generously serves about 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it hot, straight from the pan, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper if you’d like an extra pop.
For storing, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Crispy and buttery, perfect for mopping up that delicious sauce.
Steamed Broccoli
A healthy side that adds freshness and color.
Caesar Salad
Crunchy, tangy, and complements the rich pasta perfectly.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Their caramelized edges bring a lovely contrast.
Pickled Beets
For a bit of zing that balances the creamy richness.
Green Beans Almondine
Adds a nutty crunch and brightness.
Simple Cucumber Salad
Light and refreshing, it helps cleanse the palate.
Sautéed Spinach
Quick and easy, with earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with beef.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this creamy Velveeta beef stroganoff, you might want to try more unique takes on pasta dishes. Here are a few you’ll probably enjoy too:
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta brings savory Italian flair with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
- Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a seafood spin that’s buttery and elegant.
- One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta gives similar cozy vibes but with a garlicky punch.
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a hearty baked version you’ll want to make on repeat.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic dinner made easy.
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 use penne or switch it up? Try adding Worcestershire or hot sauce?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other make dinnertime easier and tastier.
Explore beautifully curated comfort food ideas and creamy pasta favorites on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and find your next obsession.
Conclusion
Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is all about making simple ingredients shine. It combines nostalgic flavors with a satisfying texture, perfect for feeding your people and feeling nourished in every bite. When you need something cozy and quick, this dish delivers on all fronts.
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Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner. This rich and cheesy pasta recipe with ground beef, mushrooms, and sour cream delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
12 oz penne pasta
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent.
2. Stir in garlic and mushrooms. Cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add cubed Velveeta and stir until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
6. Lower heat and stir in sour cream until combined.
7. In a separate pot, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.
8. Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until well coated and heated through.
9. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
You can swap penne for rotini or rigatoni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg