If you’re looking for the kind of dinner that checks every box—comforting, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—then you need to try this Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta. It’s like a weeknight hug in a bowl, ready in under an hour and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The rich Velveeta cheese melts beautifully into the savory beef and mushroom sauce, wrapping around every bite of penne pasta like a warm, creamy blanket.

This dish is a hearty, family-style take on the classic stroganoff. Instead of traditional egg noodles, penne pasta adds a sturdier texture, which holds up well with the thickness of the cheese sauce. You get tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and just enough garlic and onion to add flavor without overpowering. It’s casual enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to impress anyone who walks through your kitchen door.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

There are so many reasons to love this dinner. For one, it’s outrageously creamy. The combination of sour cream and Velveeta makes the sauce extra rich and velvety. You can make it in one pot if you want to simplify cleanup, and it reheats like a dream. It also feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers the next day.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or just need to get dinner on the table without too much fuss, this recipe brings a lot of joy to the plate. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Add peas, swap mushrooms for spinach, or use rigatoni instead of penne. However you make it, it’s bound to become a staple.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta or Cheese?

Absolutely! While penne pasta has a great bite and holds the creamy sauce well, you can easily swap it out with rigatoni, shells, or even classic egg noodles for a more traditional stroganoff feel. The same goes for the cheese. Velveeta gives this dish its signature melt-in-your-mouth quality, but if you’re in the mood for something sharper or more robust, try using a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Even cream cheese can sneak in for extra tang. Just keep an eye on the melt factor—you want that smooth, luscious texture that makes this dish shine.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

This recipe combines pantry staples and rich ingredients to build a dish full of flavor and heartiness. Each component adds something essential, from texture to creaminess to savory satisfaction. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef
Penne pasta
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Mushrooms
Beef broth
Sour cream
Velveeta cheese
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Toss in chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, stirring often, and cook until the mushrooms are browned and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, then lower the heat. Stir in sour cream and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

This dish is best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. The sauce is at its silkiest when it’s warm, hugging every noodle and spoonful of beef. You can sprinkle on some fresh parsley or even a bit of grated Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. For those who like a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Simply transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or broth will help loosen the sauce back to its original creamy texture. It also makes a great lunch the next day, whether microwaved or reheated gently on the stove.

This recipe yields enough to feed about 6 people generously, making it perfect for family-style dinners or meal prepping for the week.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside and buttery in the middle, garlic bread is the classic sidekick to any cheesy pasta dish.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright green broccoli adds a fresh contrast and helps balance out the richness of the stroganoff.

Garden Salad

A crisp salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites.

Roasted Asparagus

Earthy and lightly caramelized, roasted asparagus is a simple yet elegant pairing.

Sautéed Green Beans

These add a slightly crunchy texture and a bit of freshness that complements the creamy sauce.

Buttered Peas

Sweet and delicate peas offer a soft and mildly sweet contrast.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

If you’re going all-in on comfort, mashed sweet potatoes bring sweetness and warmth to the table.

Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad go surprisingly well with this cheesy pasta meal.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Creamy Twist?

If you love this Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta, you’ll definitely want to explore these other comfort food champions on Mia Plates:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a dish that wraps tender shells in a thick, savory sauce.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you’re craving rich flavors in record time.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta that combines cheesy Alfredo sauce with savory beef.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a Philly-inspired pasta dish with bold flavor.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you’re after smoky, creamy, and simple in one meal.