I’ve always had a soft spot for creamy, comforting dinners that don’t take hours to make—and this Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta hits every mark. It’s the kind of recipe that brings together hearty, savory flavors with a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. Whether it’s a chilly night or a week when everyone’s craving something rich and satisfying, this dish comes to the rescue with minimal fuss.

The magic happens when tender ground beef is simmered with onion and garlic, then folded into a creamy blend of Velveeta and sour cream. Add perfectly cooked penne to the mix, and suddenly you have a dinner that tastes like it took much more effort than it did. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and—best of all—one-pot friendly if you plan it right.

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

This recipe checks all the boxes for a satisfying weeknight meal. It’s quick, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. The Velveeta adds a smooth, melty texture that’s hard to beat, while the combination of beef and pasta guarantees it’ll be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

It’s also incredibly adaptable—you can make it spicier, healthier, or bulk it up with extra veggies. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal-prepping for yourself, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff?

While traditional stroganoff often calls for egg noodles, I find that penne pasta holds up beautifully in this creamy version. Its ridges catch the sauce perfectly, and its firm texture doesn’t get mushy even after reheating. That said, you can absolutely switch it up with other pasta shapes—rotini, fusilli, or even rigatoni are great alternatives if penne isn’t on hand.

If you’re aiming for a slightly lighter version, whole wheat penne adds a bit of nuttiness and fiber without losing that satisfying bite. Gluten-free pasta also works well here—just be mindful of cooking times so it doesn’t over-soften in the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences:

Ground Beef → Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Even plant-based crumbles work well here for a vegetarian twist.
Velveeta → If you’re not a fan of processed cheese, try a mix of shredded cheddar and cream cheese. It won’t be quite as smooth, but still rich and delicious.

Sour Cream → Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you’re looking to lighten things up without losing that tangy creaminess.
Pasta → As mentioned, penne is ideal, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like—even egg noodles for a more classic stroganoff vibe.
Add-ins → Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach can be stirred in toward the end for a boost of veggies and color.

This recipe is meant to be a base you can customize. Feel free to make it your own and play around with the ingredients depending on your mood—or what’s hiding in your fridge.

Ingredients for This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

Each ingredient plays an important role in building the comforting layers of flavor that make this dish so satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s included:

Ground Beef – The base of the dish, it adds savory depth and a rich, meaty bite. Go for 80/20 for flavor, or leaner if you prefer.

Penne Pasta – Holds the creamy sauce perfectly in its ridges and tubes, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Velveeta Cheese – This is what makes the sauce incredibly creamy and smooth. It melts like a dream and coats everything evenly.
Sour Cream – Adds a tangy balance to the richness of the cheese and beef, giving the sauce that classic stroganoff flavor.

Beef Broth – Enhances the meaty base and helps to loosen the cheese sauce without watering it down.
Yellow Onion – Brings mild sweetness and depth to the flavor. Sautéed until soft, it forms the aromatic foundation.
Garlic – Just a couple of cloves go a long way in boosting the overall flavor with a warm, savory punch.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning each layer of the dish and balancing all the rich ingredients.
Olive Oil or Butter – Used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding richness and aroma.

Optional additions can include sautéed mushrooms or frozen peas stirred in at the end, but the core ingredients above are all you need for the full, creamy experience.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Stir in the Broth and Cheese

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir gently as it melts into the sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat until the cheese is fully melted and smooth, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream

Once the cheese is fully melted, stir in the sour cream. Mix until the sauce is silky and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh parsley if desired. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is creamy and rich.

How Long to Cook Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly—perfect for a weeknight meal or last-minute dinner idea. Here’s a rough time breakdown:

Pasta Cooking: 10–11 minutes

Sautéing & Browning Beef: 8–10 minutes
Melting Cheese & Combining Sauce: 5–6 minutes
Total Time: Around 25–30 minutes

That’s under half an hour from start to finish for a rich, comforting bowl of cheesy pasta. Not bad for something that tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

Cube the Velveeta Before Adding: This helps it melt more evenly and quickly into the sauce, preventing clumps.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente so it doesn’t get too soft once mixed into the sauce.

Use Reserved Pasta Water Wisely: A splash can loosen up a thick sauce and help it cling better to the pasta.
Low Heat for the Sour Cream: Always reduce heat before adding sour cream to avoid curdling.
Freshly Ground Pepper at the End: Adds just the right finishing touch of warmth and spice to balance the richness.

These small steps make a big difference and help you nail the creamy texture and bold flavor every time.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with simple comfort food like this, there are a few pitfalls to avoid if you want that perfect creamy finish:

Adding Sour Cream Too Early
Sour cream can split or curdle if added while the sauce is boiling. Always lower the heat and stir it in gently at the end.

Not Draining the Beef Fat
Leaving too much grease from the beef can make the sauce overly oily. Drain off the excess for a cleaner, more balanced flavor.
Overcooking the Pasta
Remember, pasta keeps cooking a bit when tossed into a warm sauce. Stop just shy of fully tender to avoid a mushy final texture.
Skipping the Seasoning
With rich ingredients like Velveeta and beef, don’t forget to balance everything out with enough salt, pepper, and maybe even a pinch of paprika or onion powder.

Using Too Much Pasta Water
While a little helps loosen the sauce, too much can water it down and dilute flavor. Add just a splash at a time.

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

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can round out the meal beautifully:

Garden Salad

A simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to scoop up any leftover sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

Add a bright, healthy contrast with lightly steamed broccoli or green beans.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roasted Brussels sprouts give you a crispy edge that complements the creamy pasta.

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

A cheesy, crispy vegetable side that echoes the savory tones of the main dish.

Iced Tea or Sparkling Water

Keep it refreshing with a chilled drink to cut through the richness.

Fresh Fruit or Berries

A bowl of strawberries or grapes offers a clean, sweet finish after such a decadent meal.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is how well it stores and reheats. Here’s how to keep those leftovers tasting just as good the next day:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the dish cool slightly before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but be aware that the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the dairy content. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often.

Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life if it thickens too much.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind that nutrition can vary depending on the brands and portion sizes used, but here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~620

Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 950mg
Cholesterol: 90mg

This is a comfort dish, no doubt—but it’s packed with protein and very filling, making it a great one-plate meal for a night when you want something satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Velveeta—can I still make this?

Yes! You can substitute with a mix of shredded cheddar and a few tablespoons of cream cheese. It won’t be quite as smooth, but it’ll still be rich and creamy.

Can I use another type of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely. Rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, or even egg noodles work well. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up in the sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s not spicy at all. However, you can easily add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container and add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

How can I make this healthier?

Use ground turkey or lean ground beef, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, and go with whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta. You can also add steamed veggies like broccoli or spinach for more nutrients.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The stovetop is best—low and slow with a splash of broth or milk. The microwave works too, just stir halfway through and use a lower power setting to avoid drying it out.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but be prepared for the texture to change slightly due to the dairy. Freeze in portions, and reheat gently for best results.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a large enough pot or skillet, and keep an eye on the sauce consistency. You may need to adjust the broth and cheese amounts slightly.

Conclusion

If you’re craving comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta delivers in a big way. It’s quick enough for weeknights, hearty enough for family dinners, and flexible enough to suit almost any pantry or dietary twist. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s the kind of recipe that keeps people coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe.