Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta with tender beef and savory mushrooms. This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta takes the classic stroganoff flavors we all love and gives them a rich, velvety twist with Velveeta cheese. The result is a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and absolutely irresistible for family dinners.
What makes this recipe shine is the perfect balance between the savory ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and the luxuriously smooth cheese sauce that coats every bite of penne pasta. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this creamy pasta bake is sure to please everyone at the table.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?
For this stroganoff-inspired recipe, penne pasta is the perfect choice because its ridges hold onto the rich cheese sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. You could also substitute rotini or bowtie pasta if you want a little texture variety, but penne keeps things traditional and hearty.
Ingredients for Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
- Ground Beef – The heart of the dish, adding protein and savory flavor.
- Penne Pasta – A sturdy pasta that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Velveeta Cheese – The creamy star that transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety coating.
- Mushrooms – Classic stroganoff flavor that adds earthy depth.
- Onion – Provides sweetness and balance to the savory beef.
- Garlic – Brings a punch of flavor to the sauce.
- Beef Broth – Adds depth and helps create the sauce base.
- Sour Cream – Essential for that tangy stroganoff creaminess.
- Butter – For sautéing and richness.
- Salt & Black Pepper – To season everything just right.


How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. You want the pasta slightly firm so it holds up when mixed with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, melt a little butter and sauté diced onions until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper for flavor.
Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Garlic
Toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, letting them cook until the mushrooms are tender and golden. This step infuses the dish with that classic stroganoff depth.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Reduce the heat, then add cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until melted into a silky, cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Stir in sour cream for that traditional stroganoff tang, making the sauce extra rich and velvety.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing until every piece is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet, when the cheese sauce is at its creamiest. If you’re making it ahead or storing leftovers, let the pasta cool before refrigerating in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce back to its silky consistency.
For meal prepping, you can cook the beef and sauce a day ahead, then add freshly cooked pasta before serving. This keeps the pasta from soaking up too much sauce while it sits.
What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta?
Garlic Bread
A buttery, garlicky loaf makes the perfect companion to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
Pair it with oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a healthy balance.
Caesar Salad
The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing add freshness to this hearty pasta dish.
Steamed Green Beans
Lightly seasoned green beans bring a simple and wholesome side option.
Pickled Beets or Cucumbers
Their tangy bite cuts through the richness of the cheesy stroganoff.
Mashed Potatoes
If you’re craving extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes double up on the cozy factor.
Fresh Garden Salad
Tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta, you might also enjoy these other hearty comfort food recipes:
- Try this rich and cheesy Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta for another Velveeta twist.
- For a traditional favorite, check out Easy Beef Stroganoff that brings classic flavors to the table.
- Make a weeknight family hit with Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta.
- Or cozy up with Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a steakhouse-inspired pasta night.
- If chicken is calling your name, try the creamy Cheesy Ranch Chicken Garlic Butter Fettuccine.
Save This Pin For Later
Keep this recipe handy by saving it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can make it anytime the craving strikes.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a little extra spice, or swapping in rotini for fun texture? Share your variations in the comments—I’d love to know how you made it your own.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite dish might be waiting there!

Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Craving a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that’s still weeknight-easy? This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta marries classic stroganoff flavor (savory beef, mushrooms, and a tangy sour cream finish) with the ultra silky melt of Velveeta. Every piece of penne catches that rich, cheesy sauce for the kind of family dinner that earns repeat requests. Ready in about 40 minutes; great for easy dinner, weeknight pasta, quick meals, family friendly recipes, comfort food, one pot pasta, dinner ideas, and hearty beef stroganoff flavor with a creamy twist.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
12 oz Velveeta, cut in cubes
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente; drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; cook onion 3–4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned. Drain excess fat; season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in mushrooms and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until tender.
5. Pour in beef broth; scrape up browned bits and simmer 3–5 minutes.
6. Lower heat; add Velveeta cubes and stir until fully melted and smooth.
7. Remove from heat briefly; whisk in sour cream until silky. Adjust seasoning.
8. Add pasta; toss to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Temper the sour cream with a little warm sauce to prevent curdling.
Velveeta and broth are salty — taste before adding extra salt.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cup
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 1180
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 61
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 115
Keywords: easy dinner, weeknight pasta, beef stroganoff, Velveeta recipe, comfort food, one pot pasta, family friendly, dinner ideas