Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff & Penne Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a hearty velveeta beef stroganoff demands little culinary expertise but promises maximum satisfaction.

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful pasta dish that blends rich, melty cheese with tender beef.

Penne provides the perfect vehicle for capturing every luxurious, creamy bite.

My grandmother’s classic recipe inspired this modern twist, celebrating simplicity and flavor.

Weeknight dinners rarely get more appealing than this crowd-pleasing combination.

Each forkful delivers a comforting embrace of cheesy, beefy goodness that you won’t be able to resist.

Grab your apron and prepare to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

  • Savor Quick Family Comfort: This beef pasta dish delivers pure deliciousness with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Conquer Creamy Cravings: Velveeta cheese creates an irresistibly smooth sauce that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
  • Master One-Pot Magic: Prepare everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup and simplifying the cooking process for busy home chefs.
  • Customize with Ease: Add personal touches like extra herbs or swap ground beef for ground turkey to match family preferences and dietary needs.

What’s In Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

For the Base:
  • Penne Pasta: A tubular pasta that holds creamy sauces exceptionally well.
  • Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that provides hearty flavor and substance to the stroganoff.
For the Cheese and Dairy:
  • Velveeta Cheese: A processed cheese that melts smoothly and creates a rich, creamy sauce.
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy ingredients that contribute to a velvety, luxurious texture and enhance the overall richness of the dish.
For the Seasonings and Garnish:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that add depth and enhance the savory profile of the beef and cheese sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that provides a fresh contrast to the creamy stroganoff.

Cooking Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a big pot of salted water bubbling and cook penne pasta until it’s tender but firm. Drain and set aside, letting it wait for its cheesy destiny.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into tiny crumbles, cooking until no pink remains and it’s beautifully golden.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Turn down the heat and sprinkle in these flavor boosters:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything thoroughly so each beef morsel gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 4: Create Cheese Sauce Magic

Lower the skillet temperature and add cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until it transforms into a silky, smooth sauce that’ll make mouths water.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Goodness

Pour in these creamy companions:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk

Gently mix to create a luxurious sauce that clings to every pasta piece.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked penne into the beefy cheese mixture. Ensure each pasta tube gets completely embraced by the velvety sauce.

Step 7: Let Flavors Dance

Simmer on low heat for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and the sauce to become perfectly thick and irresistible.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your creamy creation.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out immediately while the pasta is steaming hot and the cheese sauce is at its most gloriously creamy moment. Get ready for a comfort food explosion!

Tips For Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

  • Choose High-Quality Ground Beef: Select lean ground beef with 80/20 ratio for best flavor and texture without excessive grease.
  • Cook Pasta Perfectly Al Dente: Taste pasta while cooking to ensure it's firm but not hard, preventing mushy texture in final dish.
  • Prevent Cheese Sauce Separation: Stir cheese slowly on low heat and avoid rapid temperature changes to maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the beef's richness and complexity.
  • Make Ahead and Reheat Smartly: Store leftovers in airtight container and gently reheat with splash of milk to restore sauce's creamy texture.

Fun Flavor Options For Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautĂ©ed mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with umami flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap traditional penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower florets, creating a lighter meal that maintains the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne to transform the classic stroganoff into a zesty southwestern-inspired dish.

Pairing Tips For Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

  • Crisp Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the creamy beef stroganoff, balancing its heavy cheese and meat flavors.
  • Classic Beer Match: Opt for a German-style wheat beer or amber ale that complements the hearty beef and provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy pasta dish.
  • Roasted Vegetable Accompaniment: Serve roasted asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon zest to add a fresh, bright element that offsets the stroganoff's creamy texture.

How To Store Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and safe to consume later.
  • Transfer portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed and creamy.
  • Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore original sauce consistency. Stir gently and frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
  • Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQ For Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

  • What makes the cheese sauce so creamy?

The combination of Velveeta cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, and milk creates a luxurious, smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly without separating.

  • Can I use different ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work great as alternatives to beef, offering similar texture and flavor profiles.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this stroganoff is mild and savory, with seasonings like garlic and onion powder providing gentle flavor without heat.

  • How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Melt the cheese slowly over low heat and stir constantly, which helps maintain a smooth, silky texture throughout the sauce.

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Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta Recipe

Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Velveeta beef stroganoff and penne pasta delivers comfort on a plate with rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty pasta mingles with savory beef in a creamy sauce that promises satisfaction for dinner lovers seeking quick, delicious meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 8 oz velveeta cheese, cubed

Dairy and Liquids:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 7-9 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper directly into the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Lower skillet temperature and add cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring constantly until cheese begins to melt and create a smooth sauce.
  5. Pour in sour cream, heavy cream, and milk, gently mixing to create a rich, creamy consistency without causing separation.
  6. Fold cooked penne pasta into the beef and cheese mixture, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated with the velvety sauce.
  7. Allow the stroganoff to simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, providing a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.
  9. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the cheese sauce remains creamy and luxurious.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the dish.
  • Experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free penne for alternative dietary needs.
  • Keep stirring the cheese sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
  • Customize the dish by adding sautĂ©ed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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