What is your comfort food? Perhaps it is something corny, cozy and comforting. Perhaps it is a homeland dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals at grandma’s table. Be it the bread and cheese you are craving or the chocolate pastry, this Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff with Penne Pasta is soon going to be your new favorite meal.
It’s a twist on a time-tested dish—combining the hearty, savory tastes of beef stroganoff with the luscious creaminess of Velveeta cheese and the full, savory bite of penne pasta.
This is a hearty, smooth, and most rewarding meal. You can use the recipe to cook something tasty for your family, buy in bulk, or just need something to eat after a hard day. This recipe can provide you with everything you need in one big bowl: taste and comfort.
Why This Dish Works
This recipe is the beef stroganoff soul, but it is put on steroids. Here we find the typical culprits: seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and rich sauce—but rather than sour cream or heavy cream on its own, we fuse Velveeta cheese, which gives it a smooth texture and creamy flavor that sticks on penne pasta like glue.
The result? A better-tasting stroganoff-like pasta dish that is cheesier and much more palatable to kids.
A special touch is also applied by the selection of penne pasta. The ridges serve to hold the creamy sauce and the firm bite of the pasta subsidizes the richness of the cheesy meat sauce. And also not to be forgotten—this is a one-pot dish, and this means fewer dishes to clean up, and quick clean-up. Win-win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients of this reassuring masterpiece are the following:
Main Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef – Use 80/20 because it is very rich in flavor.
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2 cups penne pasta – Cooked to al dente in order to support the sauce.
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1 small onion, finely chopped – To add flavor.
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2 cloves minced garlic – Everything is better with garlic.
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2 cups beef broth – Assists in making the sauce and gives it a meaty taste.
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1 cup milk – For creaminess.
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8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed – The one that gives it that creamy, smooth finish.
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Umami.
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Salt & pepper, to taste.
Optional:
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Parsley, fresh, chopped – To serve as a garnish and add in some freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Begin by preparing your penne pasta as per the instructions on the package. Don’t forget to add a lot of salt to your water to make it flavorful. When this is completed, rinse the pasta and leave it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Put the ground beef in a large skillet or deep sauté pan, over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and stir it up with a wooden spoon. Pour out all the grease, but retain a little in the pan, to add flavor.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Add in your sliced onion and garlic. Allow to sauté 3–4 minutes until the onions look translucent and fragrant. It forms the foundation of your sauce.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Milk
Add the beef broth and the milk slowly and stir to blend. Simmer, do not boil the mixture. Simmer and allow to thicken 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Melt in the Velveeta
Add your cubed Velveeta cheese to the simmer. Continually stir on low heat until it’s melted, the sauce creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Add Pasta and Season
Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and combine the two well until every piece is covered. Add Worcestershire sauce, taste, and add salt and pepper accordingly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Place in a dish and serve hot, with chopped parsley, should you wish. For a complete meal, serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
Tips for Success
In order to achieve optimum results each time, remember the following:
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Instead of using shredded cheddar, use Velveeta-style cheese; it will melt more easily and will form that famous creamy texture.
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Do not overcook pasta—you are only aiming to make it hold up in the sauce.
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Once milk and cheese have been added, simmer, do not boil. Grainy or curdled textures can result from high heat.
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Optional vegetables may be added — peas, mushrooms, or even spinach can be stirred in.
Creative Variations to Try
After mastering the simple form, try one of these fun remixes:
Spicy Velveeta Stroganoff
Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a couple of dashes of hot sauce to make it spicy.
Mushroom Beef Stroganoff
Stir in sautéed mushrooms to make it a more classic stroganoff. Bellas or cremini are good.
Southwest-Style Stroganoff
Add some taco seasoning and a few corn and black beans to make it Tex-Mex.
Ground Turkey Swap
Substitute beef with ground turkey to have a lighter and yet satisfying meal.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving for a gooey, cheesy pull.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing Instructions:
Allow to cool, then divide into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
Meal Prep Tip:
Prepare a double batch and freeze half for a fast weeknight meal. This dish reheats beautifully!
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This Velveeta Beef Stroganoff is more than just dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people back for seconds and thirds. Kids love the cheesy flavor, adults love the comfort, and the cook loves the ease. Plus, it’s affordable, adaptable, and perfect for busy nights.
When you need a recipe that checks all the boxes—quick, delicious, comforting, and foolproof—this is it.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff with Penne Pasta is not just a comfort food dish—it’s a weeknight hero, a family favorite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or hungry guests, this cheesy, hearty pasta will never let you down.