Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s fast, filling, and full of creamy goodness? This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is the cheesy, beefy pasta dish your weeknight menu has been missing. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you get a rich, indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Instead of the traditional sour cream and egg noodles, this version gets a creamy twist from Velveeta cheese and hearty penne pasta. The result? A super cheesy beef stroganoff with tender mushrooms, flavorful ground beef, and pasta that holds up beautifully to the rich, velvety sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
- Cheesy and comforting: Velveeta melts into the most satisfying creamy sauce.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Weeknight-friendly: Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults alike love the mild, cheesy taste.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, herbs, or even a kick of spice.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Penne pasta is ideal for this recipe because the tubes hold onto that creamy cheese sauce so well. But if you don’t have penne on hand, other short pastas like rotini, ziti, or even rigatoni will work great. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.


Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish creamy, flavorful, and comforting.
- Ground Beef: Brings rich, meaty flavor and makes it a satisfying main dish.
- Penne Pasta: Its ridges and tube shape catch all that cheesy sauce.
- Velveeta Cheese: Melts perfectly into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Mushrooms: Add depth, texture, and umami to the dish.
- Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Brings bold flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
- Beef Broth: Builds a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- Milk: Helps create a creamy texture and balances the richness.
- Butter: Enhances flavor and helps sauté the mushrooms and onions.
- Parsley: Optional, for garnish and a fresh touch.
How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
This dish comes together in a few easy steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
Add butter to the skillet, then toss in sliced mushrooms and diced onions. Cook until softened and golden.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Broth
Stir in the garlic and pour in beef broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Melt in Velveeta and Milk
Add cubed Velveeta cheese and milk to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and cheese sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and cheesy!

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
This dish makes 4 to 5 hearty servings and is best served hot right out of the skillet. It’s rich, cheesy, and filling all on its own, but you can also pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.
For storage, let the pasta cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the cheese sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta?
Garlic Bread
A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Steamed Green Beans
Adds a pop of freshness and crunch to balance the richness.
Caesar Salad
A crisp romaine salad with creamy dressing and croutons complements the dish beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized sprouts bring earthy balance to this cheesy meal.
Buttered Corn
Simple and sweet, it pairs well with the savory beef and cheese.
Pickled Red Onions
For a tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
Sautéed Spinach
Light and garlicky, it brings a healthy green touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, ziti, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it al dente.
What can I use instead of Velveeta?
You can substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar and a splash of cream. However, Velveeta gives the smoothest and creamiest texture.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a meatless ground alternative.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Is this freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing can make the cheese sauce grainy when thawed.
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Let me know how yours turned out! Did you add extra veggies or spice it up with red pepper flakes?
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Conclusion
This Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is the definition of hearty comfort food. With cheesy richness, satisfying pasta, and flavorful beef in every bite, it’s an easy recipe that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekends in!

Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
If you’re craving cheesy comfort food that comes together fast, this Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta is your dream dinner. Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, hearty mushrooms, and melty Velveeta cheese blend into a smooth, rich sauce that tastes like home in every bite. This easy dinner is perfect for weeknights and makes amazing leftovers too. Whether you’re searching for comfort food, easy dinner recipes, pasta meal ideas, or family-friendly food ideas, this one-pan wonder checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
400g ground beef
250g penne pasta
200g Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any fat.
3. Add butter, mushrooms, and onions. Cook until soft and golden.
4. Stir in garlic and beef broth. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cubed Velveeta and milk. Stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
6. Add cooked pasta to skillet. Toss everything together until coated.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when tossed in the sauce.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, easy meal