Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff And Penne Pasta

There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy, comforting pasta that brings everyone to the table. My family goes wild for this velveeta beef stroganoff with penne – it’s the ultimate weeknight hero. I first made it on a chaotic Tuesday when the kids were hangry and my patience was thin. Twenty minutes later? Silence. Just the sound of forks scraping bowls. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. The velveeta melts into dreamy perfection, the beef gets cozy with mushroom soup, and the penne holds it all together like the best carb-y hug. Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s stroganoff – it’s better, faster, and cheesier.

Table of Contents

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

This isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at my table actually cheer when I bring it out. Here’s why it’s become our go-to:

• Dinner in a flash: From fridge to fork in 30 minutes flat, even on my most frazzled evenings
• That velveeta magic: Melts into the creamiest sauce you’ve ever twirled around your fork (no grainy cheese sauce here!)
• Kid-approved flavor: My picky eater actually asks for seconds – the ultimate stamp of approval
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for important things (like eating!)
• Comfort in every bite: Like your favorite childhood meal, but all grown up with that perfect penne texture

Seriously, this recipe is the culinary equivalent of your coziest sweater – warm, comforting, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients for Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they all come together in that glorious creamy sauce.

The Pasta

• 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta (my favorite for holding all that cheesy goodness)

The Beef

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for best flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect sear)

The Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (the flavor base)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for maximum creaminess)
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (about 2 cups – the star of the show!)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for that tangy finish)

The Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (my secret flavor booster)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here are my favorite swaps:

• No sour cream? Greek yogurt works great – just add it at the end so it doesn’t curdle.
• Watching calories? Use ground turkey instead of beef, but brown it well for flavor.
• Velveeta is non-negotiable for that ultra-creamy melt, but in a pinch, American cheese will do (just not as smooth).
• Pasta alternatives: Egg noodles are classic, but rigatoni or shells catch the sauce beautifully too.

The key is keeping that Velveeta – it’s what makes this stroganoff so luxuriously creamy without any fuss!

Print

How to Make Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta

Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps for the creamiest, dreamiest stroganoff you’ve ever made.

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your penne in salted water according to package directions, but pull it 1 minute early (it’ll finish cooking in the sauce). Drain and set aside – don’t rinse! That starch helps the sauce cling.
2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet (I use my trusty 12-inch) over medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no pink remains – about 5 minutes. Pro tip: get some good browning for extra flavor!
3. Build the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Let it bubble gently for 5 minutes – you’ll see it thicken slightly.
4. Cheese time! Add cubed Velveeta, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth – about 3 minutes. This is when the magic happens! Keep the heat moderate so it doesn’t stick.
5. Bring it all together: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream (this prevents curdling). Fold in the cooked penne until every noodle is coated in that luscious cheese sauce.
6. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and extra creamy. Watch how fast it disappears!

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Stroganoff

• Pasta al dente is key: Overcooked noodles turn mushy when mixed with the sauce. Bite test at 1 minute less than package says!
• Stir that Velveeta like it’s your job: Constant stirring prevents clumping and ensures silky smoothness.
• Don’t boil after adding sour cream: High heat can make it separate – just warm through gently.
• Extra saucy? Keep 1/4 cup pasta water to thin if needed – the starch helps bind everything.
• Salt to taste at the end: Between the Velveeta and soup, you might not need extra!

See? Nothing tricky – just good old-fashioned stirring and tasting. The biggest challenge will be not eating it straight from the pan! If you love easy, flavorful dinners that come together fast, you’ll definitely want to check out our Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Quick Dinner Recipe. It’s another creamy, family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff

Oh, the places you’ll go with this stroganoff! My family loves it piled high in bowls with these perfect partners:

• Crusty garlic bread: For swiping up every last bit of that velvety sauce
• Crisp green salad: The fresh crunch cuts through the richness beautifully
• Roasted broccoli: Those little florets catch the cheese sauce like edible spoons
• Pickled veggies: The tangy bite brightens up each creamy forkful

Pro tip: Set out extra napkins – things get deliciously messy!

Storing and Reheating

This creamy stroganoff is almost too good to have leftovers – almost! Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools – that’s normal!
• Reheating magic: Add a splash of milk when warming to bring back that luscious creaminess. Low and slow on the stovetop works best.
• Microwave tip: Cover with a damp paper towel and stir every 30 seconds to prevent the edges from drying out.
• Freezing? I don’t recommend it – dairy-based sauces can separate when frozen and thawed.

The good news? It reheats like a dream, making tomorrow’s lunch just as comforting as tonight’s dinner!

For more creamy pasta and beef dinner ideas, follow us on Pinterest at SconesRecipe. You’ll find endless inspiration for easy skillet meals, cheesy pasta dishes, and cozy comfort food recipes everyone will love.

Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff and Penne Pasta FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common ones I get about this recipe:

Still stumped? Just ask – I’m here to help make your stroganoff perfect!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl of this velveeta beef stroganoff. Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your specific ingredients.

• Serving size: About 1 hearty cup (you’ll probably go back for seconds!)
• Calories: 450 (worth every delicious one)
• Fat: 20g (hello, creamy Velveeta goodness!)
• Saturated fat: 9g
• Carbs: 45g (mostly from that perfect penne)
• Protein: 25g (thank you, beef!)
• Sodium: 800mg (the soup and cheese bring most of this)
• Sugar: 5g (just enough to balance the flavors)

This isn’t diet food, friends – it’s comfort food at its finest. Everything in moderation, right? I like to balance it with a big green salad the next day. The way I see it, sometimes your soul needs feeding as much as your body does!

Don’t Keep This Creamy Goodness to Yourself!

Now it’s your turn to make the magic happen! I’d love to hear how your creamy Velveeta beef stroganoff turns out – did the kids go wild like mine do? Did you add any fun twists? Drop a comment below or tag me on social so I can see your cheesy masterpieces!

This recipe has brought so much joy to our family dinners, and I hope it becomes one of your go-to comfort meals too. Snap a pic of that first creamy, dreamy forkful – you’ll want to remember this moment! And if you loved it as much as we do, share it with another busy cook who needs a little weeknight win.

Happy cooking, friends! May your pasta always be al dente and your cheese sauce forever smooth.