This recipe has everything you need to make a filling and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. The creamy sauce is packed with flavor from the beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms, all brought together by the signature smoothness of Velveeta. It’s a dish that’s indulgent yet simple, and the penne pasta adds the perfect texture to complement the rich sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces penne pasta – Penne pasta is perfect for this recipe because its tube like shape helps hold the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the last.
- 1 pound ground beef – Ground beef adds a savory richness to the sauce. Feel free to use lean beef for a lighter version.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and beef. It adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1 onion, finely chopped – Onions bring a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic provides that aromatic kick that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms – Mushrooms contribute an earthy flavor that complements the beef and adds an extra layer of texture to the dish.
- 1 cup beef broth – Beef broth helps create the base of the creamy sauce and infuses the dish with meaty flavor.
- 1 cup milk – The milk helps to thin out the sauce and adds a smooth, creamy texture.
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed – Velveeta is the star of the sauce. Its smooth meltability gives the dish a rich, velvety texture that you can’t get from any other cheese.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream – Sour cream adds a touch of tanginess, helping to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds a savory, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and color to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional) – Ground mustard adds a slight sharpness to cut through the creaminess of the sauce. It’s optional but recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the sauce and balancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the dish.
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water to help thin the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just a little for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Mushrooms
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 4: Add the Beef Broth and Milk
Once the onions and mushrooms are ready, pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add the Velveeta Cheese
Next, add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet, stirring frequently to help it melt into the sauce. The cheese will give the sauce a smooth, creamy texture. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Stir in the Sour Cream and Seasonings
Once the cheese has melted, add the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, ground mustard (if using), salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until everything is combined, and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Combine the Sauce with the Pasta
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef stroganoff sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. If needed, you can add more pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the creamy Velveeta beef stroganoff and penne pasta immediately while it’s still hot and comforting.
Variations:
Swap the Beef for Chicken or Turkey
If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. Both options provide a leaner protein, and they still pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition
For a boost of vegetables, consider adding some spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the dish. Simply sauté the veggies along with the onions and garlic to incorporate them into the sauce. This will not only add more flavor but also increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Use Different Pasta Shapes
While penne pasta works perfectly for this recipe, feel free to use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. The shape of the pasta can slightly alter the texture of the dish, but it will still taste just as delicious.
Make It Spicy
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and onions. This will add a subtle heat to the creamy sauce that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese.
Cooking Notes:
Don’t Overcook the Beef
Beef cooks quickly, and overcooking it can lead to a dry, tough texture. Make sure to brown the beef until it’s just cooked through, and avoid cooking it for too long once it’s added to the sauce.
Be Patient with the Cheese
Velveeta cheese melts into the sauce beautifully, but you need to stir it slowly and patiently to prevent it from clumping or separating. Don’t rush this step!
Adjust Sauce Thickness
If the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add some pasta water or extra milk to thin it out. The reserved pasta water contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce, so it’s always a great option for adjusting consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy Velveeta beef stroganoff and penne pasta can be served on its own as a hearty, satisfying meal, but there are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with it. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. You can also serve it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, adds some freshness to the meal.