Introduction
Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff with penne pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of a creamy sauce with tender beef and satisfying pasta. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will please the whole family. The Velveeta cheese adds a delicious creaminess that elevates the dish, making it a favorite in any household.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or beef strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and paprika, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Add the Velveeta: Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Incorporate the Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the sour cream, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Mix well until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Simmer and Serve: Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar or a combination of cheeses like Gouda and Monterey Jack. However, Velveeta ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze the dish, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and reheat with additional cream.
4. What other pasta shapes can I use?
You can use any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well and provide a satisfying bite.
Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or beef strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Create the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and paprika, then reduce the heat to low.
Add the Velveeta
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Incorporate the Beef and Pasta
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the sour cream, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Mix well until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Simmer and Serve
Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Serving
Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar or a combination of cheeses like Gouda and Monterey Jack. However, Velveeta ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze the dish, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and reheat with additional cream.
What other pasta shapes can I use?
You can use any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well and provide a satisfying bite.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later use.
Searing Beef
In a skillet heated with olive oil, season and cook the beef until browned. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meat before combining it with the sauce.
Deglazing
After sautéing onions and garlic, pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the skillet. This process helps lift the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, enriching the sauce.
Making the Sauce
Combine heavy cream, paprika, and melted Velveeta cheese to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Continuous stirring ensures the cheese melts evenly.
Incorporating Ingredients
Return the cooked beef to the creamy sauce and mix in the cooked pasta. This step ensures that every ingredient is well coated in the sauce for optimal flavor.
Simmering
Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes. This step helps meld the flavors together and creates a harmonious dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar or a combination of cheeses like Gouda and Monterey Jack. However, Velveeta ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze the dish, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and reheat with additional cream.
What other pasta shapes can I use?
You can use any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well and provide a satisfying bite.
Conclusion
Creamy Velveeta Beef Stroganoff with penne pasta is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender beef, a luscious cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The blend of flavors and creamy texture ensures that everyone at the table will enjoy this delectable dish.
Alternative Cheese Options
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as shredded cheddar or Gouda, for varied flavors and textures in your stroganoff.
Mushroom Stroganoff
For a vegetarian option, swap out the beef for sautéed mushrooms and follow the same creamy sauce preparation for a delicious meatless version.
One-Pot Variations
Try making it a one-pot meal by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers along with the beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
Different Pasta Options
Switch up the pasta by using short shapes like fusilli or bowtie pasta, which will hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Spicy Kick
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that enhances the richness of the dish.
Slow Cooker Method
Consider using a slow cooker for this recipe: cook the beef and sauce ingredients on low for several hours, then stir in the pasta shortly before serving for a convenient and flavorful meal.
