Cheesy American-Style Stroganoff (Printable Format)

A comforting American twist on classic stroganoff featuring ground beef, mushrooms, and penne pasta in a rich, creamy Velveeta cheese sauce.

# What You'll Gather:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
02 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil (if using beef strips)
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 cup sliced mushrooms

→ For the Sauce

07 - 1 1/2 cups beef broth
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp paprika
10 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
11 - 4 oz (115g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For Garnish

14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
02 - If using ground beef, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. If using beef strips, heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the strips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
04 - Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Add Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Lower the heat and stir in the Velveeta cubes, letting them melt completely. Stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then fold in the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
07 - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

# Important Tips:

01 - You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
02 - For extra veggies, stir in spinach or peas when combining the pasta with the sauce.
03 - Velveeta ensures a smooth, creamy sauce, but shredded cheddar can be used in a pinch.
04 - This dish reheats well with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.