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.