Description
A quick and flavorful Cheeseburger Pasta Salad combining tender fusilli pasta, savory ground beef with melted cheddar, crisp fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing for an easy crowd-pleaser perfect for lunch or picnic.
Ingredients
Pasta and Beef Mixture
- 8 oz fusilli bucati corti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables
- 3/4 cup pickles, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup creamy French dressing
- 3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fusilli pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a sheet pan to cool and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and let it brown for 4-5 minutes on one side before breaking it apart with a spatula or meat masher.
- Finish cooking beef: Continue cooking the ground beef for another 5-6 minutes or until it is no longer pink throughout. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine evenly.
- Melt the cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the beef mixture. Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, creamy French dressing, reserved pasta water, sweet pickle relish, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and turmeric. Adjust the consistency by adding additional pasta water a tablespoon at a time if desired.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and ground beef mixture with the prepared burger sauce. Gently mix in the diced pickles, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, and finely diced red onion until everything is well distributed.
Notes
- Make sure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Adjust the dressing consistency with reserved pasta water for a creamier texture or thinner dressing.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
