Cheeseburger Pasta Salad

Name: Cheeseburger Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; ½ cup diced dill pickles; ¼ cup finely chopped red onion; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: May 26, 2025

by Sarah Connor

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When you think of summer picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, what dish springs to mind? If your answer isn’t cheeseburger pasta salad, then my friend, you might need to reevaluate your culinary priorities. This dish is like a sunny day in a bowl, overflowing with vibrant colors and flavors that dance on your taste buds. spicy shrimp tacos Picture this: creamy pasta mingling with juicy beef, fresh veggies, and a dressing that ties it all together like the perfect summer romance. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients
Let’s Make it Together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
Can I make Cheeseburger Pasta Salad ahead of time?
What kind of cheese works best?
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
📖 Recipe Card

Now, let me take you back to that glorious day at the park when my cousin Kevin decided he was going to “impress” everyone with his cooking skills. Spoiler alert: he didn’t! Instead of his famous grilled burgers, he brought this delightful cheeseburger pasta salad that stole the show. juicy grilled burgers Perfect for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to potlucks—this dish guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cheeseburger pasta salad is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
Its bold flavors and creamy texture create a mouthwatering experience you’ll want again and again
Colorful ingredients come together beautifully on your plate, making it visually stunning
You can easily customize it based on what you have at home or your personal favorites

You wouldn’t believe the rave reviews I got when I made this for my family last weekend; they were practically begging for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Use elbow macaroni or rotini; both hold onto the dressing perfectly and add fun shapes.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best; it keeps the dish hearty without being greasy.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds a delightful tangy flavor that elevates every bite.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color; opt for ripe ones for maximum flavor.
Pickles: Diced pickles give a nice crunch; use dill pickles for that classic cheeseburger taste.
Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a zing; soak them in cold water if you want a milder flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo acts as the base of our dressing; it brings everything together beautifully.
Ketchup: A splash of ketchup gives that quintessential cheeseburger kick; don’t skip this!
Mustard: A touch of mustard adds depth; yellow or Dijon works just fine.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these simple ingredients can elevate the entire dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta : Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Sauté the Beef : While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

Prep Your Veggies : Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with diced tomatoes, pickles, onions, and shredded cheddar.

Create the Dressing : In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference.

Toss It All Together : Pour dressing over pasta mixture and gently fold until everything is coated evenly with that creamy goodness.

Chill Before Serving : Cover your salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all those fabulous flavors meld together.

Enjoy every bite of this cheeseburger pasta salad—it’s about as close as you can get to enjoying summer in every forkful! a refreshing pasta salad.

You Must Know

This delightful Cheeseburger Pasta Salad combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a refreshing dish
It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners
The vibrant colors and textures create a visual feast while packing a flavor punch that will leave everyone wanting more

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta al dente while browning ground beef in a skillet. This multitasking ensures everything is hot and fresh when combined.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add crispy bacon bits for extra crunch. You can also toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or avocados.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Double-check seasoning levels before serving; you may want extra salt or pepper
Letting it chill enhances flavor as ingredients meld beautifully over time
Always cook pasta according to package instructions for best texture and taste

Sharing this recipe reminds me of summer barbecues with friends, where laughter filled the air as we devoured this dish together, leaving only crumbs behind.

FAQ

Can I make Cheeseburger Pasta Salad ahead of time?

BBQ meatball skewers.

Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge overnight to blend flavors.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese adds that classic cheeseburger flavor, but feel free to experiment with others.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep and holds its flavor well throughout the week.

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