Get ready to transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise with this mouthwatering Jimmy Buffett-inspired Cheeseburger Pasta Salad! Imagine the perfect blend of classic cheeseburger flavors dancing with cool, refreshing pasta in one incredible dish. Whether you're dreaming of a Margaritaville escape or just looking to spice up your summer potluck, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. It's like a party in a bowl that combines the best of a juicy cheeseburger and a zesty pasta salad – no passport required!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, cooked ground beef, 1/2 cup of diced pickles, 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tbsp of ketchup until smooth. Adjust the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mayonnaise and ketchup mixture over the pasta salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, you can add more pickles or cheese according to your preference.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese or chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful results, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. • Make sure to drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to prevent clumping and keep the salad refreshing. • Let the pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. • For extra crunch, consider adding some diced red onions or crispy bacon bits. • If you're preparing this for a party, you can make it a day ahead – the flavors actually improve overnight! • Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter, or substitute with ground turkey for a healthier option. • For a Jimmy Buffett-inspired touch, serve with a cold margarita or tropical drink on the side!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
