Big Mac Ground Beef Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Big Mac pasta salad with ground beef brings classic burger flavors to a hearty, creamy, and tangy dish. An easy weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing potluck favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Foundation

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni
02 - 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
03 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ The Signature Sauce

04 - 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
05 - 1/4 cup ketchup
06 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
07 - 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
08 - 1 tbsp white vinegar
09 - 1 tsp onion powder
10 - 1 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Fresh & Crunchy Toppings

12 - 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
13 - 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
14 - 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
15 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Cook 1 lb elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. In a large skillet, brown 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10) over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
03 - In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, drained elbow macaroni and the seasoned ground beef. Pour the prepared signature sauce over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Fold in 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. These fresh additions are key to building the authentic Big Mac flavor profile for your Big Mac Pasta Salad with Ground Beef.
05 - Cover the Big Mac Pasta Salad with Ground Beef and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Just before serving, gently fold in 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce.
06 - Taste the Big Mac Pasta Salad with Ground Beef and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Serve chilled as a hearty side dish or a complete meal. Enjoy this fun, deconstructed take on a classic burger!

# Notes:

01 - For an extra tangy kick, add a splash more white vinegar to the sauce.
02 - This Big Mac Pasta Salad with Ground Beef is best made a few hours ahead to allow flavors to fully develop, but add lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting.
03 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce may soften over time.
04 - Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving for an authentic 'bun' touch.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - Large skillet
03 - Large mixing bowl
04 - Measuring cups and spoons
05 - Cutting board
06 - Knife
07 - Colander

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 714 kcal
Total Fat: 43 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 33 g

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