Ingredients
Scale
For Pasta Salad
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 pound thick cut bacon
- 4 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- 2 tbsp burger seasoning
- ½ cup wavy chips (for topping)
For the Sauce
- 2 large onions, caramelized
- 1 cup mayo
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp relish
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet to medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels. Discard the excess grease.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onions. Cook them over medium heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized. Let them cool once done.
- While the onions cook, boil the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- After the onions have cooled, make the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the caramelized onions, mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is fully combined.
- Form three burger patties, each about ⅓ pound. Season them generously with your favorite burger seasoning. Grill the patties over high heat, flipping every 2 to 3 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 155°F. Once cooked, let them cool and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped burger pieces, crispy bacon, grape tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped pickles. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until fully coated.
- Top with a handful of smashed wavy chips for a satisfying crunch. Serve immediately, or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for meal prep during the week.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 35 Minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
