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1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. I like to taste it a minute or two before the time is up to ensure it’s just right.
4. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool it down for the salad.
5. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl to let it cool completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
6. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This will help prevent the beef from sticking and add a nice flavor.
7. Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
8. Season the beef with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir well to combine the seasonings with the meat.
9. Cook the beef for about 7-10 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure there’s no pink left in the meat.
10. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet and let the beef cool slightly before adding it to the pasta.
11. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
12. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This dressing is what gives the pasta salad that classic Big Mac flavor!
13. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch of each and then add more if needed.
14. Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad! In the large bowl with the cooled pasta, add the cooked ground beef.
15. Next, add in the 1/2 cup of diced pickles, 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of shredded lettuce, and 1/4 cup of diced red onion. These ingredients add freshness and crunch to the salad.
16. Pour the dressing over the pasta and beef mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
17. Finally, sprinkle in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and fold it in gently.

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