Avocado Shrimp Salad Bacon (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy shrimp, fresh avocado, crisp bacon and blue cheese tossed for a refreshing, protein-packed meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat and Protein

01 - 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Sauce Components

08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
10 - 1/4 cup ketchup
11 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
12 - 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

→ Toppers

13 - 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded (about 8 ounces)
14 - 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots or Crispy Crowns
15 - 1 tablespoon dried parsley

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 8 minutes, breaking up the beef into small pieces and stirring frequently, until beef is deeply browned and onions are softened.
02 - Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir well, allowing the spices to coat the beef evenly. Continue cooking for 2 minutes to bloom the spices and enhance flavor.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce. Mix until fully incorporated. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If mixture appears dry, add 2 tablespoons water as needed.
04 - Turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture, ensuring full coverage for optimal melt.
05 - Arrange frozen tater tots in even rows over the cheese layer, slightly overlapping if needed to fully cover the surface. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake on the middle rack for 25 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crisp and sauce is bubbling.
06 - Remove skillet from oven and let casserole rest for several minutes. Sprinkle dried parsley over the top before serving. Serve hot, ensuring each portion includes beef, cheese, and tater tots.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For best tater tot texture, keep them frozen until assembly. Deep browning the beef intensifies flavor. Freshly shredded cheese yields superior melt.
02 - Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for crispiness or use a microwave for convenience.
03 - Substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground for beef, and swap in cheddar or pepper jack for the cheese if desired.
04 - For a balanced meal, pair with crisp green salad, coleslaw, or steamed green beans.

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