Description
Stuffed Garlic Bread is a hearty and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring a hollowed-out Italian bread loaf filled with a savory spaghetti and meat sauce mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe combines comforting flavors of seasoned ground beef and sausage with classic Italian herbs and cheeses, perfect as a satisfying main course for a family meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Bread and Toppings
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) Italian bread
- Butter (for brushing)
- Garlic powder (for sprinkling)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2/3 cup Mozzarella cheese (divided)
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 7 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt plus a pinch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the bread and later baking the stuffed bread.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and sausage together, adding the diced onion as the meat browns. Once the meat is cooked and browned, drain any excess fat. Return to heat and stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-8 minutes to develop flavors. Then mix in the cooked spaghetti thoroughly and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out the center of each half to create a large cavity for stuffing, removing the bread crumbs. Brush the inside of each hollowed half and sides with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder evenly. Place the bread halves in the preheated oven and toast until lightly crisp.
- Stuff the Bread: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Generously spoon the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into the hollowed bread halves, filling them completely. Divide the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses in half; sprinkle one half of each cheese over one bread half, and the remainder of each cheese over the other.
- Bake the Stuffed Bread: Place the stuffed bread halves back in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cheeses are fully melted and the tops are golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Gently slice the stuffed bread with a bread knife and serve warm for a filling and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor on the bread.
- Leftover stuffed garlic bread can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to preserve crispiness.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
- For extra cheesy goodness, add some shredded cheddar or provolone along with mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian