This innovative dish combines two classic favorites—spaghetti and garlic bread—into a single, hearty meal. The Italian bread loaf serves as a vessel for a rich spaghetti and meat sauce mixture, making for a deliciously unique and satisfying meal. Here’s how to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz Italian bread loaf: A crusty, sturdy bread to hold the stuffed spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Butter & garlic powder: For spreading on the bread to give it a flavorful garlic bread crust.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty base to the sauce.
- 1 lb ground sausage: Enhances the flavor of the meat sauce with its seasoning.
- 16 oz tomato sauce: Forms the base of the spaghetti sauce.
- 6 oz tomato paste: Concentrates the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 7 oz uncooked spaghetti: Break into smaller pieces to fit inside the bread.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Divided in half for mixing into the sauce and topping the bread.
- 2/3 cup Mozzarella cheese: Divided in half for mixing into the sauce and topping the bread.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for classic Italian flavor.
- 1 tsp salt + a pinch: For seasoning the sauce and bread.
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic: Enhances the garlic flavor in the bread and sauce.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: For seasoning.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise, leaving a bit of a hinge on one side if you want to keep the bread intact.
- Spread a generous amount of butter on the cut sides of the bread.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered bread.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly toasted and golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Break the uncooked spaghetti into smaller pieces so they fit into the bread more easily.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and ground sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion to the meat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Mix in the cooked spaghetti and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup of Mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Garlic Bread:
- Spoon the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture onto the toasted garlic bread halves, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Stuffed Bread:
- Return the stuffed garlic bread to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the stuffed garlic bread cool slightly before slicing into portions.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy, spaghetti-filled goodness!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheeses based on your preferences or what you have on hand, such as using provolone or cheddar.
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread is a delightful twist on classic Italian comfort foods. The combination of savory meat sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy garlic bread makes for a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a fun weekend treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
