Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

This spaghetti stuffed garlic bread nails that over-the-top comfort everyone craves on cozy weekends or lively family nights. Crispy golden bread is hollowed out and filled with cheesy homemade spaghetti and a rich meat sauce featuring both beef and sausage. The result is a truly show-stopping dinner that vanishes almost as soon as it hits the table in my house.

The first time I made this my family could not believe how much they loved it—every last scrap of bread disappeared in minutes and now it is our go-to for both birthday dinners and chilly Sunday suppers.

Ingredients

• Italian bread loaf: gives you a sturdy shell that crisps up perfectly Look for fresh bakery bread with a crackly crust for best results
• Butter and garlic powder: for flavor and classic garlic bread vibes Use real unsalted butter and fragrant garlic powder
• Ground beef: brings savory richness Choose fresh bright red beef for ideal flavor
• Ground sausage: adds spice and depth A mild or hot sausage works depending on preference
• Tomato sauce: for a smooth base Go for unsalted or low sodium
• Tomato paste: thickens and intensifies sauce flavor Find double-concentrated for extra oomph
• Diced onion: adds natural sweetness and texture Pick a firm onion with shiny skin
• Uncooked spaghetti: classic pasta that soaks in flavors Use good quality dried spaghetti
• Parmesan cheese: for nutty sharpness Grate from a wedge for best melt and taste
• Mozzarella cheese: gives a stretchy gooey top Always shred your own for excellent browning
• Italian seasoning: brings herby aroma Look for a blend with oregano basil thyme and rosemary
• Salt: and a pinch for seasoning Helps tie all the flavors together
• Minced garlic: for garlicky kick Freshly minced is best if possible
• Ground black pepper: adds warmth and balance Use freshly ground for most flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pasta:

Boil spaghetti in a large saucepan until perfectly al dente This step is key so it does not get mushy later Drain and set aside

Make the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet brown ground beef and sausage over medium heat Break up meat as it cooks for even texture Once browned add diced onion and continue cooking until soft Drain off excess fat then stir in tomato sauce tomato paste Italian seasoning minced garlic salt and pepper Stir well and let it simmer so the flavors blend nicely Then add the cooked spaghetti mixing it thoroughly to coat every strand

Hollow and Toast the Bread:

Using a sharp bread knife slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise Carefully carve out a big hollow in each half making sure not to puncture the crust Brush the inside of the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder Toast the bread in the oven until the edges are a light golden brown which will help prevent sogginess later

Stuff the Loaves:

While bread is still warm fill each hollow with generous spoonfuls of spaghetti and meat sauce Take care to press the filling in gently so it holds together well Sprinkle both Parmesan and mozzarella over the stuffed bread covering everything to the edges

Bake to Cheesy Perfection:

Place stuffed bread halves on a sheet and bake at 375 F for fifteen to twenty minutes The cheese should be bubbling and golden Let cool slightly before slicing to help it hold shape

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You Must Know

• Great make ahead meal
• Leftover meat sauce freezes beautifully
• Try with gluten free bread or turkey sausage for a twist

Stuffed garlic bread is truly a crowd pleaser and the combination of crusty bread with melty cheese and luscious pasta is pure magic My family always gathers around the kitchen while it is baking hoping for that first gooey slice My favorite part is the way the garlic butter flavors every bite from edge to center

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days For best results reheat slices loosely covered in foil at 350 F until warmed through The crust gets crisp again and cheese stays melty You can also freeze leftover spaghetti and sauce for an easy weeknight dinner—just thaw and reheat before stuffing into bread

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef or sausage if preferred Opt for marinara instead of tomato sauce when you want a sweeter tang If you have only sandwich rolls split each and stuff individually for a mini version For cheese fans mix in provolone or sharp cheddar too

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot out of the oven with a green salad and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a complete meal If you want more color try adding roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms into the pasta stuffing A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil right before serving brightens everything up

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Cultural Context

Spaghetti stuffed garlic bread brings together two Italian American classics into a meal that is as fun as it is hearty While garlic bread with pasta is a staple at red sauce restaurants stuffing it together is pure home cook genius It is the kind of dish you will find at family gatherings on both coasts where everyone wants something familiar yet special

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ How do you hollow out the bread loaves?

Use a bread knife to slice the loaf in half, then carefully carve out the inside, leaving a sturdy shell to hold the filling.

→ What is the best way to toast the bread before filling?

Brush the insides with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder, then bake until lightly golden for extra flavor and texture.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Classic spaghetti works best, but other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine can be substituted if desired.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead?

You can prepare the meat sauce and hollow out the bread in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.

→ How do I avoid soggy bread?

Lightly toasting the bread before adding the filling creates a barrier, helping to keep the loaf crisp when baked.

→ What cheeses work well here?

A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella melts beautifully but feel free to add provolone or fontina for extra richness.