Description
Cheesy Stuffed French Bread is a warm and crispy appetizer or easy meal featuring a crusty French loaf filled with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible blend of savory flavors and gooey cheese, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Bread and Toppings
- 1 large French bread loaf or baguette
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Beef Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and carefully scoop out some of the soft center to create a hollow, leaving a sturdy crust border to hold the filling.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 5–7 minutes until the beef is browned and onion softened. Break up meat as it cooks.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma without burning.
- Season Meat Sauce: Mix in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Bread: Place bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and brush the edges lightly with melted butter to help crisp the crust.
- Fill Bread: Evenly spoon the savory beef mixture into the hollowed-out bread shells, distributing it fully.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the beef mixture to ensure a cheesy, melty topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread edges are crisp and golden.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden-brown, slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the stuffed bread for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the hot bread, slice into portions, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef for added flavor.
- Enhance the filling with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with cooked mushrooms and chopped zucchini.
- Allow the stuffed bread to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to help the filling set and stay in place.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
