If you love the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine and crave a fun, crowd-pleasing twist, this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine all the hearty goodness of spaghetti bolognese tucked inside a crispy, buttery garlic bread loaf, loaded with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish combines the best of two beloved classics into one irresistible, shareable meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a satisfying, cheesy, and meaty treat. From its simple ingredients to the cozy, gooey final result, this recipe is a guaranteed win at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As with many great dishes, this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe shines because of its straightforward, essential ingredients. Each element plays a special role in building bold flavor, delightful texture, and vibrant color, making your meal both delicious and visually appealing.
- 16 ounce Italian bread loaf: The sturdy base that holds all the yummy fillings and gets perfectly toasted for that signature crunch.
- Butter & garlic powder for bread: Adds richness and classic garlic flavor that transforms the bread into an aromatic treat.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory foundation for the meat sauce.
- 1 pound ground sausage: Brings extra juiciness and a hint of spice to elevate the sauce’s depth.
- 16 ounce tomato sauce: Creates the rich, tangy tomato base of the spaghetti filling.
- 6 ounce tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a robust, thick sauce.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture to balance the meats.
- 7 ounce uncooked spaghetti: The classic pasta that absorbs the sauce perfectly, making each bite memorable.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, divided: Offers a sharp, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella’s creaminess.
- 2/3 cup Mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for gooey, golden topping and filling.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A generous blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with authentic Italian flair.
- 1 teaspoon salt plus a pinch: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic: Intensifies the savory notes in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s ready for toasting and baking. Next, boil the uncooked spaghetti until it’s just al dente—this means it still has a slight bite, which will keep the texture perfect inside the bread later. Drain the pasta and set it aside for mixing with the meaty sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meats and Build the Sauce
While your pasta bubbles, brown the ground beef and sausage together in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions halfway through browning so they soften and sweeten the mix. Once the meat has browned and the onions are tender, drain any excess fat. Return the skillet to the heat and add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes to deepen those flavors.
Step 3: Combine Spaghetti with Sauce
When your sauce has thickened and smells incredible, stir the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet. This step ensures every strand is coated in that savory, herby sauce, making the filling rich and cohesive. Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and get ready for the bread preparation.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Bread Loaf
Slice your Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise with a bread knife. Carefully hollow out the center of each half, removing enough bread to create generous cavities but leaving a sturdy shell to hold the filling. Brush the inside walls and sides generously with butter, then sprinkle garlic powder to infuse the bread with classic garlic aroma. Place the prepared halves into the oven just long enough to toast the bread slightly—this gives it a crisp base that won’t get soggy once filled.
Step 5: Stuff and Top the Bread
Once toasted, spoon the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into each hollowed bread half, filling them completely and mounding them slightly. Be prepared for some filling to remain, which is a bonus you can serve alongside! Split your Parmesan and mozzarella cheese into halves and sprinkle one half of each cheese evenly over each loaf. This layering will create a luscious, bubbling cheese crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed garlic bread loaves back in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and transforms to a gorgeous golden color. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing gently with a bread knife. Enjoy the mess-free way of serving spaghetti that feels fun and decadent all at once!
How to Serve Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe even further, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. These herbs add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, aromatic contrast that brightens each bite. For the cheese lovers, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top right after baking brings an elegant finishing touch that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish holds plenty of flavor on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can also round out the meal with added nutrients and a lovely variety of textures. For those craving more carbs, a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple caprese salad complements the hearty richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner or gathering? Slice the stuffed garlic bread into smaller, shareable portions as appetizer bites. You can also hollow out several mini baguette loaves to create individual servings that look charming on a serving board. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving gives it a slight tang and a gourmet vibe. The possibilities to customize presentation for any occasion with this recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe (which is rare because it’s so good), place the cooled bread in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the stuffed loaves tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the textures intact.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the stuffed garlic bread for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispness of the garlic bread crust; the oven does the best job bringing it back to life.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You can also add extra cheese or beans for protein, ensuring the stuffed garlic bread remains filling and flavorful.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A sturdy Italian bread loaf is ideal because it holds up well to the moist spaghetti filling without falling apart. You could also experiment with a sourdough loaf or a crusty baguette as long as it’s wide enough to hollow out and fill.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
Yes! Making the spaghetti meat sauce filling a day in advance actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the bread before baking when ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely. Kids usually love the fun, cheesy presentation and familiar flavors of spaghetti combined with garlic bread. You can adjust the seasoning to be milder if needed and serve with some veggies or fruit on the side for a balanced meal.
Can I use leftover cooked spaghetti?
Leftover cooked spaghetti can be used, but make sure it’s not overly saucy or mushy. Simply warm it with the sauce before stuffing the bread, ensuring the pasta is well-coated and flavorful before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is pure comfort food magic that turns dinner into a joyous, delicious adventure. Its combination of crispy garlic bread, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese makes it a meal everyone will rave about. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this fun dish is guaranteed to become a beloved staple. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to share a plate full of happiness!
Print
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread combines two classic comfort foods into one indulgent dish. Hollowed-out Italian bread is toasted with garlic butter, then filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, sausage, tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Topped with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese, then baked until golden and melty, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Bread and Toppings
- 1 (16 ounce) Italian bread loaf
- Butter, for brushing
- Garlic powder, for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese (divided)
Meat Sauce and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 16 ounce tomato sauce
- 6 ounce tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 7 ounce uncooked spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, generous
- 1 teaspoon salt plus a pinch
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Remaining 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the bread and baking the stuffed loaves.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in a large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion as the meat browns. Once browned, drain excess fat. Return the meat and onion to the skillet and add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, mix thoroughly, and remove from heat.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise. Use a bread knife to hollow out the center of each half, removing excess bread to create large cavities. Brush the inside and sides of the hollowed bread with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven until lightly crisped.
- Stuff Bread: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and spoon the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture evenly into the hollowed-out halves, filling them completely. Divide the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses between the two loaf halves, sprinkling the cheese on top of the filling.
- Bake Stuffed Bread: Return the stuffed bread halves to the oven and bake at 375° Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheeses melt and turn golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the stuffed bread from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Gently slice with a bread knife and serve warm.
Notes
- The recipe yields extra spaghetti and sauce, ideal for a side or next-day meal.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- Leftover stuffed bread can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance and assemble before baking.
