Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

Spaghetti stuffed garlic bread delivers the comfort of classic Italian flavors in a crowd-pleasing, all-in-one meal. This recipe combines saucy pasta, cheesy goodness, and garlicky toasted bread in a way that is both hearty and satisfying. It is perfect for sharing at family dinners and potlucks, and it is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

After trying this at a game-night potluck, it quickly became a family favorite whenever we need comfort food that everyone will get excited about. Kids especially love helping to stuff the bread.

Ingredients

• Italian bread loaf: A 16 ounce loaf holds everything together and gives the perfect chewy crust Look for a bakery-fresh loaf that feels slightly soft to the touch
• Butter and garlic powder: Essential for that toasty garlic bread flavor Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning
• Ground beef and ground sausage: This mix gives hearty flavor and a rich texture Use fresh or locally sourced meats for best taste
• Tomato sauce and tomato paste: Tomato sauce gives moisture while the paste adds a deep concentrated tomato flavor Look for organic or no-sugar-added varieties
• Medium onion diced: Adds sweetness and depth to your sauce Choose onions that are firm and free from blemishes
• Uncooked spaghetti: 7 ounces is just right to fill the loaf Use a classic or thick spaghetti that will not overcook
• Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty for layering flavor Buy a wedge and grate it fresh for the best melt
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that gooey stretch Choose a low-moisture block mozzarella and shred it yourself
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs brings classic flavor Opt for a fresh jar so the herbs are aromatic
• Salt and black pepper: Key seasonings that balance the dish Use fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Minced garlic: Brings punchy garlicky flavor to your sauce Look for plump garlic cloves without green shoots

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Spaghetti:

Cook the spaghetti in generously salted water until al dente This takes about ten minutes Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your bread

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Brown both ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat Break up any large pieces with a wooden spoon as they cook for an even texture Add diced onion halfway through so it softens and flavors the meat Drain excess fat so your sauce stays rich but not greasy

Simmer with Sauce and Seasonings:

Add tomato sauce tomato paste Italian seasoning salt minced garlic and black pepper to the skillet Stir well to blend all the flavors together Let it simmer on low for up to eight minutes stirring occasionally so flavors meld Add your drained spaghetti and mix everything until the noodles are well coated

Prepare and Toast the Bread:

While the sauce is simmering slice your Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise Use your hands or a spoon to gently scoop out the soft bread inside leaving sturdy crusty shells Brush the hollowed bread with melted butter and sprinkle generously with garlic powder Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden and crisp This step keeps your bread from getting soggy

Stuff and Assemble:

Carefully spoon your hot spaghetti and meat sauce into the toasted bread shells pressing down gently to fill all spaces Sprinkle the top of each half with equal amounts of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan

Bake to Perfection:

Place the stuffed and topped breads back in the oven Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen to twenty minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden Remove let it cool slightly then gently cut crosswise to serve

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The bread loaf is my favorite part as it soaks up all the savory sauce and cheese My kids always race for the cheesiest slice and it always reminds me of lazy Sundays spent baking together

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Individual slices reheat well in a toaster oven or microwave Wrap tightly in foil to prevent the bread from drying out during reheating

Ingredient substitutions

Swap the sausage for ground turkey or keep it vegetarian by using cooked lentils or plant based crumbles You can use any sturdy rustic bread if Italian bread is not available Gluten free pasta and bread work well here too

Serving suggestions

Serve hot sliced wedges of stuffed bread with a side salad of peppery arugula or crisp romaine Add a bowl of marinara for dipping or a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color

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Cultural and historical context

Spaghetti stuffed garlic bread is a playful twist on both Italian American spaghetti suppers and classic garlic bread It brings together two comfort foods that have become staples in family kitchens across the United States

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you keep the bread crispy after stuffing?

Pre-toasting the bread with butter and garlic powder helps create a tasty barrier, keeping the inside crisp even after adding the spaghetti and sauce.

→ Can I substitute other meats for beef and sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

→ What cheese combination works best?

Using mozzarella for melt and Parmesan for sharpness creates the perfect cheesy topping. Feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina.

→ Should the spaghetti be fully cooked before baking?

Cook spaghetti until just al dente. This prevents overcooking during the final bake and ensures the perfect texture inside the bread.

→ How can leftovers be reheated?

Wrap slices in foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps the bread crisp and the cheese melty.