Description
This Bread Bowl Spaghetti recipe offers a fun and delicious twist on classic spaghetti by serving it inside warm, garlic-buttered bread rolls filled with savory spaghetti, ground beef, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family meal or casual dinner, it combines tender pasta bathed in rich spaghetti sauce with a crispy, buttery bread bowl for an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Bread Bowls
- 6 round rolls (5-6 inches), like white kaiser rolls
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 227g) butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
Spaghetti
- 4 ounces spaghetti noodles (about ¼ of a 16-ounce box), cooked according to package directions
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. This preparation will help ensure your bread bowls bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti noodles as per the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the spaghetti sauce to the browned beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sauce mixture. Cover and keep warm.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and minced parsley. Stir well to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Bread Bowls: Slice off the tops of the rolls and carefully hollow out the centers, leaving the base intact to form a bowl. Place the rolls and their tops on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Brush Bread With Garlic Butter: Generously brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl and its top with the garlic butter mixture, using about 2-3 tablespoons per roll to ensure maximum flavor and a golden crust.
- Fill the Bread Bowls: Start by placing 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese at the bottom of each bread bowl. Then spoon in about ½ cup of the spaghetti and meat mixture. Finish by sprinkling another tablespoon of mozzarella cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Bread Bowls: Place the filled bread bowls on the sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional minced parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the spaghetti sauce while simmering.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil the stuffed bread bowls for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make sure not to hollow the bread rolls too much to prevent leaks during baking.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.