Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Spaghetti stuffed garlic bread offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Crispy Italian bread is hollowed and toasted, then filled with tender spaghetti tossed in a rich tomato sauce, featuring browned beef, sausage, onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Each half-loaf is generously topped with mozzarella and parmesan, then baked until perfectly golden and bubbly. This dish transforms classic pasta and garlic bread into a shareable, sliceable centerpiece, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its melty cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and buttery bread, it’s sure to please any crowd at the table.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:22:39 GMT
A slice of spaghetti stuffed garlic bread. Save
A slice of spaghetti stuffed garlic bread. | lilicooks.com

Spaghetti stuffed garlic bread is a showstopper family meal that combines the comfort of saucy, cheesy pasta with the irresistible crunch of toasted garlic bread. Every bite mingles golden crust with rich meat sauce and gooey cheese, transforming your dinner table into a cozy corner of your favorite Italian bistro.

This dish immediately became a tradition in my house the first time I served it for a Friday movie night. The kids could not stop talking about crunchy spaghetti boats and now they ask for it whenever friends come over.

Ingredients

  • Italian bread loaf: The crisp exterior and fluffy inside create the perfect edible bowl Use a bakery loaf for best results
  • Butter and garlic powder: These lock in flavor and make the bread toasty and aromatic Choose unsalted butter for better control over saltiness
  • Ground beef: Adds richness and heartiness Select a mix with a bit of fat for juiciness
  • Ground sausage: Brings depth and a punch of spice Opt for Italian sausage if you like herby notes
  • Tomato sauce: The saucy binder for spaghetti Get a no sugar added version for a fresh tomato flavor
  • Tomato paste: Boosts the sauce’s intensity Buy a tube for easy storage
  • Onion: Sweetness and aromatic backbone Look for a firm onion with no soft spots
  • Uncooked spaghetti: Classic texture When possible, choose bronze-cut pasta for better sauce clinging
  • Parmesan cheese: Nutty salty lift Freshly grated adds the best bite
  • Mozzarella cheese: Stretchy melty magic Use whole milk mozzarella if possible for extra melt
  • Italian seasoning: Delivers herb complexity Find a blend with oregano basil and thyme
  • Salt and ground black pepper: Balances and boosts flavor Always taste as you go
  • Minced garlic: Infuses savory flavor Freshly minced gives the punchiest taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add pasta and cook until just al dente usually about 8 to 10 minutes Drain well This prevents mushy noodles in your finished bread
Brown the Meat and Onion:
Heat a big skillet over medium heat Add ground beef and sausage Break up meat as it browns To the browning meat add onions Cook until onions turn soft and meat is no longer pink Drain the fat well to avoid soggy bread
Simmer the Sauce:
Return meat and onion to the skillet Stir in tomato sauce plus tomato paste as well as Italian seasoning minced garlic salt and pepper Mix thoroughly Let simmer on medium low for five to eight minutes This builds robust flavor
Combine with Spaghetti:
Take the skillet off the heat Toss in your drained spaghetti Stir until every strand is evenly coated by the sauce This helps bind the filling so it stays put inside the bread
Hollow Out and Toast the Bread:
Preheat your oven to three seventy-five Slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise Carve out the soft interior to form a trench Be generous so there is plenty of room for filling Brush the inside of each half all over with melted butter then sprinkle with garlic powder Place the halves cut side up in the oven and toast until the edges get golden and fragrant
Fill and Top with Cheese:
Scoop the sauced spaghetti mixture into the hollowed breads Pile it high but press down to get it all in You will have some spaghetti mixture left Top the loaves with Parmesan and mozzarella divided between both halves
Bake Until Golden:
Put the stuffed loaves back in the oven Bake fifteen to twenty minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown Let cool for a couple minutes before slicing Serve warm and watch it disappear
A close up of a spaghetti stuffed garlic bread. Save
A close up of a spaghetti stuffed garlic bread. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part about this recipe is the way the bread gets shatteringly crisp but stays chewy inside soaking up all the saucy flavor. My youngest once declared it tasted better than pizza which is a serious compliment in our household.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover bread tightly in foil and store in the fridge for up to two days Warm in a 350 degree oven so the crust re crisp Freeze the extra spaghetti and meat sauce filling in a zip top bag for up to two months When ready to use thaw overnight before reheating gently in a saucepan

Ingredient Substitutions

Sub ground turkey or plant based crumbles for the beef and sausage in the sauce for a lighter or vegetarian version Try whole wheat pasta or gluten free bread for dietary needs Omit mozzarella and use extra Parmesan if you like sharper flavor

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad and vinaigrette for a balanced meal Serve wedges with a little warmed marinara for extra dipping fun Perfect party food for game night or casual gatherings as everyone loves handheld meals

A slice of spaghetti stuffed garlic bread. Save
A slice of spaghetti stuffed garlic bread. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed breads have deep roots in Italian American kitchens often created to stretch simple ingredients into a meal that feels festive. This mashup draws inspiration from both Italian antipasto and American comfort casseroles making it a beloved hybrid for busy homes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use only ground beef instead of both beef and sausage?

Yes, ground beef alone works well, though sausage adds extra flavor. Adjust seasonings if omitting sausage.

→ What type of Italian bread is best?

A wide, sturdy Italian loaf is ideal. Ensure it can be hollowed and holds up to the filling and baking process.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the meat sauce and spaghetti in advance. Assemble and bake the bread with filling just before serving.

→ How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Toasting the bread after hollowing and brushing with butter helps keep the crust crisp when filled.

→ What cheeses work best for topping?

Mozzarella and parmesan are classic for a gooey, flavorful topping, but provolone or asiago may be used as well.

Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

Golden garlic bread loaded with spaghetti, beef, sausage, and bubbling cheese for a family-friendly dinner.

Preparation Time
25 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ For the bread and filling

01 16 ounce Italian bread loaf
02 Butter for brushing
03 Garlic powder for seasoning
04 1 pound ground beef
05 1 pound ground sausage
06 16 ounce tomato sauce
07 6 ounce tomato paste
08 1 medium onion, diced
09 7 ounce uncooked spaghetti
10 ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided in half
11 ⅔ cup Mozzarella cheese, divided in half
12 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
13 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch extra
14 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
15 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit.

Step 02

In a large saucepan, boil spaghetti until al dente. Remove from heat and drain.

Step 03

While pasta is cooking, brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion during the browning process. Once browned, drain excess fat and return to skillet. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Add the cooked spaghetti, mix thoroughly, and remove from heat.

Step 04

Using a bread knife, cut the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise. Carve out the center of each half, removing any excess bread to create a hollow space. Brush the hollow interiors and the sides of the bread halves with butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder and toast in the oven.

Step 05

Once the bread is toasted, fill the hollowed halves with the prepared spaghetti and meat sauce. Divide the mixture evenly between the two halves (excess can be reserved for later). Top with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, dividing equally between the two halves.

Step 06

Bake the filled bread at 375° Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Remove from oven and gently slice with a bread knife to serve.

Tips

  1. You will have leftover spaghetti and meat sauce; store it in the freezer for a future meal or use it to create a third garlic bread loaf.

Required Tools

  • Large saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • Bread knife
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (bread and pasta)
  • Contains dairy (cheeses and butter)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~