Imagine your favorite pasta dinner served inside a crusty, buttery garlic bread bowl, topped with gooey melted cheese — pure comfort food perfection! These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls combine rich meat sauce, tender spaghetti, and cheesy goodness all wrapped up in a crisp bread bowl. Perfect for cozy family dinners, casual parties, or whenever you want a fun twist on classic spaghetti.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two all-time favorites come together to create a delicious and hearty dish. The crisp garlic bread holds a flavorful spaghetti meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan for double the cheesy delight. It’s easy to make and always impresses at the table!
What You’ll Need
Meat Sauce:
- Ground beef (12% fat for balanced flavor)
- Onion and garlic for aroma
- Tomato puree and passata for rich tomato base
- Red wine, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Fresh basil, oregano, sugar, parmesan for flavor boost
Pasta:
- Spaghetti cooked al dente, ready to soak up the sauce
Bread Bowls:
- Crusty white rolls, sturdy enough to hold the filling
- Garlic butter mixed with parsley and parmesan for brushing
Cheese:
- Mozzarella shredded for melty topping
- Parmesan grated for extra savory notes
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Sauté diced onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Stir in tomato puree and let it cook briefly. Pour in red wine and reduce slightly. Add tomato passata, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, sugar, and simmer for about 25 minutes until thick and rich. Stir in parmesan last for extra creaminess.
2. Prep the Bread Bowls:
Cut the tops off the rolls and carefully hollow out the centers, leaving sturdy walls. Mix melted butter with garlic paste, chopped parsley, and parmesan. Brush this garlic butter generously inside and outside each bread bowl.
3. Cook the Pasta:
Boil spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and immediately toss it in the warm meat sauce, making sure each strand is well coated.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Fill each garlic bread bowl with the saucy spaghetti, ensuring some sauce stays on top for moisture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each bowl. Place on a baking tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until the bread is crisp and cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Tips for Success
- Use firm, crusty rolls that sound hollow when tapped to hold shape without getting soggy.
- Save the hollowed-out bread to make breadcrumbs or use in other recipes later.
- Make the meat sauce and garlic butter ahead of time for quick assembly later.
- Keep some sauce on top of the pasta before baking to prevent dryness.
- Cool sauce before mixing with pasta to avoid overcooking the noodles.
Make It Your Own
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier version.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for extra veggies.
- Use different cheeses like provolone or fontina for new flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bread bowls hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or impressing guests with a unique pasta presentation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rolls work best?
Firm crusty rolls like sourdough or Italian rolls that can hold filling without collapsing.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and garlic butter in advance. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before assembling.
What to do with leftover bread?
Save and freeze the hollowed bread for homemade breadcrumbs or coating meatballs and chicken.