If you’ve ever dreamed of combining two of the most comforting flavors—garlic bread and spaghetti—into one irresistible dish, this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crunchy, buttery garlic bread stuffed full of savory spaghetti smothered in rich marinara, melty mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing meal that turns a classic pasta night into something delightfully unexpected and utterly delicious. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe brings the warmth and heartiness of Italian-inspired comfort food all in one slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple, yet essential, coming together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe. From the robust marinara to the fresh parsley, each component adds a unique touch that elevates this dish.
- French or Italian bread (1 loaf): The sturdy base for holding all the stuffed goodness without getting soggy.
- Spaghetti (8 ounces): Cooked al dente, it’s the hearty, filling star of the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the ground beef and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): Adds protein and savory depth with a meaty texture.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): Brings tangy tomato flavor and moisture to the filling.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that infuses the sauce with classic herb notes.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering the mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Creates that gooey, melty comfort factor we all love.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Mixed with garlic for brushing the bread, it ensures a rich, golden crust.
- Garlic (2 cloves minced): Fresh garlic is key for a bright and aromatic kick.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon chopped): A fresh, herbaceous garnish that keeps things lively.
How to Make Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente. This slight firmness keeps the noodles from becoming mushy once baked. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, then add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown evenly for about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep it from getting greasy. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 3: Toss the Spaghetti in Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together until every strand is evenly coated with that rich, herby sauce. This makes sure each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice your loaf of bread lengthwise, creating two long halves. Carefully hollow out the soft interior from both halves, leaving a sturdy shell on the outside to hold all that amazing filling.
Step 5: Garlic Butter Base
Mix melted butter with minced garlic, then brush this fragrant mixture generously inside each hollowed bread half. This step ensures that every bite delivers buttery, garlicky goodness, building a golden, crisp base once baked.
Step 6: Stuff and Top
Spoon the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture evenly into the prepared bread shells. Load each half generously, but be careful not to overfill and cause spills. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, giving it that irresistible cheesy crust after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Melty Perfection
Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese bubbles up and turns golden brown. Once done, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for the perfect pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top right after baking to add a bright herbal note. For an extra touch, a grating of fresh Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, like arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette, to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple tomato and basil salad to keep everything light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe into square or diagonal pieces for finger-food style serving at parties. Another fun twist is to serve it alongside a small bowl of marinara for dipping, turning it into a shareable appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, the Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread stays fresh for up to 2 days without losing much of its flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 1 month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy rather than crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully for this recipe, you can also use penne, rotini, or any other pasta shape you enjoy. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well inside the bread.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of your favorite veggies. You can also add plant-based protein alternatives to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the spaghetti and sauce mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready, stuff and bake the bread fresh to enjoy that perfect melty texture.
What bread works best for Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe?
A French or Italian loaf with a firm crust and soft interior works best because it holds the filling well without falling apart or becoming soggy.
How spicy can I make this dish?
If you want to add some kick, stir in red pepper flakes into the sauce or top with sliced jalapeños before baking. Just adjust the heat level to your preference to keep the flavor balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is a total game changer when you want something comforting, fun, and packed with flavor. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Once you try this combo of iconic Italian favorites, it might just become your new go-to meal for sharing good times and even better bites.
Print
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread is a delightful twist on classic garlic bread, combining al dente spaghetti with seasoned ground beef and marinara sauce, all baked inside a crusty loaf topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty main course that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mix
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Spaghetti Filling
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: Stir marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Prepare Bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bread lengthwise and hollow out the center of both halves to create space for the filling.
- Brush Bread with Garlic Butter: Melt butter and mix with minced garlic. Brush this mixture inside the hollowed-out bread halves.
- Fill Bread: Spoon the spaghetti and meat mixture evenly into both bread halves.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the filled bread.
- Bake: Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta sauce to customize the flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- You can prepare the stuffed bread ahead of time and bake just before serving.
