“`html
If you’re someone who loves the cozy comfort of Italian flavors but is craving a new twist, this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the hearty goodness of classic lasagna — rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella — all snugly packed inside a golden, garlicky loaf of bread. It’s the perfect hybrid of two beloved Italian dishes that will wow your family and guests with every luscious bite. Trust me, this recipe brings together everything you want in a comfort meal with a fun and shareable presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and garlicky goodness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 large Italian loaf or French bread: The sturdy base that holds all the delicious fillings and gets crispy on the edges.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the meat perfectly.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and texture for the filling.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a savory, spiced depth to the meat mixture.
- 1/2 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic balance.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the meat sauce with its signature pungent warmth.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: The saucy foundation that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that lifts the sauce’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural tastes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it gives the filling a luscious texture.
- 1 egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for a smooth and stable filling.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Introduces freshness and a pop of color inside and as garnish.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for that irresistible, gooey melt.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Used to make the garlic butter that crisps and flavors the bread edges.
- 2 more cloves garlic (minced): Combined with butter to create that classic garlic bread aroma and taste.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the final presentation and flavor.
How to Make Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Boat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then slice your loaf of Italian or French bread lengthwise, making sure to keep each half intact like a boat. Carefully hollow out some of the soft inner bread from both halves, creating a cavity that will hold all that luscious filling without collapsing. Set the prepared loaf halves aside while you cook the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in your ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook this mixture until the meats are nicely browned and the onions have softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your sauce from being greasy. Next, stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, lowering the heat to let it all simmer together for 5 minutes. This simmers down the flavors, creating that rich, hearty lasagna filling you love.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a separate small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and chopped parsley until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This blend will provide a luscious texture that contrasts beautifully with the meaty sauce and stretchy mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
Now comes the fun part! Spread the ricotta mixture evenly inside each hollowed-out half of your bread loaf. Next, spoon the warm meat sauce over the ricotta layer, making sure it’s nicely covered. Sprinkle generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top, creating a melty, cheesy topping that will bake to golden perfection.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter and Bake
Combine the melted butter with the remaining minced garlic in a small bowl, then brush this luscious garlic butter around the edges of the bread halves. Place your assembled bread boats on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for an inviting dash of green and fresh flavor. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. Serve warm and enjoy the incredible flavors and textures that come together in this unique comfort food treat.
How to Serve Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing herbal note that balances the rich layers of cheese and meat. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little olive oil or a dusting of Parmesan on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe shines as the star of any meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Simple roasted vegetables or a fresh tomato salad also complement it perfectly, adding freshness and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your stuffed bread on a wooden cutting board for a rustic feel and let guests help themselves to thick slices. For a party, cut the loaf into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks alongside a bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping. This makes it fun, casual, and super shareable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container to keep the bread from drying out. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and enjoy the leftovers as a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked bread in foil for up to 1 month. When you want to enjoy it, bake it straight from the freezer—just add extra baking time and keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers and maintain that crispy crust and gooey cheese, place the slices on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the bread can become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While an Italian or French loaf works best for its sturdy texture, you can try other dense breads like sourdough—just be sure it can hold the filling without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles. The rest of the recipe remains the same and still tastes amazing.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the stuffed bread in the morning or the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What can I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, you can substitute with cottage cheese blended until smooth or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk. The texture won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a gentle kick of heat if you like things a bit spicier.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is the perfect way to bring together the best of Italian comfort food in a new and exciting way. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with robust flavors that will quickly win over any crowd. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a fun dish to share with friends, this recipe promises smiles and full plates every time. Give it a try and let this delicious twist become a staple in your kitchen!
“`
Print
Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread is a delicious twist on classic lasagna, combining layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella inside a crusty garlic bread loaf. Perfect for sharing, this hearty Italian-American main course delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna in an easy-to-serve bread format.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Assembly and Topping
- 1 large Italian loaf or French bread
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf lengthwise and hollow out enough of the interior to create space for the filling, forming a bread “boat.” Set aside.
- Cook the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned, approximately 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat.
- Mix the ricotta filling: Combine ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley in a small bowl until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the stuffed bread: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly inside each hollowed half of the bread. Layer the meat sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush this mixture over the edges of the bread for extra flavor.
- Bake covered: Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, slice the bread, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a quicker preparation, use store-bought garlic bread; simply hollow it out and fill as directed.
- You can assemble the stuffed bread in advance and refrigerate it; bake it just before serving.
