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If you love cheesy garlic bread and hearty spaghetti, get ready for your new favorite comfort food—Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls! This recipe combines two classic favorites into one crispy, cheesy, and saucy dish that’s perfect for an indulgent family dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Each bite delivers buttery, garlicky bread with saucy spaghetti and gooey melted cheese, making it an instant hit at the table. Plus, they’re easy to make and a creative way to serve pasta without plates!
What You’ll Need to Make Spaghetti Bread Bowls
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- ½ Onion, finely chopped: Adds flavor and sweetness.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for depth.
- ½ lb Ground Beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste: Enhances depth and richness.
- 1 cup Crushed Tomatoes or Passata: For a smooth, saucy consistency.
- ½ cup Beef Broth or Water: Helps thin out the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- ½ tsp Salt & ¼ tsp Black Pepper: To taste.
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and richness.
- 4 oz Spaghetti (about half a box): Cooked al dente and mixed into the sauce.
For the Garlic Bread Bowls
- 4 Large Crusty Rolls or Bread Bowls: Hollowed out to hold the spaghetti.
- 3 tbsp Butter, melted: For brushing the bread.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Mixed into the butter for garlicky goodness.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and color.
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Helps enhance the garlic butter.
For the Cheesy Topping
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy cheese pull.
- Extra Parmesan for Sprinkling: Optional, but highly recommended.
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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- Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
- 1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3️⃣ Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
4️⃣ Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Stir in grated Parmesan and toss with cooked spaghetti until well combined. - Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread Bowls
- 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cut off the top of each crusty roll and scoop out the center, leaving a sturdy wall.
3️⃣ In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan.
4️⃣ Coat the inside and outside of each bread bowl generously with the garlic butter.
5️⃣ Place bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to crisp up slightly. - Step 3: Assemble & Bake the Spaghetti Bread Bowls
- 1️⃣ Spoon the saucy spaghetti into each toasted bread bowl.
2️⃣ Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella over each filled bowl.
3️⃣ Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4️⃣ Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, or red pepper flakes and serve immediately.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Add red pepper flakes and spicy Italian sausage to the sauce.
- Cheesy Alfredo Version: Swap the tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce and top with Parmesan.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Pesto Twist: Toss the pasta in pesto sauce instead of tomato sauce for a fresh, herby flavor.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Light and flavorful.
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms: For extra garlic goodness.
- Glass of Red Wine: A Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti pairs beautifully.
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Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid Microwaving: It makes the bread soft and chewy.
- Freeze Components Separately: Freeze just the spaghetti sauce and assemble fresh when ready.
These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a fun, delicious twist on traditional pasta night. With their crispy, buttery bread, rich spaghetti filling, and melty cheese topping, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, weekend indulgence, or party appetizer, they’ll disappear fast!
🥖🍝🧀 Try them today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes! Any crusty bread roll works well, but avoid soft rolls as they might not hold up.
- → How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
- Make sure the spaghetti is coated with sauce, and avoid adding too much liquid. Brushing the bread with butter also helps.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes! Store the meat sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat before mixing with pasta.
- → What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
- Mozzarella is best for melting, but you can also use a mix of cheddar and provolone.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- It’s best to eat them fresh, but you can freeze the assembled bowls before baking. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.