Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spaghetti in garlic bread bowls is a genius combination of two beloved dishes—spaghetti and garlic bread. The crispy rolls provide the perfect vessel for the hearty meat sauce and cheesy pasta. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also fun to serve and eat. The rich tomato-based sauce, with its deep flavor from red wine and Worcestershire sauce, pairs perfectly with the tender spaghetti and gooey mozzarella. And the garlic butter brushed onto the crusty bread adds another layer of irresistible flavor. It’s simple, filling, and sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti:

• Drizzle of olive oil

• 1 medium white onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves of garlic, finely diced

• 500g (1 lb) minced/ground beef

• 1 heaped tablespoon tomato paste

• 80ml (1/3 cup) red wine (or more beef stock)

• 500g (2 cups) tomato passata (pureed/strained tomatoes)

• 240ml (1 cup) beef stock

• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ bunch fresh basil, finely diced

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• 20g (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 200g (7 oz) spaghetti

For the Bread Bowls:

• 6 crusty white rolls (see notes for best type)

• 100g (7 tbsp) butter, melted

• 30g (1 oz) Parmesan (fresh, finely grated)

• 1 heaped tablespoon finely diced fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

• 3 cloves of garlic, finely grated or mashed into a paste

• 200g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella, or as needed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns golden.

2. Add the garlic and cook for another 20 seconds before adding the ground beef. Fry until browned, breaking it up as you go.

3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute. Add the red wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce.

4. Pour in the tomato passata and beef stock, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 25 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Stir in the grated Parmesan and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Cook the Spaghetti:

1. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Prepare the Bread Bowls:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Slice the tops off the rolls and hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick wall. Squish the outer edges gently to create a sturdy, protective shell.

3. Place the hollowed rolls on a baking tray, preferably lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan.

4. Brush the inside and outside of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture. Set them aside.

Assemble the Spaghetti in the Bread Bowls:

1. Once the spaghetti is cooked, use tongs to transfer it directly into the sauce and toss to combine, making sure each noodle is well-coated. Add some pasta water to loosen up the sauce if needed.

2. Spoon the spaghetti into the prepared bread bowls, ensuring each bowl is filled generously with sauce and pasta. Finish by topping each bowl with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella.

3. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. For a golden top, you can also switch on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Remove the bread bowls from the oven and garnish with more freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a side of extra Parmesan and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: You can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use ground lamb for a more traditional twist.

• Vegetarian: Swap the meat with lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

• Cheese Options: Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar, or try gouda for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover meat sauce separately from the bread bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop, adding a little pasta water if it’s too thick. The bread bowls can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until crispy and warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance. Assemble and bake the bread bowls right before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought rolls for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure the rolls are crusty and firm enough to hold the sauce and pasta. Soft rolls may become soggy.

3. Can I bake the bread bowls without cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cheese on top or use a lighter cheese like ricotta or feta for a different flavor.

4. Can I freeze the meat sauce for later?

Yes, the meat sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

5. How can I prevent the bread bowls from getting soggy?

Make sure to toast the rolls lightly before filling them. Also, avoid overfilling them with too much sauce. Adding the cheese on top also helps create a barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy.

6. Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with more beef stock for a similar depth of flavor.

7. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just cook it according to package instructions and combine with the meat sauce as directed.

8. How do I know when the spaghetti is done?

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually until it is “al dente,” or firm to the bite. If you prefer softer pasta, cook it a minute or two longer.

9. Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

10. How do I store leftover bread bowls?

If you have leftover bread bowls, store the pasta and sauce separately from the bread. When reheating, use a fresh roll or reheat the bread bowls with the sauce to maintain their crunch.

Conclusion

These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are the ultimate comfort food, combining two favorites into one fun and delicious dish. The tender pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, all served in a crispy garlic bread bowl, will have everyone at the table coming back for more. Whether for a family meal or a special dinner, this recipe will impress and satisfy every time!

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