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Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

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Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a hearty and cheesy dish that combines rich beef sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and gooey melted mozzarella all served in crispy, buttery rolls. A fun and delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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

Instructions

  1. Make the Meat Sauce: 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. Add the garlic and cook for another 20 seconds before adding the ground beef. Fry until browned, breaking it up as you go. 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. 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. Stir in the grated Parmesan and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: 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.
  3. Prepare the Bread Bowls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). 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. 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. Brush the inside and outside of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture. Set them aside.
  4. Assemble the Spaghetti in the Bread Bowls: 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. 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.
  5. Bake in the Oven: 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.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bread bowls from the oven and garnish with more freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a side of extra Parmesan and enjoy!

Notes

  • 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: 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.

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