Cheesy Beef Stuffed Bread

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Bread

Ingredients:

– 1 large French baguette or Italian bread
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prepare the Bread**:
– Cut the baguette in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
– Scoop out some of the bread from the center to create a well for the filling.

3. **Cook the Beef Filling**:
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
– Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
– Stir in the marinara or tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

4. **Assemble the Stuffed Bread**:
– Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the wells of the bread.
– Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the beef mixture.

5. **Bake**:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
– Slice and serve warm.

Enjoy your cheesy beef stuffed bread!