Ground Beef Parmesan Pizza Stuffed Bread

If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines the crispy, cheesy satisfaction of a pizza with the hearty, savory depth of a meatball sub, look no further than Ground Beef Parmesan Pizza Stuffed Bread. This dish is a crowd-pleasing powerhouse, featuring a crusty French loaf hollowed out and packed with seasoned ground beef, zesty marinara, and a molten blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for game day, a busy weeknight dinner, or a party appetizer, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 large loaf of French or Italian bread (approx. 18-24 inches)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 ratio works best)

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a sharp serrated knife to cut a long rectangle out of the top of the bread loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom or the ends. Remove the “lid” and pull out some of the inner bread fluff to create a hollow “boat” or trough. Set the hollowed loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

3. Season and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the meat mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and well-incorporated.

4. Stuff the Loaf: Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese into the bottom of the hollowed bread. Spoon the hot ground beef mixture into the loaf, pressing it down firmly to fill all the corners.

5. Add the Cheese Topping: Generously layer the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the beef.

6. The Garlic Butter Finish: Brush the outside edges of the bread with the melted butter. If desired, sprinkle a little extra garlic powder or parsley onto the crust for added flavor.

7. Bake to Perfection: Place the bread in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown, and the bread is toasted and crisp.

8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes (this makes it easier to slice). Garnish with fresh parsley, slice into thick pieces, and serve warm with a side of extra marinara for dipping.

Elevating the Flavor Profile

While the classic ground beef and Parmesan combination is a winner, the beauty of this stuffed bread lies in its versatility. To take the flavor to the next level, consider the “pizza” element of the dish. Adding sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese before baking provides that signature spicy oil and crisp texture associated with a New York-style slice. You can also incorporate sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms into the beef mixture to add a “Supreme” pizza flair and an extra serving of vegetables.

For those who prefer a more “Parmesan-forward” experience, try mixing a dollop of ricotta cheese into the meat sauce before stuffing the bread. This creates a creamy, lasagna-like interior that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the crust either; a sprinkle of sesame seeds or “everything bagel” seasoning on the buttered edges can add an unexpected and delicious crunch.

Tips for the Perfect Golden Crust

The secret to a successful stuffed bread is achieving a crust that is sturdy enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy. To prevent a “soggy bottom,” ensure your meat sauce is thick rather than watery. Simmering the marinara with the beef until the liquid has mostly evaporated ensures the moisture stays in the meat and doesn’t soak into the bread.

Another professional tip is the “pre-toast.” Before adding your meat filling, place the hollowed-out loaf in the oven for about 5 minutes. This creates a light toasted barrier on the inside of the bread. Additionally, using a high-quality French loaf with a naturally thick crust will yield better results than a soft, doughy sandwich loaf. Using a baking stone or a perforated pizza pan can also help the heat circulate more evenly around the bottom of the bread.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Ground Beef Parmesan Pizza Stuffed Bread is a heavy hitter, so it pairs best with lighter sides. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. For a full Italian-inspired spread, serve it alongside roasted zucchini or steamed broccoli tossed in garlic and olive oil.

If you happen to have leftovers, this dish reheats surprisingly well. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread rubbery. Instead, wrap the leftovers loosely in aluminum foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is re-melted and the crust regained its crunch. You can also slice the bread into individual portions before freezing them; simply bake from frozen at a slightly lower temperature until heated through for a quick and satisfying lunch.