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Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Crusty, buttery garlic bread bowls filled with rich meat sauce and spaghetti, perfect for an impressive family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread Bowls
  • 4 medium medium round bread rolls or small sourdough boules (about 5 to 6 inches in diameter)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for lining the bowls, optional but highly recommended) Optional for added richness.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For a spicy kick.
Spaghetti Layer
  • 8 oz spaghetti (half a standard box)
  • 1 tbsp salt for the pasta water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (to toss cooked pasta and prevent sticking)
Now For Serving
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra fresh parsley for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes on the side

Method
 

Make the Meat Sauce First
  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, then add ground beef or sausage and cook until well browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  2. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain excess fat but leave a small amount for flavor.
  3. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, then stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Mix in tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Stir everything well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Let it cook uncovered on low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add sugar at the end to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Prepare the Garlic Butter
  1. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Stir until completely combined.
Hollow Out the Bread Bowls
  1. Cut a circle around the top of each bread roll, angling the blade slightly inward.
  2. Pull out the soft interior bread, leaving walls about half an inch thick.
  3. Spread the garlic butter generously over the inside and the cut surface of each lid.
Toast the Bread Bowls
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the butter-coated bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. If adding mozzarella, add it after 6 minutes and return to oven.
Cook the Spaghetti
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
  2. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain and toss with olive oil before mixing it into the meat sauce.
Fill and Serve the Bread Bowls
  1. Arrange the toasted garlic bread bowls and twirl a generous portion of spaghetti into each bowl.
  2. Spoon extra meat sauce over the top, then add freshly grated Parmesan and parsley.
  3. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

Choose dense bread rolls for best results. Always salt your pasta water and serve immediately.