If you love the comforting flavors of Italian lasagna but crave something a little different and totally irresistible, this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all the layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella nestled inside crispy, buttery garlic bread—it’s the ultimate cozy crowd-pleaser that combines two classics into one glorious bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe brings fun and flavor together in a way that sparks smiles and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of textures and flavors that make this dish sing. From the savory meats to the creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, every element adds vibrant layers and irresistible comfort.
- 1 large Italian loaf or French bread: This hearty base holds all those delicious fillings while providing the perfect crunchy exterior.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Adds savory depth and hearty texture.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a burst of spice and seasoning for authentic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 small onion (diced): Offers a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that signature garlicky warmth.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Lush, tangy tomato goodness ties all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds herby fragrance and classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance the dish.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it provides a dreamy layer of richness.
- 1 egg: Binds the ricotta mixture to keep it smooth and spreadable.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color inside the filling.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that iconic stringy, gooey finish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty notes to elevate the cheese blend.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Creates a golden, crispy crust when mixed with garlic.
- 2 more cloves garlic (minced): For brushing onto the bread edges, ensuring every bite is infused with garlic goodness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds brightness and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Boat
Start by slicing your large loaf of Italian or French bread in half lengthwise. Gently hollow out some of the soft interior, creating a roomy bread “boat” where all the delicious fillings will nestle. Set these halves aside while you prepare the hearty meat sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion, cooking until everything is browned and fragrant, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from getting greasy. Then, stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, letting it simmer gently for five minutes to meld those incredible flavors.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
While your sauce simmers, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and chopped parsley in a small bowl until smooth. This creamy layer adds richness and keeps the texture light and fluffy inside the bread.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly inside each hollowed bread half. Layer on the luscious meat sauce, then top generously with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic and brush the mixture all over the exposed edges of the bread. This step ensures your garlic bread edges turn golden and crispy in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and prepare to enjoy.
How to Serve Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich, gooey filling. You could also scatter some chili flakes or drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil to enhance the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, helping cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of steamed broccoli also make great sides, adding healthy texture and color to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, slice the garlic bread into individual servings to make easy-to-handle lasagna bites. You could also serve it alongside dipping bowls of extra marinara or ranch dressing for a playful, interactive experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheated slices will still be delicious and almost as fresh as when first baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled bread before baking by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the bread soggy instead of delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a large Italian or French loaf works best for its size and crustiness, you can experiment with other sturdy breads like sourdough or ciabatta as long as they’re large and firm enough to hold the filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite vegetables. You can also add plant-based sausage alternatives for that savory flavor without the meat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. Assemble the stuffed bread and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for prepping ahead of a party or family dinner.
How spicy is this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe?
It’s mild by default, but you can always add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to kick up the heat if you like things a bit more daring.
What’s the best way to slice the bread after baking?
Use a serrated bread knife and make clean, confident slices to keep the filling intact. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing for the neatest results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness of this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe to brighten any meal or gathering. It’s a playful twist on two beloved favorites that’s sure to impress and satisfy every craving. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!
Print
Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread is a hearty and flavorful Italian-American dish that combines the savory taste of classic lasagna ingredients baked inside a crusty garlic bread loaf. This recipe features a delicious mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting main course that’s easy to prepare and great for sharing.
Ingredients
Bread and Toppings
- 1 large Italian loaf or French bread
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Hollow out some of the inside of the bread halves to create a ‘bread boat’ that will hold the filling. Set the hollowed-out bread aside.
- Cook the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Assemble the stuffed bread: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly inside each hollowed bread half. Spoon the meat sauce over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously on top.
- Add garlic butter and prepare for baking: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush this garlic butter mixture all over the edges and exposed surface of the bread halves. Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake the garlic bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, slice into portions, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought garlic bread for a quicker preparation; just hollow it out and fill as directed.
- To make ahead, assemble the bread and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving to save time.
