Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Drizzle of Olive Oil; 1 medium White Onion, finely diced; 2 cloves Garlic, finely diced; 500g / 1lb Minced/Ground Beef; 1 heaped tbsp Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste); 80ml / 1/3 cup Beef Stock; 500g / 2 cups Tomato Passata; 240ml / 1 cup Beef Stock; 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; 1/2 bunch Fresh Basil, finely diced; 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano; 1/2 tsp Sugar; 20g / 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan; Salt & Black Pepper, as needed; 200g / 7oz Spaghetti; 6x Crusty White Rolls; 100g / 7 tbsp Butter, melted; 30g / 1oz Parmesan (fresh dusty variety); 1 heaped tbsp very finely diced Fresh Parsley, plus extra to garnish; 3 cloves Garlic, grated/mashed into paste; 200g / 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

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If you’re craving a meal that combines the comfort of hearty spaghetti with the irresistible charm of garlic bread, then the Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner hack. This brilliant dish brings together perfectly cooked spaghetti loaded with a rich, savory beef and tomato sauce, all served inside warm, buttery garlic bread bowls that soak up every delicious bite. It’s colorful, flavorful, and absolutely fun to eat—like your favorite pasta and garlic bread rolling into one spectacular package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with cooked ground meat mixed with translucent, slightly browned chopped onions. The meat is a dark brown color with a crumbly texture, evenly distributed in the pan. A wooden spoon with a smooth finish rests inside the pan, its handle reaching out toward the edge. The scene is simple and clean, focusing on the cooked mixture inside the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that work in harmony to deliver a burst of texture, taste, and comforting aromas. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the fragrant garlic in the bread, the fresh basil in the sauce, or the hearty minced beef that makes the dish satisfyingly filling.

Spaghetti: The pasta base that holds the heart of the dish and absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and depth when cooking the onions and garlic.
White Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and body in the sauce.
Garlic: Used twice—first in the sauce for aroma, then crushed into the bread butter for that irresistible garlic punch.
Minced/Ground Beef: The protein that adds savory richness and texture to the sauce.
Tomato Puree (Paste): Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Beef Stock: Splashed in twice for layered depth and savory complexity.
Tomato Passata: A smooth, fresh tomato base that brightens the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret umami booster that ramps up flavor.
Fresh Basil: Finely diced to infuse the sauce with herbal freshness.
Dried Oregano and Sugar: A pinch of both balances the acidity and adds subtle warmth.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated in the sauce and mixed into the garlic butter to add a nutty, salty kick.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every bite.
Crusty White Rolls: Hollowed out to form the magical bread bowls that cradle the pasta.
Butter: Melted and blended with garlic and herbs to create a golden, flavorful crust.
Fresh Parsley: Adds vibrant color and a mild fresh taste to the garlic butter and garnish.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded on top for gooey, melty perfection as the bowls bake.

How to Make Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Start the Sauce

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and gently fry the finely diced onion until soft and golden. This step creates a sweet, mellow base for your sauce. Toss in the garlic just long enough to release its fragrance—about 20 seconds. Then add the minced beef, stirring and breaking it up with your spoon until it’s beautifully browned. This gives your sauce that rich, meaty foundation that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Build the Flavour

Next, stir in the tomato puree and cook it out for a minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in 80ml of beef stock and simmer briefly to reduce slightly—this concentrates the taste and helps meld the sauce together. Now, add the passata along with the remaining beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, finely diced fresh basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Season lightly with salt and pepper to start, then simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes until the sauce thickens to luscious perfection. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan right at the end for a subtle nutty richness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. About eight minutes before your sauce is done, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. This timing means everything will come together seamlessly for the final assembly. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 4: Prepare the Bread Bowls

Slice the tops off your crusty white rolls and carefully hollow out the centers, making sure to press the sides gently to reinforce their shape so they can hold all that delicious pasta and sauce. Place these bread bowls on a parchment-lined baking tray. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with grated garlic, finely diced parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan. Brush this heavenly garlic butter mixture all over the inside and outside of the bread bowls for incredible flavor and a gorgeous golden color when baked.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Using tongs, transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the simmering meat sauce. Toss everything together so each strand is generously coated with that rich sauce. Then, spoon the loaded spaghetti into your prepared bread bowls, topping with extra sauce on top for maximum saucy delight. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the surface to create a bubbly, cheesy crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the filled bowls in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the bread crisps up beautifully and the mozzarella melts into gooey perfection. For a little extra golden finish, briefly broil or grill the tops until just browned and bubbling. Then they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of several round baked stuffed mushrooms on a white marbled surface. Each mushroom has a dark brown cap base, filled with a layer of red tomato meat sauce with small chunks visible. On top of the sauce is a thick layer of melted white cheese, slightly browned in spots, giving it a warm, bubbly texture. Small green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the cheese and around the mushrooms. The edges of the mushrooms reveal a bit of grated cheese and sauce spilling slightly onto the surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of vibrant green and a delicate herbal lift that makes each bite feel even more inviting. Don’t be shy with the garnish—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is already a glorious carbohydrate feast, keep side dishes light and fresh. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables are perfect companions to balance the richness of the spaghetti garlic bread bowls recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual bread bowls as a rustic, hands-on dinner at your next gathering or family meal. Alternatively, slice the bread bowls into wedges after baking to create shareable, cheesy bread “boats” with pasta inside—perfect for casual parties or kid-friendly meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and bread bowls separate if possible to maintain the bread’s texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked spaghetti garlic bread bowls recipe, but for best results, freeze the sauce and cooked spaghetti separately from the bread bowls. Wrap the bread tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through and the bread regains a bit of its crispness—typically about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutions if you prefer a leaner option, and they’ll still absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce beautifully.

What if I don’t have crusty white rolls?

Any sturdy bread with a firm crust works well. Try sourdough baker’s rolls or even small rustic baguettes, just make sure they can hold the filling without falling apart.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the beef and substitute with your favorite plant-based mince or diced mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meat-free sauce that still shines in these garlic bread bowls.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely. The sauce actually tastes better after a day in the fridge because the flavors deepen. Just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti before filling the bowls.

How critical is the garlic in the bread butter?

It’s a game-changer! Garlic in the butter is what makes the bread bowls truly addictive, giving you that classic garlic bread flavor that pairs perfectly with the spaghetti. Don’t skip it if you want to impress!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then don’t wait another minute to try the Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe. It’s comforting, fun, and full of bold flavors that will quickly turn into a family favorite. Bring this recipe to your table and watch how everyone lights up when they dig into those cheesy, garlicky, pasta-filled bread bowls—all the joy of two classics combined into one mouthwatering experience.

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