Description
This Spaghetti Boats Recipe combines classic spaghetti with a twist by serving it inside a toasted garlic bread loaf. Ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and spaghetti sauce mixes with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles to create a hearty filling. The bread is transformed into a crispy boat with garlic butter, making it a fun and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
Bread Boat and Topping
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Beef: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. In a skillet pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink, then drain excess fat and grease from the pan.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the spaghetti sauce, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the cooked beef mixture. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently while you prepare the other components.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander without rinsing. Add the drained spaghetti noodles into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Bread Boat: While the pasta cooks, create the bread boat by cutting a large oval around the top of the French bread loaf, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Remove the middle section of the bread carefully, forming a hollow ‘boat’ shape.
- Make Garlic Butter and Toast Bread: Mix the softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley flakes. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the inside of the bread boat. Place the bread boat on the prepared sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes until toasted and golden.
- Fill and Bake: Fill the toasted garlic bread boat with the prepared spaghetti and beef mixture. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Slice the spaghetti boat into large sections and serve warm, enjoying the melty, savory dish.
Notes
- Do not rinse the cooked spaghetti noodles to retain starch and help the sauce stick better.
- Use a sturdy French bread loaf to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the sauce.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef for a less greasy filling.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
