If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that feels indulgent, comforting, and completely unforgettable, these spaghetti garlic bread bowls are exactly what you need. This dish takes two beloved comfort foods—rich spaghetti and buttery garlic bread—and combines them into one bold, satisfying meal. Each bowl is made from a crusty bread roll brushed generously with garlic butter, then filled with saucy spaghetti and topped with melted cheese. It’s the kind of dinner recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
Spaghetti garlic bread bowls may look over-the-top at first glance, but they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. With basic pantry ingredients, a hearty meat sauce, and a short bake in the oven, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner recipe that works just as well for family meals as it does for casual gatherings. The crisp bread exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft spaghetti filling, while the garlic butter and cheese bring everything together in one cozy bite.
This recipe is designed to be flavorful, balanced, and satisfying without being overly complicated. The meat sauce is rich and slightly saucier than traditional spaghetti, which keeps the filling moist while baking. The garlic bread bowls stay crisp on the outside, thanks to sturdy rolls and a generous brushing of garlic butter inside and out.
Ingredients (with Measurements)
For the Spaghetti Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti
For the Garlic Bread Bowls
- 6 large crusty white bread rolls
- 7 tablespoons (100 g) butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until soft and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef stock, then add the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick but still saucy.
Finish by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside while you prepare the spaghetti.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the meat sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the mixture feels too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Bread Bowls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Using a bread knife, slice the tops off each roll. Carefully remove most of the soft interior, leaving a thick crust around the edges and base to form a sturdy bowl. Gently press the remaining bread outward to strengthen the walls.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, grated garlic, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture generously over the inside and outside of each bread roll.
Place the prepared rolls on a lined baking tray.
Step 4: Fill the Bread Bowls
Spoon the spaghetti mixture into each garlic bread bowl, pressing it down slightly so it fits neatly. Make sure each bowl gets a good amount of sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Top each filled bowl with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For extra color, switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye on the tops.
Remove from the oven and let the bowls rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spaghetti garlic bread bowls immediately while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crisp. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. This dinner recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
