Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-Fusion
Ingredients: 1 medium white onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, finely diced; 500g ground beef (12% fat); 1 tablespoon tomato puree; 80ml red wine; 500g tomato passata; 240ml beef stock; ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ bunch fresh basil, chopped; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon sugar; 20g freshly grated parmesan; 200g spaghetti; 6 crusty white rolls; 100g butter, melted; 30g parmesan for butter; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, made into paste; 200g mozzarella, shredded

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 24 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, look no further than Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls. Imagine nestling hearty, saucy spaghetti inside golden, crusty bread bowls infused with garlic butter and crowned with gooey melted cheese — it’s everything you love about Italian night in one adorable, hand-held package. This delightful dish brings a playful twist to tradition, making it perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any night you want to make spaghetti feel downright special.

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls couldn’t be easier, and each component brings something vital to the party — from the Garlicky buttery rolls that form the crispy vessel to the savory, rich pasta filling. Every item below works together to create the most irresistible flavor and texture in every bite.

Olive oil for cooking: Brings depth and fruity undertones to the sauce and helps sauté vegetables without sticking.
1 medium white onion, finely diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a flavorful base to your meat sauce.
2 garlic cloves, finely diced: Piles on aromatic garlicky flavor that defines this fusion classic.
500g ground beef (12% fat): Gives the sauce hearty richness and a crave-worthy texture.
1 tablespoon tomato puree: Intensifies the color and tomato flavor of the sauce.
80ml red wine: Adds depth and complexity while enhancing the beefy notes.
500g tomato passata: Makes the sauce vibrant and smooth without the seeds or skins.
240ml beef stock: Delivers a savory punch and keeps the sauce nice and luscious.
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Invites a touch of umami that sets this sauce apart.
½ bunch fresh basil, chopped: Brings brightness and the unmistakable scent of fresh herbs.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Italian flavor and a rustic earthiness.
½ teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
20g freshly grated parmesan: Adds salty, nutty flavor that finishes the sauce beautifully.
200g spaghetti: The star pasta, sturdy enough to hold up inside the sauce-drenched bread bowls.
6 crusty white rolls: Act as the edible “bowls” — make sure they’re firm and crusty for best results.
100g butter, melted: Soaks into the rolls, contributing luxurious richness and helping them crisp up.
30g parmesan for butter: Infuses the garlic butter with extra cheesy goodness.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a spark of green and freshness to the garlic butter.
3 garlic cloves, made into paste: Packs every bread bowl with an extra hit of garlicky intensity.
200g mozzarella, shredded: Melts into bubbling, stretchy perfection over the saucy spaghetti.

How to Make Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics and Beef

Start by gently heating a splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it until it turns soft and golden; patience here pays off with a deep, sweet flavor. Toss in the finely diced garlic next, letting it sizzle for just a minute until fragrant. Now, crumble in the ground beef, stirring to break it up as it browns. Once it’s no longer pink, stir through the tomato puree for a beautifully rich base.

Step 2: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the red wine and let it bubble away for a minute, which intensifies those incredible aromas and deglazes the pan. Mix in the tomato passata, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, chopped basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer everything on low for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens luxuriously. Finish by stirring in grated parmesan — this is the magic touch that pulls the sauce together.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Bread Bowls

Meanwhile, get your bread ready! Slice the tops off the crusty rolls and carefully scoop out the centers, making sure not to cut through the bottoms (save the insides for homemade breadcrumbs later). In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, parmesan, parsley, and garlic paste. Brush this glorious mixture all over the inside and outside of each roll — these will be your flavorful bowls for that luscious spaghetti.

Step 4: Boil the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of seasoned water to the boil and add the spaghetti. Cook it until just al dente, so it can soak up all the sauce later without turning mushy. Using tongs, transfer the drained spaghetti straight into the simmered sauce, tossing to coat every strand in that meaty, savory goodness.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Bread Bowls

Set the prepared rolls onto a baking tray. Pile the saucy spaghetti into each bread bowl, making sure every one gets a generous helping of sauce on top. Sprinkle a hearty handful of shredded mozzarella over each bowl — this is where the magic really starts. Don’t hold back!

Step 6: Bake and Broil

Pop the tray into a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The garlic bread bowls will turn golden and crisp as the cheese melts into a bubbling blanket on top. If you love a bit of extra browning, flick on the broiler for a minute or two at the end, just until the cheese gets delicious golden spots.

How to Serve Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Garnishes

A fresh, herby finish transforms Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls from comforting to restaurant-worthy. Shower with extra chopped basil or parsley, a dusting of parmesan, or a crack of black pepper for visual appeal and zing. For a touch of heat, add a red pepper flake sprinkle — it wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

Since these bowls are so hearty, keep sides light and fresh. A zingy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or juicy grape tomatoes tossed with olive oil all pair beautifully without overpowering the feast. And if you’re feeling extra, a small bowl of olives or a citrusy slaw is always welcome on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls already have undeniable wow-factor, but you can turn them into a centerpiece: arrange them on a big platter, each tucked in parchment for grab-and-go serving, or set up a “build your own” bar with different cheeses, herbs, and extra toppings for guests to personalize their bowls. Kids especially love decorating their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), simply pop the Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to two days. The bread will soften a bit but still be delicious upon reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each cooled bread bowl tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge — this keeps both the bread and pasta tasting their best.

Reheating

To revive Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls, place them on a baking tray and bake at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes until everything is piping hot and the bread crisps up again. A quick broil at the end brings the cheese back to bubbly glory. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread too soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat or keep it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef if you’d like. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and boost the sauce with mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground “meat” substitute.

What bread works best for Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls?

Choose small, crusty white rolls that sound hollow when tapped. Sourdough or Italian rolls are sturdy enough to hold the saucy filling without getting soggy, and their flavor pairs beautifully with the garlicky butter.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can absolutely prep most components ahead: make the sauce and garlic butter up to two days in advance, refrigerate, and assemble the bowls on the day you plan to serve them. Wait to bake until right before eating for freshest results.

How do I keep the bread bowls from getting soggy?

Brushing the insides with garlic butter before filling forms a delicious barrier against moisture. Also, be sure your sauce is thick and reduce excess liquid before tossing it with the pasta and assembling your bread bowls.

Is it possible to make smaller “mini” bowls for parties?

Definitely! Simply use smaller rolls and adjust the filling accordingly. These mini Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a total crowd-pleaser at potlucks and game day gatherings, plus they look adorable on a platter.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or feeling adventurous in the kitchen, there’s truly nothing quite like these Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls. They’ll win over pasta purists and bread lovers alike — and trust me, everyone will beg you for the recipe! Give them a try and get ready for your new favorite dinner tradition.