Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-Fusion
Ingredients: Olive oil for cooking.; 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· 4.9 from 25 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s both cozy and a total showstopper, Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls deliver on every front. Imagine hearty, rich spaghetti tossed in a savory meat sauce, all nestled inside crackly, buttery garlic bread—then finished with a molten blanket of gooey cheese. This Italian-fusion masterpiece transforms a weeknight spaghetti favorite into a dinner party centerpiece, giving you the kind of comfort food experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for casual gatherings or a family treat, Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are impossible to resist, and every bite promises big flavor with a bit of flair.

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls is how each simple ingredient shines in the final dish. These staples come together to create vibrant flavors, contrasting textures, and a truly comforting color palette. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every component matters.

Olive oil for cooking: Adds richness and helps soften the onion and garlic while lending a subtle, fruity background note.
1 medium white onion, finely diced: Essential for a flavorful sauce base, adding a gentle sweetness and depth.
2 garlic cloves, finely diced: Brings aromatic warmth and that classic Italian aroma we all love.
500g ground beef (12% fat): Provides hearty flavor and just enough fat for juicy, tender meat sauce.
1 tablespoon tomato puree: Concentrates tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
80ml red wine: Adds depth and complexity—don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off.
500g tomato passata: Delivers a silky, well-bodied tomato sauce as the backbone of the filling.
240ml beef stock: Intensifies savory notes and creates extra lusciousness.
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Punches up umami and rounds out the beef flavor.
½ bunch fresh basil, chopped: For bright, herbal freshness that makes the sauce sing.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Italian fragrance to the mix.
½ teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the tomatoes.
20g freshly grated parmesan: Melts into the sauce for nutty, cheesy depth.
200g spaghetti: Holds the sauce perfectly and creates that classic pasta texture inside the bread.
6 crusty white rolls: The stars of the dish—choose rolls with a firm crust for the best “bowl” effect.
100g butter, melted: Soaks into the bread for a tender, irresistible bite.
30g parmesan for butter: Adds a savory, cheesy layer to the garlic bread bowls.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Lends a pop of freshness and welcome color.
3 garlic cloves, made into paste: Intensifies the garlic flavor for bold, aromatic bread bowls.
200g mozzarella, shredded: Perfect for that bubbly, golden cheese cap on top.

How to Make Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Step 1: Start the Flavorful Meat Sauce

Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a large pan and set it over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook gently, stirring often, until it turns golden and soft. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant, just a minute or so. Now, crumble in the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Sauté until the meat is nicely browned, and the edges start to caramelize—that’s where the big flavors develop. Stir in the tomato puree and let it cook out for a minute or two to deepen the tomato base.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection

Pour in the red wine, scraping up any tasty bits from the pan, and let it reduce slightly until almost evaporated. Stir in the tomato passata, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, chopped basil, and sugar. Season well with salt and black pepper. Bring the whole thing to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook gently for about 25 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken so it’s rich and coats the spaghetti beautifully. Finish by stirring in the grated parmesan—it’ll melt right in, deepening the savory notes of your Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Bread Bowls

While the sauce simmers, grab your crusty white rolls and use a sharp bread knife to slice the tops off. Hollow out the centers, being careful not to pierce the bottom or sides—you want a sturdy bowl. Mix melted butter, garlic paste, parsley, and parmesan together in a small bowl. Brush this garlicky goodness generously all over the inside and around the top edges of each bread bowl. For extra flavor, give the outsides a light brush too. These bread bowls will soak up all the sauce and turn gorgeously golden when baked.

Step 4: Cook and Combine the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente—it will continue to cook a bit once baked. Using tongs, transfer the drained pasta straight into your simmering sauce. Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated in the rich, meaty sauce. This is the moment where regular spaghetti transforms into something extraordinary for your Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Bowls

Carefully mound the spaghetti and sauce mixture into each prepared bread bowl, making sure to get plenty of sauce on top (that’s the best part). Sprinkle each filled bowl generously with shredded mozzarella. Don’t worry about a little mess—the cheese melts down and holds everything together in a heavenly melty crown.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Place the stuffed bread bowls on a baking tray and slide them into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the bread turns crisp and the mozzarella bubbles and melts. If you love extra-cheesy goodness, pop the tray under the broiler for a minute or two at the end to get those gloriously browned spots. Let the bowls cool for a minute (they’ll be hot!) before serving.

How to Serve Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and zippy flavor right before serving. A final dusting of grated parmesan will take your Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls over the top—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a tiny pinch of chili flakes gives a beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Since Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are already hearty, I like to pair them with something fresh and crisp like a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or a tangy antipasto platter with olives, artichokes, and fresh tomatoes are also excellent accompaniments to round out your Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls right on a wooden board for a rustic vibe, or nestle each onto a plate lined with extra sauce. For parties, make mini bowls using smaller dinner rolls, or set up a DIY bar with different cheese and topping options—let everyone customize their own edible masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, though the bread will soften as it absorbs the sauce. If you anticipate extras, storing the spaghetti mixture separately from the bread bowls helps maintain the ideal texture.

Freezing

The spaghetti sauce freezes wonderfully—just cool it fully and portion into airtight containers for up to 3 months. I don’t recommend freezing fully assembled Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls, as the bread loses its iconic crusty texture. Instead, freeze the sauce and assemble the bowls fresh whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, unfilled bread bowls can go into a low oven to crisp up. Warm leftover spaghetti filling gently in a pan or microwave until hot. Once both components are ready, assemble and sprinkle on fresh mozzarella, then bake as you would with the original recipe until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted. Leftovers have never tasted so good!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls?

Absolutely! While crusty white rolls create the best “bowl,” you can experiment with sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole wheat rolls. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy.

Is it possible to make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based mince or sautéed mushrooms, use vegetable stock instead of beef, and proceed with all the same seasonings. The bowls will be just as hearty and flavorful.

How can I make the garlic bread bowls extra crispy?

For an extra crunch, bake the hollowed-out bread bowls for 5 minutes before filling them. This toasts the inside slightly and helps protect against sogginess once you add the hot spaghetti mixture.

Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce?

If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought sauce is a handy shortcut. Just heat it up with a splash of extra parmesan and fresh herbs to boost the flavor before tossing in your spaghetti for quick Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Prepare everything ahead and set up a “build your own” station with bread bowls, spaghetti sauce, a selection of cheeses, and toppings like chopped basil or chili flakes. This lets guests create their own personalized Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls with a fun, interactive twist!

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about sharing Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls with the people you love. They bring together comfort food and a wow-worthy presentation in one edible package! Give them a try the next time you want to make dinner a little extra special, and don’t be surprised when everyone wants seconds.