Fiesta Loaf
Fiesta Loaf is a savory bread dish with seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Split the French bread lengthwise and pull out the insides to create a hollow shell.
- In a large bowl or skillet, combine the browned hamburger meat, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and Cheddar cheese soup.
- Mix well until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the mixture into the bottom half of the bread shell.
- Arrange sliced cheese halves on top of the meat mixture.
- Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Put the top of the bread on the loaf and slice to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the hamburger mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey can be used instead of hamburger meat. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese soup with a homemade cheese sauce or a different flavor of cream soup for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Fiesta Loaf pairs well with a fresh salad, such as Broccoli Salad From Lynn, or crispy potato wedges. Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider a light dessert to follow, like fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Loaf contains roughly 431 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 697mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, stuff the bread and broil it just before eating to ensure the cheese is melty and delicious.
What can I use instead of French bread?
If French bread isn't available, try using Italian bread or even hoagie rolls for a different twist. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can enhance the filling by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn. Just make sure to sauté any additional vegetables beforehand to ensure they are cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).