French Bread Meal
A hearty stuffed French bread filled with seasoned hamburger, cheese, and bread crumbs, baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix hamburger, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, salt, pepper, and parsley in a pan and brown.
- Cut the ends off the French bread and remove the middle to create a hollow shell.
- Mix bread crumbs, beaten egg, and grated cheese together.
- Combine the cooked hamburger mixture with the bread crumb mixture.
- Stuff the combined mixture back into the bread shell.
- Wrap the stuffed bread in foil and bake at 325°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the hamburger mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also use any cheese you have on hand, such as mozzarella or cheddar. If you like a bit of spice, try mixing in some chopped jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed French bread with a side salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cajun Red Beans for a hearty contrast. You can also slice the bread into portions for a fun appetizer at gatherings. Consider offering a dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch, for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed French bread can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap the foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the bread's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bread Meal contains roughly 978 calories, with 19g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% 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 stuff the bread just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
What can I use instead of French bread?
If you don't have French bread, any crusty bread like Italian or ciabatta will work well. Just ensure it's sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. You could even use hoagie rolls for individual servings.
Can I freeze the stuffed bread?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for an easy meal option later on.
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).