Hamburger And French Bread Bake
A hearty baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef and cheese stuffed into French bread, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess grease.
- Mix the cooked beef and onion with canned milk, cracker crumbs, egg, grated cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers of each half.
- Fill the hollowed-out bread halves with the meat mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider including sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms in the meat mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Using whole grain or gluten-free bread can make this dish healthier. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or a Quick Vegetable Dish for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with potato wedges or coleslaw on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed bread halves in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the bread’s texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger And French Bread Bake contains roughly 999 calories, with 21g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (56% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1442mg per serving (63% 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 meat mixture and hollow out the bread a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, fill the bread with the mixture and bake as instructed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of canned milk?
If you don't have canned milk, you can use an equal amount of regular milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the creaminess of the filling, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bread halves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking at 350°F until heated 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).