Hamburger-Stuffed Bread Loaf
A hearty, cheesy stuffed bread loaf filled with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, this dish combines savory flavors with a comforting bread shell, offering a satisfying and visually impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 1 unsliced loaf of bread (Vienna bread recommended) ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small to medium onion, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cored and chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 2 stalks celery, washed and chopped (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- Butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the top off the bread loaf and set aside. Remove the interior of the loaf, leaving enough on the sides to form a shell.
- Tear the removed bread into small pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain well.
- Return the beef to the skillet, add chopped onion, and cook until the onion starts to soften.
- Add chopped green pepper (and celery if using), then mix well.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine the meat mixture with the bread pieces in the bowl, mixing well. Add undiluted soup if desired and mix again.
- Stuff the bread loaf shell with the meat mixture.
- Top the stuffed loaf with shredded Cheddar cheese. Optionally, spread butter or margarine on the removed top slice and sprinkle with garlic powder or additional cheese.
- Place the loaf on a cookie sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or using seasoned ground beef. If you prefer a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken can replace the beef. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the dish. For the bread, a hearty whole-grain loaf can be a nutritious alternative to Vienna bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger-Stuffed Bread Loaf pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with dipping sauces like ketchup or mustard, and a side of crispy potato chips for added crunch. For a fun twist, consider serving with a bowl of chili or your favorite soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bread tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger-Stuffed Bread Loaf contains roughly 200 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 681mg 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and stuff the bread loaf a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute Cheddar with any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. Mixing different cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile.
Can I freeze the stuffed bread loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed bread loaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is perfect for meal prep!
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).