Jumbo Pizza Loaf
A hearty and flavorful pizza loaf featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings all baked into a French bread shell. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or casual dinners, this dish combines savory meat, cheesy goodness, and crispy bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped olives, salt, oregano, pepper, and tomato paste in a bowl.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly on both halves of the bread.
- Broil about 5 inches from the heat for 12 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
- Top with sliced tomatoes and halved cheese slices.
- Broil until the cheese begins to melt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use mozzarella for a milder cheese option. If you want a vegetarian version, swap in sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers instead of meat. To enhance the flavors, add crushed garlic to the meat mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. It's also a great way to use up leftover ingredients from dishes like 3-Bean Baked Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jumbo Pizza Loaf with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Vegetable-Beef Soup for a cozy dinner. For a fun twist, cut the loaf into smaller pieces for appetizers at parties or gatherings. Consider adding a dipping sauce like marinara on the side for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Jumbo Pizza Loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the loaf on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual slices for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jumbo Pizza Loaf contains roughly 993 calories, with 23g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1718mg per serving (75% 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 spread it on the bread up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble with the tomatoes and cheese, then broil until everything is heated through.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for French bread, you can also use Italian bread or any crusty loaf. The key is to choose a bread that can hold up to the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.
Can I freeze the Jumbo Pizza Loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled loaf before broiling. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, then top with cheese and broil until melted.
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).