Stuffed French Bread
Stuffed French Bread is a hearty, cheesy dish featuring seasoned ground beef and sausage baked inside a crusty loaf. Filled with flavorful vegetables and melted cheese, it's perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, offering a satisfying combination of savory, cheesy, and bread textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice off the top of the loaf of bread and carve out the center, keeping the hollowed-out bread shell and the removed bread.
- Brown and drain the ground beef, sausage, diced onion, and diced bell pepper.
- In a bowl, combine the egg, milk, and the removed bread pieces.
- Add the bread mixture to the cooked meat and vegetables.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on the bottom inside of the bread shell.
- Add the meat mixture on top of the cheese inside the bread shell.
- Place cubes of Velveeta cheese on top of the meat mixture.
- Put the top of the loaf back on the bread. Brush the outside with butter.
- Wrap the stuffed bread in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from foil, slice, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with cooked mushrooms and lentils. You can also use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Make sure to thoroughly drain the meat mixture to avoid sogginess. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked sausage or ground beef. This dish pairs beautifully with Best Homemade Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed French bread as a hearty main dish, accompanied by a fresh side salad or crispy potato wedges for a complete meal. It also makes a great party food when sliced into smaller portions. Consider pairing it with Hot Dip Delight for a delicious appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the stuffed bread in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can slice and microwave individual pieces for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed French Bread contains roughly 527 calories, with 13g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% 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 use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, while French bread works best for its crusty exterior, you can use Italian bread or hoagie rolls as alternatives. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
To prepare ahead, assemble the stuffed bread without baking it, wrap it tightly in foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I do if I don’t have Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with cream cheese or a combination of shredded cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
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).