Cheesy Bacon Beef Stuffed Bread

Prepare to transform a simple loaf of bread into a magnificent, crowd-pleasing meal with this Cheesy Bacon Beef Stuffed Bread. This ultimate comfort food creation takes all the irresistible flavors of a bacon cheeseburger and nestles them cozily inside a crusty French bread loaf, creating an edible trench of savory goodness. Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, all enhanced with a hint of smoky garlic butter, make every pull-apart bite an explosion of flavor and texture. Perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, or a fun family dinner, this dish is a true showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Stuffed Bread:

• 1 large French bread loaf or baguette (about 18-20 inches long)
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 5-6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing the Meat Filling

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet (oven-safe if you prefer to use it for later steps, but not necessary), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook over medium-high heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Season generously with salt and black pepper as it cooks.
5. Drain Fat: Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
6. Season Beef Mixture: Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Combine with Bacon & Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the cooked, crumbled bacon and half of the chopped fresh parsley into the beef mixture. Set aside.

Part 2: Preparing the Bread

1. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the 3 tablespoons of melted butter and the 1 clove of minced garlic.
2. Cut the Bread: Take the French bread loaf. Using a serrated knife, slice lengthwise along the top of the loaf, creating a “trench” without cutting all the way through the bottom or ends.
3. Hollow Out: Gently hollow out some of the soft interior bread from the trench, leaving a sturdy crust. Don’t remove too much, just enough to make space for the filling. (You can save the removed bread for croutons or breadcrumbs).
4. Make Diagonal Cuts: Make diagonal cuts along the loaf, about 1 inch apart, without cutting all the way through the bottom. This creates individual servings and helps the cheese melt and bread crisp.
5. Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the inside of the hollowed-out trench and the entire top surface of the loaf with the prepared garlic butter.

Part 3: Assembling and Baking

1. Fill the Loaf: Spoon the seasoned ground beef and bacon mixture evenly into the trench of the prepared bread loaf.
2. Add Cheese: Top the beef mixture generously with the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Sprinkle Remaining Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining half of the cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheese.
4. Initial Bake (Covered): Place the stuffed loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from burning while the filling heats through. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Final Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil. Return the loaf to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the bread is toasted and crisp.
6. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baked loaf from the oven. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh chopped parsley. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing along the pre-made cuts. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces (e.g., ranch, extra ketchup, or a spicy mayo).

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Bread Choice: A sturdy French bread or Italian loaf works best to hold the filling. Avoid very soft breads.
• Cheese Blend: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Pepper Jack can add a nice kick, or a Mexican blend.
• Vegetable Additions: Finely diced bell peppers or jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) can be added to the beef mixture with the onion.
• Spice Level: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the beef mixture can add heat.
• Make Ahead: The beef and bacon filling can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving.
• Storage: Leftover stuffed bread is best reheated in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Microwaving will make it soft.

Pairings

• Sides: A simple green salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup would complement this hearty bread.
• Beverages: Cold soda, iced tea, or a light beer (for adults) would be great pairings.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food