Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves (15g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (2g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
  • 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
  • 1 large (450g) French baguette or Italian loaf

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette lengthwise, stopping 1/2 inch from the edge. Scoop out the soft bread from the center of each half to create a trench.
  2. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Spread the mixture generously inside the hollowed bread areas and across the top edges.
  3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir marinara sauce and dried oregano into the beef; simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
  5. Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese along the bottom of the buttered bread trenches. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the ricotta.
  6. Top the meat sauce with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Place the loaf on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the bread is deep golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.