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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Stir marinara sauce and dried oregano into the beef; simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese along the bottom of the buttered bread trenches. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the ricotta.
- Top the meat sauce with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- 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.