Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 lb / 450g) French or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (8g) dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 2 cups (480ml) thick marinara sauce
- 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper
Instructions:
- Slice off a thin rectangle from the top of the bread loaf and scoop out the center crumb, leaving a 1-inch wall around the sides and bottom.
- Combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt; brush the mixture both inside the hollowed center and across the top crust.
- Place the loaf on a baking sheet and toast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5 minutes to set the structure.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce is thick and reduced.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the bottom of the toasted bread loaf.
- Spoon the concentrated meat sauce over the ricotta layer, smoothing it to the edges.
- Top the meat sauce with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.