Name: Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large loaf of Italian or French bread; 1 lb of thinly sliced beef (like ribeye or sirloin); 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced; 2 cups provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded; 4 tablespoons of butter, softened; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: hot sauce for serving; Optional: freshly chopped parsley for garnish

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Why Make This Recipe

Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf is a delicious and mouth-watering dish that combines the best elements of a classic cheesesteak sandwich and buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or any gathering where comfort food is on the menu. The rich flavors of the seasoned beef, sautéed onions, and peppers blend beautifully with the ooey-gooey melted cheese, all snugly tucked inside soft, garlicky bread. This recipe is sure to impress friends and family while also being easy to prepare.

How to Make Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf

Ingredients:

1 large loaf of Italian or French bread
1 lb of thinly sliced beef (like ribeye or sirloin)
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
2 cups provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons of butter, softened
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: hot sauce for serving
Optional: freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for ensuring that your garlic bread loaf will bake evenly and get nice and crispy.
Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic to create a flavorful garlic butter spread. Mix thoroughly.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and green bell pepper to the pan. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes, until they’ve softened and become fragrant.
Cook the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Melt the Cheese: Once the beef is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Add 1.5 cups of the shredded cheese to the warm skillet, stirring until the cheese has melted and mixed well with the beef and vegetables.
Prepare the Bread: Take the loaf of bread and slice it in half lengthwise. Be careful to create a pocket that can hold the cheesesteak mixture.
Spread Garlic Butter: Using a knife, spread the prepared garlic butter generously on both halves of the bread. This adds amazing flavor to the crust.
Fill the Bread: On one half of the loaf, place the cheesesteak mixture that you prepared earlier. Make sure to scoop it all in, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the filling.
Close the Loaf: Take the other half of the loaf and place it on top of the filled half. Press down gently to close the loaf.
Wrap and Bake: Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in while it bakes. Place the wrapped loaf on a baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Crisp the Crust: After the initial baking time, unwrap the loaf and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This will make the crust be nice and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then slice it into manageable pieces and serve warm. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or serve with hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Serve Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf

This delightful dish is best enjoyed warm. Cut the stuffed garlic bread loaf into thick slices and serve it on a platter. It’s perfect as a main dish or as an appetizer for parties. Pair it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or offer hot sauce for those who love a little heat. A simple side salad or some crispy fries can round out the meal beautifully.

How to Store Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stuffed bread is best eaten within 2 to 3 days. To reheat, you can wrap the slices in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For a quick option, you can also use a microwave, though the bread may lose some of its crispness.

Tips to Make Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf

Choose the Right Bread: Using a crusty Italian or French bread is key. It holds up well against the juicy filling and ensures a satisfying crunch.
Thinly Sliced Beef: Make sure your beef is sliced very thinly. If you struggle to slice beef thinly, consider placing it in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will firm it up and make it easier to cut.
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add a lot of filling, try not to overstuff the bread. You want enough room to close it without spilling out filling.
Customize the Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella are classics, but feel free to mix in other favorites, like cheddar or pepper jack, for more flavor.

Variation

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, you can use mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite vegetables in place of the beef. Sauté them together for a delicious veggie stuffing.
Different Meats: If you prefer a different protein, try using chicken or pork instead of beef. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to match the new meat.
Saucy Cheesesteak: For an extra saucy cheesesteak, add a bit of cream cheese or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for added creaminess.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheesesteak mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a few hours beforehand. Simply store it in the fridge and assemble it with the bread when you’re ready to bake.

Can I freeze the stuffed garlic bread loaf?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) loaf. Wrap it well in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

What can I serve with Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as salads, potato chips, or French fries. You could also serve it with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.

How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

The loaf should be heated through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the crust is golden and crispy, it’s ready to be taken out.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish appealing to children and adults alike. Just adjust the spice levels if necessary for younger palates.

Enjoy creating this Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf, and watch it become a family favorite in no time! The blend of buttery garlic bread and savory cheesesteak filling makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread Loaf