This stunning stuffed bread is a show-stopper dish made from a large loaf sliced open and filled generously with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and loads of melted cheese. It’s almost like a mix between a cheeseburger sub and a pull-apart bread, combining warm, crusty bread with a juicy, savory filling. Below is a very detailed recipe so you can recreate the exact result you see in the picture.
⭐ Ingredients
For the Bread
1 large French loaf or Italian bread (about 40–45 cm long)
3 tbsp melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Beef Filling
500–600 g ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
For the Bacon & Cheese
6–8 slices bacon, chopped and fried until crispy
1½ – 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Extra cheese for topping
Optional:
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp ketchup
Pickles (optional, chopped for a cheeseburger twist)
⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread
Start with a large French loaf or Italian bread that has a crispy outer crust and a soft inside. The size matters—you want a loaf with enough thickness to hold the filling without collapsing.
Place the loaf on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut deep diagonal slits along the top of the bread, making sure not to slice through the bottom. Turn the bread slightly and cut diagonal slits in the opposite direction, forming a diamond-pattern grid. This allows the cheese and filling to melt deep into the bread.
After cutting the top pattern, slice the bread lengthwise down the center, creating a cavity. Remove some of the inside fluffy bread to make more space for stuffing. Don’t remove too much—leave enough structure so it holds the filling.
Mix the melted butter with chopped garlic. Brush this generously all over the inside of the bread cavity and across the slits on top. This gives flavor and helps the bread toast beautifully in the oven.
- Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the diced onions first and sauté until soft and slightly golden. This builds a sweet flavor base.
Once the onions soften, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Season the beef with:
Worcestershire sauce
Paprika
Black pepper
Salt
Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes so the flavors blend. If there’s excess liquid or grease, drain it—otherwise the bread becomes soggy.
- Cook the Bacon
While the beef cooks, chop your bacon slices into small pieces. Fry them in a separate pan until crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
The crispiness adds texture, preventing the filling from becoming too soft. Save a few bacon bits for topping later.
- Combine the Filling
Once the beef is seasoned and drained, mix in most of the crispy bacon (keep some aside). If you want extra richness, add a tablespoon of mustard or ketchup to the beef mixture.
Taste the beef filling—adjust salt or spices if needed.
- Fill the Bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the hollowed loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment. Add a handful of shredded cheese to the bottom of the cavity so it melts and seals the bread slightly.
Next, spoon the beef mixture evenly inside the bread, pressing gently with a spoon so it fills every space. Add a generous layer of cheese on top of the beef. Use cheddar for color and mozzarella for gooey stretchiness.
Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces on top of the cheese. If you enjoy decorative finishes, add a few parsley leaves for color.
- Bake the Stuffed Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until:
✔ The cheese is fully melted
✔ The bread edges look toasted
✔ The top has a golden crust
To get a more browned cheese top, broil (grill) the bread for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
⭐ Serving Suggestions
When the stuffed bread comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes so the cheese stabilizes. Then slice it into thick portions using a sharp serrated knife.
Serve with:
Mustard sauce
Spicy mayo
Ketchup
Pickles
Coleslaw
It’s an excellent appetizer, party food, or even a quick family dinner.
⭐ Tips for the Best Stuffed Cheese & Beef Bread
- Choose the right bread
A long, sturdy loaf works best. Avoid very soft sandwich bread—it will collapse.
- Don’t skip draining the beef
Excess fat will ruin the texture and make the bread soggy.
- Add cheese in layers
This ensures gooey cheese throughout the entire loaf.
- Keep the bacon crispy
The contrast between crunchy bacon and soft beef makes the dish irresistible.
- Customize it
You can upgrade the filling with:
Jalapeños for spice
BBQ sauce for sweetness
Mushrooms for umami
Caramelized onions for depth
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
This dish succeeds because it combines five irresistible elements:
- Crispy Bread: The butter-garlic mixture gives it a toasted, aromatic surface.
- Savory Beef: Seasoned meat brings depth and richness.
- Crispy Bacon: Adds saltiness and crunch.
- Melted Cheese: Holds everything together while adding creaminess.
- Perfect Structure: Diamond-cut bread allows melted cheese to seep into every corner.
The combination makes every bite rich, meaty, cheesy, and full of flavor.