The aroma of sizzling beef, the savory scent of garlic butter, and the promise of gooey, melted cheese – these are the hallmarks of a culinary experience that speaks directly to the soul. Today, we’re not just making a dish; we’re crafting a celebration of flavor and texture with our Ultimate Cheesesteak-Stuffed Garlic Bread. This isn’t your average appetizer; it’s a hearty, shareable sensation that takes the beloved elements of a Philly cheesesteak and marries them perfectly with the comforting embrace of a garlic-infused, crusty loaf.
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf of Italian or French bread (about 16 inches long)
- 1 lb ground beef, or thinly sliced sirloin steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Loaf: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through—you want to create a “V” shape or a pocket in the middle. Carefully scoop out some of the soft bread from the center to make a hollow channel for the filling. Brush the inside and outside of the loaf with melted butter. Place it on a baking sheet.
- Make the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Add the ground beef (or steak) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for one minute more, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Spoon the hot beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bread loaf. Top the filling generously with a layer of shredded provolone and Parmesan cheese. Make sure to get cheese all the way to the edges.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the stuffed bread into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the bread is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the loaf cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
The inspiration behind this creation lies in the universal appeal of both the Philly cheesesteak and garlic bread. By bringing these two culinary giants together, we create a harmonious fusion that is both familiar and excitingly new. This recipe is a wonderful and fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of a cheesesteak. It’s simple, satisfying, and bound to become a favorite in your household. It’s an invitation to create a memorable culinary experience, guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering or a delightful treat for a cozy night in.
