If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing, this Stuffed French Bread with Cheddar and Beef Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine a crisp golden French bread loaf packed with a savory blend of browned beef, tender celery, and melted cheddar cheese that oozes with every bite. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and comes together with simple pantry ingredients, making it as approachable as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving friends at a casual gathering, this dish combines satisfying textures and rich flavors in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Stuffed French Bread with Cheddar and Beef Recipe is in the wonderful balance of fresh and pantry staples that come together with ease. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the savory ground beef to the creamy soup that binds everything perfectly, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- 1 loaf French bread: A sturdy crusty base that holds the filling beautifully without getting soggy.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a rich, savory foundation to the dish.
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion (or freshly diced white onion): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Adds a fresh crunch and a hint of earthiness to brighten up the filling.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Gives a savory punch and irresistible aroma throughout the bread.
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom or chicken soup): Creates a creamy base that holds the mixture together with extra flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons milk: Lightens the filling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, umami boost that elevates the beef’s richness.
- 3/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, adding sharpness and irresistible gooeyness.
- 1/2 Tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): A touch of color and fresh herbal brightness for garnish.
How to Make Stuffed French Bread with Cheddar and Beef Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef along with the dried minced onion. This combination creates that savory foundation that smells amazing as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the stuffing from becoming greasy. Then add the chopped celery and minced garlic, cooking just until the celery softens slightly. This step brings a lovely texture contrast and layers of flavor before the creamy soup mixture joins the party.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling Mixture
Next, stir in your cream of celery soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This mixture turns your filling lusciously creamy and flavorful. Keep the heat on medium and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is heated through and well combined. The Worcestershire sauce adds that subtle tangy umami punch that makes this dish sing.
Step 3: Prepare the French Bread
While the filling is warming, carefully slice your French bread loaf lengthwise so you have two equal pieces. Use a spoon to scoop out the soft center of each half, tearing it into small pieces. These bread scraps aren’t wasted — add them to the skillet right now and stir to combine. This trick helps soak up some of the juicy filling, making the stuffing even more satisfying and hearty.
Step 4: Assemble and Cheese it Up
Place the two hollowed-out halves of French bread on a large baking sheet. Spoon all of the warm beef and bread mixture evenly onto one half, spreading it out so you get flavor in every bite. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, allowing it to melt beautifully inside the loaf. Finally, set the other half of the bread on top, creating a savory stuffed sandwich that’s ready for baking.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Slide your assembled bread into a preheated 350° F oven. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket on top. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes. This resting time helps all the melted cheese settle and makes slicing easier. Cut into thick slices and serve warm, enjoying all those incredible savory flavors and that wonderful crisp-tender bread texture.
How to Serve Stuffed French Bread with Cheddar and Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of fresh color and subtle herbaceous brightness to balance the rich beef and cheese. You can also add a few chili flakes for an unexpected spicy kick if you like a little heat with your meal.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing side to cut through the richness. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup would complement the flavors beautifully and make your meal feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual get-togethers, slice the stuffed loaf into bite-sized pieces and serve as party sliders or finger food. You can also cut it into thick portions for a cozy family dinner accompanied by your favorite sides or even add a fried egg on top for a fun breakfast twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover stuffed French bread, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners that still pack that fresh homemade flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed bread before baking by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked taste and melty cheese, reheat leftovers in a 350° F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the bread from drying out, removing it in the last few minutes to crisp up the crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread works best for its structure and crust, you can experiment with Italian bread, sourdough, or even a sturdy baguette. Just make sure the bread is crusty enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use a vegetarian-friendly cream soup and enjoy the same cheesy comfort with a different protein twist.
What kind of cheddar cheese is best?
Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and offers the best flavor punch. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the stuffed bread but hold off on baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving for a fresh, warm meal.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top before baking to amp up the heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, rich, and utterly satisfying experience of this Stuffed French Bread with Cheddar and Beef Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug — easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for entertaining friends and family. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. You’re going to love every gooey, flavorful bite!
Print
Stuffed French Bread with Cheddar and Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed French Bread recipe combines savory ground beef, tender celery, and creamy soup filling inside a crusty French bread loaf, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a quick family meal or casual gathering, offering robust flavors in an easy-to-make stuffed bread format.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion (or freshly diced white onion)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Soup and Seasonings
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom or chicken soup)
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bread and Cheese
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 Tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350° F (175° C) to prepare it for baking the stuffed bread later.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and dried minced onion until the meat is nicely browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the mixture from being too oily.
- Add Celery and Garlic: Add the chopped celery and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the celery becomes tender, enhancing the flavor and texture of the filling.
- Incorporate Soup and Seasonings: Stir in the cream of celery soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise into two equal halves. Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out the soft bread from the center of both halves and tear it into small pieces. Add these bread pieces into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir to combine well.
- Assemble the Stuffed Bread: Place the two bread halves on a large baking sheet. Carefully spoon and spread the warm beef and bread mixture evenly into the hollowed-out center of one half. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese uniformly over the filling, then place the second half of the bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Bake: Bake the assembled stuffed bread in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese completely melts and the bread is warmed through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the stuffed bread from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish before slicing into portions and enjoying.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor.
- For a moister filling, use freshly diced onion instead of dried minced onion.
- The parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color and fresh taste.
- Be careful when scooping out the bread to leave enough shell for a sturdy base to hold the filling.
- To reduce calories, choose low-fat cheddar cheese or use less cheese as preferred.
