Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste or tomato sauce; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 package pizza dough or crescent roll dough (about 1 lb); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or melting cheese (provolone or cheddar can be used); 1 egg, beaten (for brushing); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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I am always on the lookout for recipes that are as comforting as they are delicious, and the Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. This dish brings together savory, seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese enveloped in soft, golden bread that bakes to perfection. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy dinners, casual get-togethers, or simply any time I crave something hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe

What really makes this Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe stand out for me is that irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The juicy, well-seasoned beef mingles beautifully with the melted cheese, while the bread offers a soft yet slightly crisp contrast that pulls it all together. It’s rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying without being overly complicated. I always find myself coming back to it when I want a meal that feels just right.

Besides the fantastic taste, I also love how simple and straightforward this recipe is. Even when I’m short on time or feeling a little tired, it comes together easily with just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual parties, and the way it slices so nicely means it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Honestly, I can picture this recipe on so many occasions—from game nights with friends to a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a golden-brown baked roll filled with a dark brown meat mixture inside. The roll is sliced open at one end, revealing melted light yellow cheese stretching out from the filling. On top of the roll, there is a layer of melted cheese with spots of brown crispness and small green herbs sprinkled. The roll rests on brown parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet absolutely essential for nailing the flavors and textures of this dish. Each one plays a role to ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread is savory, melty, and perfectly balanced.

Ground beef: Choose good-quality beef for a juicy and flavorful filling.
Onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory boost to the mixture.
Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
Tomato paste or sauce: Gives a tangy, slightly sweet undertone that enhances the beef.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity that makes the beef filling irresistible.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Dried oregano: Provides an herby note that complements the meat and cheese.
Shredded mozzarella or melting cheese (like provolone or cheddar): The gooey, melty star of the show.
Pizza dough or crescent roll dough: Acts as the soft, golden, and slightly chewy bread wrapping the filling.
Egg, beaten (for brushing): Gives the crust a beautiful golden shine after baking.
Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Directions

Step 1: I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready by the time my stuffed bread is assembled.

Step 2: In a skillet, I warm up some olive oil and gently sauté the finely chopped onion until it turns soft and translucent.

Step 3: Next, I add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook everything together for another minute, releasing that delicious aroma.

Step 4: I add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking up any chunks with my spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Once the beef is ready, I stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. I let this mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and the spices really meld together.

Step 6: I roll out the pizza dough into a neat rectangle on a lightly floured surface, making sure it’s large enough to hold the filling centered along the middle.

Step 7: The seasoned ground beef mixture goes right down the center of the dough, creating a thick, flavorful line of filling.

Step 8: Then I sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef, making sure each bite will be ooey-gooey and cheesy.

Step 9: I carefully make diagonal cuts on the sides of the dough and fold each strip over the filling in an alternating fashion, creating a pretty braid or crisscross pattern that seals the filling inside.

Step 10: Before baking, I brush the entire top with beaten egg so it gets that gorgeous golden brown finish in the oven.

Step 11: I bake the stuffed bread for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden and the bread is cooked through.

Step 12: Once out of the oven, I sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top and let it cool just a bit before slicing to enjoy that perfect melty center without everything spilling out.

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe makes about 6 to 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is usually around 15 to 20 minutes, mostly spent on cooking the filling and prepping the dough. Baking takes about 20 to 25 minutes, with an additional 5 to 10 minutes for resting and cooling before serving. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a wonderfully satisfying meal that won’t keep you waiting long.

How to Serve This Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up of stuffed golden brown rolls arranged on a round white wooden board. Each roll has a crispy, slightly shiny outside with some green herbs sprinkled on top. One roll is cut open, showing two visible layers inside: a meaty brown filling, soft and crumbly, and a smooth, melted yellow cheese layer underneath. The rolls are stacked with some parsley around the board for decoration. The background is softly blurred with warm colors, and the surface beneath the board is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like serving this stuffed bread warm so that each slice reveals the melty cheese and juicy beef filling in all its glory. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup also make fantastic companions, adding a nice balance of flavors and textures to the meal.

For garnishing, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil brightens the presentation and adds a pop of color. When plating, I slice the bread into thick triangles or squares to showcase the braided crust and gooey center—it always gets compliments! I find this recipe is perfect for family dinners, informal parties, or game nights since it’s easy to serve by the slice and everyone can grab a piece.

For drinks, I love pairing this Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe with a cold, crisp beer or a fruity red wine like a Zinfandel that complements the robust flavors of beef and cheese. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lemon or a tangy iced tea also work wonderfully to refresh the palate. Whether you’re serving it hot out of the oven or warm at room temperature, this dish always shines.

Variations

I’ve had so much fun experimenting with this Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe by switching up the ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Instead of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken works well if you want something lighter, and I sometimes add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and nutrition. For cheese, swapping mozzarella for provolone or a sharp cheddar changes the flavor profile in exciting ways.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, I recommend using a store-bought gluten-free pizza dough or making your own. Vegan adaptations are possible too—instead of meat, try spiced lentils or seasoned plant-based ground crumbles, and swap cheese for vegan melting varieties or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. Baking times remain about the same, and you still get that satisfying bread and filling combo.

For a quicker twist, you could shape the dough into mini stuffed buns and bake them individually, which is great for snacks or appetizers. Alternatively, cooking the filling in a slow cooker beforehand can deepen the flavors even more before assembling the bread. No matter which variation you try, this recipe always feels comforting and filling.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store any leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I find slicing it before storing makes reheating easier and more even, so I usually portion it out before popping it in the fridge.

Freezing

This Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe freezes beautifully, which is great for meal prepping. I wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place slices in freezer bags. It keeps well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When I’m ready to enjoy it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat as described below.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven to restore the crisp bread crust and melty cheese. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sliced bread on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes to warm evenly, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp it back up. Microwaving can be quicker but often leads to a soggy crust and less appealing texture, so I reserve that for when I’m really short on time.

FAQs

Can I use premade pizza dough or crescent rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using premade pizza dough or crescent roll dough makes this recipe super convenient without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to roll it out evenly and handle it gently when folding the filling inside for the best results.

What type of cheese melts best in this stuffed bread?

I highly recommend mozzarella for its classic meltiness and mild flavor, but provolone and cheddar are also excellent choices. They add different textures and sharpness that can personalize the dish to your taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just season them well and follow the same preparation steps for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You bet. You can assemble the stuffed bread and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight before baking. Just cover it well to prevent the dough from drying out. When ready, bake it fresh for the best crust and cheese melt.

How can I tell when the stuffed bread is fully cooked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow if tapped lightly on the bottom. The cheese inside should be bubbling, and you might see some juices from the filling peeking out in the braids. If in doubt, give it a few extra minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C).

Conclusion

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, I can’t recommend this Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread Recipe enough. It has become such a warm and hearty staple in my kitchen that I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. Give it a try for your next meal, and enjoy all the comforting flavors wrapped into one delicious bite!