The Ultimate Guide to Beef & Cheese Stuffed Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes (or 1 hour 45 minutes with homemade dough)
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Description
This Beef & Cheese Stuffed Bread is a hearty, cheesy, and savory delight! It features a crispy golden crust filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, this stuffed bread is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough (if homemade):
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 ½ tsp instant yeast
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¾ cup warm water
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2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
For Brushing:
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1 tbsp melted butter
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch)
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In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Beef Filling
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Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano.
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Mix in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before adding shredded cheese and parsley.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the dough into a rectangle (or use store-bought dough if preferred).
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Spread the beef mixture evenly down the center, leaving space on the sides.
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Fold over the edges and seal the bread by pinching or braiding the dough.
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Place on a baking sheet, seam-side down.
Step 4: Bake
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Mix melted butter with garlic powder and oregano, then brush over the bread.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
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Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
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For extra crispiness, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before baking.
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You can use store-bought pizza or French bread dough for convenience.
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Try different cheeses like pepper jack or provolone for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising if making from scratch)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (American/Mediterranean-inspired)