If you are looking for a fun and comforting dinner that brings together classic flavors in a unique presentation, this Spaghetti Boats Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a crispy, buttery garlic bread “boat” loaded with perfectly sauced spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that feels cozy and special all at once. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends, the delightful combination of textures and flavors in this Spaghetti Boats Recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spaghetti Boats Recipe plays an important role, from the savory ground beef to the aromatic garlic butter that crisps up the bread just right. These simple components come together to create a dish that’s packed with flavor, texture, and a pop of color from fresh parsley flakes.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor as the base of the sauce.
- 1 onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic warmth to the meat mixture.
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce: The tangy tomato sauce ties everything together with classic Italian flavors.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herbaceous note to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild heat that balances the dish.
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles: The essential pasta component that carries the sauce and meat.
- 1 loaf French bread: The “boat” that holds all the spaghetti goodness, crusty on the outside and soft inside.
- ½ cup salted butter, softened: Used to make the garlic butter spread that crisps and flavors the bread.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the butter spread.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes: Adds a lovely herb flavor and a splash of green.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts delightfully over the spaghetti for gooey richness.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish.
How to Make Spaghetti Boats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Brown Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet to save on cleanup. In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain out any excess fat for a cleaner, leaner base.
Step 2: Make Sauce
To your cooked beef mixture, add the jar of spaghetti sauce along with salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly while you prepare the pasta and bread.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain the noodles but skip rinsing them so the sauce sticks beautifully. Toss the drained spaghetti into your simmering beef and sauce mix, stirring until every strand is perfectly coated. This creates the hearty filling for the bread boats.
Step 4: Prepare Bread Boat
Take your French bread and carefully cut a large oval along the top, leaving a sturdy half-inch border around the edges. Remove the inside bread, creating a hollow “boat” that will soon be filled with your spaghetti mixture. This clever bread boat holds all the deliciousness without any mess.
Step 5: Toast Bread
Combine the softened butter with garlic powder and parsley flakes, then spread this fragrant mixture generously inside your bread boat. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the butter to soak in and the bread to toast until golden and crisp.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Fill the toasted garlic bread boat with the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Pop it back into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles wonderfully, creating an irresistible golden crust atop your spaghetti boat.
Step 7: Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for an added layer of savory flavor and a lovely finish. Cut your Spaghetti Boats Recipe into large slices and serve straight from the baking tray — it’s both fun and hearty, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones.
How to Serve Spaghetti Boats Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of additional parsley flakes can brighten the rich flavors of the spaghetti boats and add a fresh visual pop. A few chili flakes also work wonders if you like a little heat, bringing a nice contrast to the creamy cheese and savory beef.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds some balance and freshness. A tangy vinaigrette salad cuts through the richness beautifully, and roasted asparagus or broccoli provide a nutritious, colorful companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve individual mini bread boats by using smaller rolls hollowed out and filled with the same mixture. You can also arrange slices of the Spaghetti Boats Recipe on a large platter, garnished with herbs and cheese, making a gorgeous centerpiece that invites everyone to grab a slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover spaghetti boats tightly in foil or place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Spaghetti Boats Recipe for later, assemble the bread boats and fill them, but skip the baking step. Wrap each one well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time until heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover spaghetti boat in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed and the cheese is melted again, usually 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is an option for quick heat but may result in soggy bread, so the oven is best to retain crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for the Spaghetti Boats Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread works perfectly for its shape and crust, sturdy Italian bread or even thick baguettes make great alternatives as long as they can hold the filling without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or use sautéed mushrooms and vegetables as the filling, paired with your favorite marinara sauce to keep it hearty and delicious.
How can I make the garlic bread extra crispy?
Ensuring the bread is well buttered and toasted before adding the spaghetti filling helps it develop a crisp crust. Baking with cheese on top also helps form a golden, slightly crunchy layer that enhances texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. You can prepare the meat sauce and cook the spaghetti the day before. Assemble the bread boats just before baking so they stay fresh and crispy for your guests.
What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Mix a pinch of dried oregano, basil, and thyme to mimic Italian seasoning. These herbs offer that classic flavor profile and keep the sauce tasting fresh and balanced.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite beats the joy of carving into a crispy bread boat overflowing with cheesy, saucy spaghetti that’s full of savory goodness. This Spaghetti Boats Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings hearty comfort food to a whole new level, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. I hope you give this recipe a try soon because once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved favorite in many kitchens. Get ready for smiles all around!
Print
Spaghetti Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Spaghetti Boats recipe offers a fun and delicious twist on classic spaghetti, combining tender spaghetti noodles mixed with savory ground beef and rich spaghetti sauce, all nestled inside a toasted garlic butter French bread boat topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
Bread Boat & Topping
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and grease from the pan to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Make Sauce: Stir the spaghetti sauce, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper into the browned beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently while you cook the pasta and prepare the bread boat.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing to preserve the starch that helps the sauce cling better. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Bread Boat: While the pasta cooks, create the garlic bread boat. Cut a large oval from the top of the French bread loaf, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. Carefully remove the center dough, forming a hollow boat shape ready to be filled.
- Toast Bread: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley flakes. Spread this garlic butter mixture generously inside the bread boat. Place the bread boat on the prepared sheet pan and toast it in the oven for 5-8 minutes until it’s slightly crispy and fragrant.
- Assemble and Bake: Fill the toasted garlic bread boat with the beef and spaghetti mixture from the skillet. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the assembled spaghetti boat in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese. Cut the bread boat into large slices and serve warm, enjoying the combination of hearty spaghetti and crispy garlic bread in every bite.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining to help the sauce adhere better.
- Use a sturdy, fresh French bread loaf for the best bread boat structure.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes in the sauce if you like a little heat.
- Leftover spaghetti can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
