Easy Cheesy Beef Marinara Bread Bowls

This is a hearty & delicious meal!

Ingredients:

4 small individual (4 to 5 inch diameter) sourdough bread boules

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 1/2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

salt & pepper to taste

6 tablespoons grated parmesan, asiago or romano cheese

1 1/3 cups grated mozzarella cheese

fresh chopped chives (optional garnish)

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Line a large baking sheet with foil and set aside. Cut the tops off of each of the bread rounds. Cut a circle inside of the loaf leaving 3/4 to 1 inch sides. Hollow out the centers and place the prepared baking sheet.**

Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the beef, onion and garlic. Cook and stir until the meat is browned. Tranfer to a sieve to allow any excess fat to drain. 

Return to the skillet. Stir in the marinara, seasoning, salt and peper. Simmer on low for 5 minutes. Divide the meat mixture evenly between the 4 bread bowls. (about 1 1/4 cups of filling per bowl)

Sprinkle  1 1/2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese over the filling in each bowl. Top with 1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15 minutes. If desired, garnish with chopped chives. Makes 4 servings.

**The bread tops can be served on the side or taosted in the oven to serve with a future meal. The bread removed from the center of the bowl can be saved for stuffing, made into croutons or fed to birds. 🐦

Note: Clam chowder and chili are often served in individual bread bowls ~ this beef marinara and cheese filling is good served this way too!