Cheesy Ground Beef Garlic Toast

A hearty American comfort dish featuring a garlic butter bread base topped with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf of Italian bread or French baguette (about 16 inches), sliced in half lengthwise
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread loaf and set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
4. Add diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Place the buttered bread halves on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the ground beef mixture over the top of each bread half, pressing down gently.
7. In a medium bowl, toss together mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle the cheese blend generously over the meat mixture, covering it completely.
8. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Optional: Switch to broil for the final 1-2 minutes for a crispier crust.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Slice into individual portions and serve hot.

Notes

Use a sturdy loaf like Italian bread or a French baguette to prevent sogginess. The beef mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For a low-carb option, use portobello mushroom caps or thick zucchini slices instead of bread.