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Pasta in Crusty Bowls

Pasta in Crusty Bowls: The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience

Pasta in Crusty Bowls is a delightful comfort dish featuring pasta served in crunchy bread bowls, topped with gooey mozzarella and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Use extra virgin for enhanced flavor.
  • 1 medium white onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely diced
  • 500 g ground beef 12% fat; swap with lentils or mushrooms for vegetarian option.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree Thickens and intensifies flavor.
  • 80 ml red wine Adds richness; substitute with vegetable stock for non-alcoholic.
  • 500 g tomato passata Base of the sauce.
  • 240 ml beef stock Use vegetable stock for vegetarian.
  • 0.5 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Check for vegetarian-friendly brands.
  • 0.5 bunch fresh basil chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity.
  • 20 g freshly grated parmesan Enhances richness.
For the Pasta and Bread Bowls
  • 200 g spaghetti Feel free to use your favorite pasta type.
  • 6 rolls crusty white Sourdough or ciabatta work best.
For the Garlic Butter
  • 100 g butter melted
  • 30 g parmesan for garlic butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped; optional
  • 3 cloves garlic made into paste
For the Toppings
  • 200 g mozzarella shredded

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • baking tray
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
  3. Stir in the tomato puree, cooking for about 1 minute. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer and reduce by half, around 3 minutes.
  4. Add the tomato passata, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, chopped basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for 25 minutes.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut off the tops of the crusty rolls and hollow out the insides.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic paste, grated parmesan, and optional parsley. Coat the inside and outside of each roll with the garlic butter.
  7. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and toss with the bolognese sauce.
  8. Fill each hollowed bread bowl with the pasta and bolognese mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Place the filled bowls on a baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let the pasta-filled bread bowls cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Perfect for busy weeknights with quick preparation and a fun dining experience. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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