Ingredients
– 1 loaf French bread
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 lb. lean ground beef
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 1/2 cup chopped leek (or other chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, green bell pepper)
– 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery or chicken soup)
– 1 tablespoon milk (or more if needed)
– 1 tablespoon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 1/2 – 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
– Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
#### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Bread**:
– Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center of each half and crumble it into a large bowl. Place the hollowed-out bread halves on the prepared baking sheet.
3. **Cook the Beef and Vegetables**:
– In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
– Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped leek (or other vegetables of your choice). Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. **Add Soup and Seasonings**:
– Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for at least 5 minutes to blend the flavors. If the mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. **Assemble the Stuffed Bread**:
– Add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl with the crumbled bread. Stir well to combine.
– Spread the mixture evenly into the center of one half of the French bread on the baking sheet.
– Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the mixture on the other half of the French bread.
– Carefully place the cheese-topped half of the French bread over the beef mixture half to form a sandwich.
6. **Bake the Stuffed Bread**:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a softer crust, cover loosely with aluminum foil while baking.
7. **Serve**:
– Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
– Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Stuffed French Bread, perfect for a satisfying meal!