Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf French bread
- 1lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper
- 1 (15 ounces) container ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the French bread in half lengthwise. Pull out some of the bread from the center of one half of the loaf; make sure to not go all the way through. Keep the other half for another use. Place onto a baking sheet, place into the oven and bake until lightly toasted (about 2 minutes).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess liquid. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg yolk, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the toasted French bread. Top with the meat sauce mixture and then with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Top with fresh basil if desired.