Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bread

**Ingredients:**

– **For the Dough:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tbsp olive oil

– **For the Filling:**
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
– Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
– Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
– Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
– Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. **Assemble the Stuffed Bread:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
– Spread the cooled ground beef mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of space on each side.
– Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture.
– Fold the sides of the dough over the filling, overlapping slightly to create a braid or seam.
– Transfer the stuffed bread to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. **Bake the Stuffed Bread:**
– Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg to give it a nice golden color.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
– Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for garnish.
– Slice and serve warm.

This cheesy, savory stuffed bread is perfect as a meal on its own or served as a hearty appetizer. Enjoy!