# Required Ingredients:
→ Garlic Bread
01 - 1 large loaf Italian bread (about 14 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Meat Sauce
06 - 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
07 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheese Mixture
15 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 large egg
18 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, optional
19 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Additional Cheese
20 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
03 - Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
06 - In a small bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, chopped basil if using, and black pepper.
07 - Layer half the garlic bread cubes in the skillet over the meat sauce, then dollop half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining bread, ricotta, and mozzarella.
08 - Cover skillet loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
09 - Remove foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10 - Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or basil if desired.
