00:01This recipe is basically the love child of a taco and garlic bread, and trust me, it's everything you never knew you needed on your dinner table.
00:10For the base, 1 loaf French bread and 2 cups shredded cheddar divided.
00:16For the filling, 1 pound ground beef and 1 package taco seasoning.
00:21For the toppings, chopped green onions, sliced olives, diced tomatoes and cilantro.
00:26Preparation
00:26Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the center for even heating.
00:33This temperature ensures the bread gets crispy without burning while the cheese melts perfectly.
00:38Cut the top off the French bread loaf horizontally, creating a lid you'll set aside.
00:43Using a sharp knife or your hands, carefully remove some of the bread from the middle to create a well that's about 1 to 2 inches deep.
00:50Save the removed bread for making breadcrumbs or snacking, don't waste it.
00:54Cooking the filling, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
01:00Add the 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
01:05Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
01:11Drain the excess grease from the skillet by carefully tilting it and spooning out the fat, or pour the mixture through a colander.
01:18This step prevents your bread from getting soggy and keeps the flavors clean.
01:23Return the beef to the skillet and add the taco seasoning package.
01:27Mix thoroughly until every piece of meat is coated with the spices, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to bloom the flavors.
01:33Add about 1 half cup of the shredded cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the meat mixture.
01:41Assembly and baking.
01:43Remove the skillet from heat and spread the beef mixture evenly into the hollowed French bread, pressing gently so it fills every corner.
01:51Top with the remaining shredded cheese, then place the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bread turns golden and crisp.
02:00Once out of the oven, finish with green onions, olives, tomatoes, and cilantro while the cheese is still hot, then slice and serve immediately while everything is gooey and crunchy.
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