Ingredients

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread1/2 pound ground beef1/2 pound bulk pork sausage1 medium onion, chopped1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese1 large egg, beaten1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1/4 teaspoon pepper1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon fennel seed2 tablespoons butter1 garlic clove, minced

Preparation

Cut a thin slice off the top of the bread. Hollow out bottom half, leaving a 1/4-in. shell. In a food processor or blender, process bread crumbs until coarse; set aside 1 cup. (Discard remaining crumbs or save for another use.)

In a skillet, brown beef, sausage and onion; drain. Stir in reserved crumbs, cheese, egg, parsley, mustard, pepper, salt and fennel; mix well. Spoon into bread shell; replace bred top. Place on a large sheet of heavy-duty foil.

In a small saucepan, melt butter; add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Brush over tops and sides of loaf. Seal the foil.

Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.