Quick Description
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of pizza and stuffed bread into one irresistible, savory dish. With a hearty filling of cooked ground beef (or sausage), cheese, and your favorite vegetables, all wrapped in pizza dough, this is a quick, easy, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for any meal. It’s deliciously cheesy and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate handheld meal.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 package store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 lb cooked ground beef or sausage (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pizza or marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and fully cooked.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Season with garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle shape, about 12×9 inches.
Make sure it’s not too thin, as you need it to hold the filling.
Step 4: Fill the Dough
Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture along the center of the dough.
Top with mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and optional black olives.
Leave a small border around the edges for folding.
Step 5: Roll Up the Dough
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a log.
Pinch the seams together to seal the bread completely.
Make sure the ends are also sealed tightly.
Step 6: Bake the Garbage Bread
Place the filled and sealed dough on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
You may want to brush the top with olive oil or melted butter during the last 5 minutes for extra golden crispiness.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Let the garbage bread rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve with pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.
Additional Notes
- Dough Options: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or make your own homemade pizza dough if you have time.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground meat with plant-based options like lentils, tofu, or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Extra Flavor: Feel free to add other veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for more color and flavor.
Dietary Info
- Contains dairy
- Can be made gluten-free (use gluten-free pizza dough)
- High-Protein
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread: Add crumbled bacon to the filling for extra flavor.
- Mexican Style: Add taco-seasoned meat, jalapeños, and shredded Mexican cheese blend for a spicy twist.
- Serve with: A side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices or the whole loaf for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze the garbage bread?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked bread, then bake it directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I add more cheese or toppings?
Of course! Add extra cheese, pepperoni, or your favorite pizza toppings for even more flavor.
