Garbage Bread is a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all wrapped in a golden pizza crust. This hearty creation got its unique name because it can include almost anything you have in your refrigerator, making it the perfect solution for family dinners when you want something satisfying that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A complete meal in one dish with protein, cheese, and bread all rolled into one delicious package
• Versatile and customizable to accommodate picky eaters and different taste preferences
• Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes
• Great for gatherings and game days as it can be sliced and served as an appetizer
• Freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep and future dinners

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Use a thin crust pizza dough for the best results. Pillsbury brand works perfectly, but any refrigerated pizza dough will do.
• Bacon: Choose a high-quality bacon for the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon adds extra texture, but regular bacon works well too.
• Onion: Yellow or white onions add sweetness and depth. Dice them small for quicker cooking and better texture in the filling.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) provides the best flavor without excessive grease. You can also substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Hamburger Seasoning: This blend adds incredible flavor to the meat. You can use a pre-made mix or create your own with paprika, salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne.
• Velveeta: This processed cheese melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with American cheese or a sharp cheddar cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Jack Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds extra flavor and that desirable cheese pull. You can substitute with mozzarella or any good melting cheese.
• Sauce Ingredients: Mayo and ketchup create a simple but delicious dipping sauce. You can customize it with additional spices to suit your taste.

Variations

Philly Cheesesteak Garbage Bread

Replace the ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye steak, and add sautéed green peppers and mushrooms to the filling. Use provolone cheese instead of Velveeta for an authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor rolled into bread.

Pizza Garbage Bread

Transform this into a pizza-inspired version by using pizza sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Swap the Velveeta for mozzarella and add a sprinkle of Italian seasonings for that classic pizza flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread

Replace the beef with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Use blue cheese or ranch dressing in place of the Velveeta, and add some crumbled blue cheese with the cheddar jack. Serve with extra blue cheese or ranch for dipping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it reaches your desired crispness. This serves as the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Once crisp, remove the bacon and set it aside, draining most of the grease but leaving just enough to cook the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat, add the chopped onions and ground beef. Cook them together until the onions become soft and translucent, and the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess liquid to prevent your bread from becoming soggy during baking.

Step 3: Create the Cheesy Filling

Return the skillet to low heat and add the cooked bacon back to the mixture. Sprinkle in the hamburger seasoning, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Add the cubed Velveeta and stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and creates a creamy, unified filling.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Roll out the pizza dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of border all around. Sprinkle the grated cheddar jack cheese on top. Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, creating a log shape. Pinch the edges and seams to seal in all the delicious filling. Bake seam-side down at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While the garbage bread bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the seasonings to taste. This creamy sauce complements the savory bread perfectly and adds an extra dimension of flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure to drain excess grease from both the bacon and beef to prevent a soggy bottom on your bread
• Let the filling cool slightly before spreading on the dough to make rolling easier and prevent the dough from becoming too soft
• For an extra golden crust, brush the top with egg wash or melted butter before baking
• Slice with a serrated knife after letting it rest for 5 minutes to prevent the filling from spilling out
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking
• If your dough tears slightly during rolling, don’t panic! Simply pinch it back together and continue rolling

How to Serve

Serve this Garbage Bread sliced into 1-2 inch pieces while still warm to enjoy the melted cheese pull. The accompanying mayo-ketchup sauce makes a perfect dipping companion. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bread. This dish works beautifully as a main course for family dinner, or cut into smaller pieces as an appetizer for parties and game day gatherings.

Make Ahead

This Garbage Bread is excellent for make-ahead preparation. You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply bring the filling to room temperature, assemble with the dough, and bake as directed. The fully baked bread can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked garbage bread for up to 3 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness as the store-bought thin crust dough, approximately 1/4 inch thick, for best results.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase the nutrient content.

Why is my garbage bread leaking filling?

Leaking typically happens if the dough isn’t sealed properly or if it’s overfilled. Make sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges, pinch all seams firmly, and place the bread seam-side down on the baking sheet. If you notice any tears, pinch them closed before baking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also add plant-based meat substitutes or beans for protein. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture from the vegetables to prevent a soggy bread.

Conclusion

This Garbage Bread recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal your family will request again and again. With its crispy exterior, meaty, cheesy filling, and versatile nature, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore one of the variations, this handheld delight delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Give it a try tonight and watch it disappear before your eyes!

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