Introduction

Garbage Bread is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, melty cheeses, and flavorful vegetables all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something satisfying and easy to share.

A close-up view of a rolled savory pastry sliced to show about five visible layers: the outer golden brown crust, a layer of melted cheese, a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with bits of onion, and thin slices of bright orange and red bell peppers along with semi-transparent cooked onions, all tightly packed in a spiral form. Small green herb leaves are scattered over the top, giving a fresh touch. The slices are arranged in a row on a wooden board, placed on a white marbled texture. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl with green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 thin crust pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the diced onions until they become translucent.
Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet, break it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Step 4: Stir in bell peppers, black olives (if using), and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and tender.
Step 5: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10×14 inch rectangle. Rustic edges are perfect.
Step 6: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top.
Step 7: Carefully roll the dough up from the long side like a jelly roll, pinch the ends to seal, and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Cut a few slits on top of the roll to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 9: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the roll for a glossy finish.
Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 11: Let the bread rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
Try substituting ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to increase the veggie content.
If you don’t have pizza dough, puff pastry or crescent roll dough can work as alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to retain crispness. Avoid microwaving if you prefer a crispy crust.

How to Serve

The image shows several thick slices of a rolled savory dish arranged in a line on a wooden board. Each slice reveals multiple thin layers, starting with a golden-brown outer crust, followed by tender dough, a layer of melted cheese, cooked ground meat mixed with cooked onions, and slices of orange and red bell peppers. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on top of the slices, adding a fresh touch. The background includes a white bowl with greenery and some blurred elements, all set on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the texture of each layer, making the dish look warm and appetizing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Garbage Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll and refrigerate it, covered, for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Can I freeze Garbage Bread?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled, baked bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Garbage Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

Garbage Bread is a hearty and flavorful stuffed bread featuring a savory ground beef mixture combined with sautéed vegetables and Italian seasoning, nestled inside a thin crust pizza dough. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a comforting blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses wrapped in a golden, flaky crust.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1 thin crust pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Other

1 egg (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time the bread is ready to bake.
Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until they turn translucent, releasing a sweet aroma.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until nicely browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and adding minced garlic for flavor.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in sliced bell peppers, black olives if using, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften slightly.
Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle, aiming for rustic charm rather than perfect precision.
Add Filling: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the filling.
Roll Bread: Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, similar to a jelly roll, sealing the edges by pinching them shut. Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Vent and Egg Wash: Make a few small slits on the top of the roll to allow steam to escape during baking. Beat the egg and brush it over the surface to achieve a glossy, golden finish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully cooked.
Rest and Serve: Allow the bread to rest for a few minutes after baking. Slice into portions and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach according to your preference.
Using a store-bought pizza dough saves time and is a convenient option.
The black olives are optional but add a nice briny contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese.
For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated baking stone if available.

Keywords: Garbage Bread, stuffed bread recipe, baked ground beef bread, cheesy bread, easy dinner recipes