Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
Step 2
Cook the ground beef or sausage until fully browned, then drain any excess grease. If using leftover cooked meat, simply warm it slightly before mixing.
Step 3
Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers for a few minutes until they become tender. Allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the filling.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, onions, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
Step 5
Roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the thickness even so the bread bakes uniformly.
Step 6
Spread the pizza sauce or ranch dressing evenly across the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges. This helps prevent the filling from leaking while baking.
Step 7
Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough without overloading it. Keeping the filling in an even layer makes rolling much easier.
Step 8
Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log like a jelly roll. Pinch the seams and both ends firmly to seal all the filling inside.
Step 9
Place the loaf seam-side down on the prepared baking tray. Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg to create a beautiful golden crust.
Step 10
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is deep golden brown and fully cooked. The cheese inside should be melted and bubbling.
Step 11
Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the cheese settle and keeps the filling from spilling out.
Step 12
Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy while the cheese is hot and perfectly melted.
Tips and Variations:
Choose Fillings That Stay Dry
Cook all meats and vegetables before adding them to the dough to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the bread crisp instead of becoming soggy while baking.
Don’t Overfill the Dough
Adding too much filling may cause the dough to tear or burst open in the oven. A moderate, even layer creates a loaf that’s easier to roll and bakes more evenly.
Try Different Cheese Blends
Mix mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, pepper jack, or smoked Gouda to create new flavors and an even creamier filling.
Create a Pizza Version
Replace the ground beef with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, olives, and extra mozzarella to turn Garbage Bread into a stuffed pizza loaf.
Make It Spicy
Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or hot sauce to give every bite an extra kick of heat.
Breakfast Garbage Bread
Fill the dough with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Version
Swap the beef for shredded cooked chicken, use ranch dressing as the sauce, and combine it with bacon and mozzarella for a creamy, flavorful twist.
