This is called “Garbage Bread” but it tastes like pure gold!

 

Garbage Bread

This fun, fully-loaded bread is the ultimate comfort food, inspired by New York's creative pizza culture. Imagine a stromboli packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite veggies, all baked inside a golden, crispy crust. It’s the perfect, versatile solution for a family dinner, party snack, or for using up leftovers.

• ⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes

• ⏰ Bake Time: 25-30 minutes

• 🍽️ Servings: 4-6

🧂 INGREDIENTS

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup diced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sliced bell peppers

• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat Oven and Skillet:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Cook the Beef and Veggies:

• Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink.

• Stir in the minced garlic, bell peppers, black olives (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Dough:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough out into a rough rectangle, about 10x14 inches in size.

4. Assemble the Bread:

• Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges.

• Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the filling.

5. Roll and Seal:

• Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log, jelly-roll style.

• Pinch the seam and the ends tightly to seal in the filling. Carefully place the log seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Finish and Bake:

• Use a sharp knife to make 4-5 shallow slits across the top of the loaf to allow steam to escape.

• Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it lightly over the entire surface of the dough.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Serve:

• Let the Garbage Bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm.

💡 Serving Suggestions & Variations:

• Perfect Pairings: Serve with a side salad, marinara sauce for dipping, or a warm bowl of tomato soup.

• Mix & Match Fillings: The "garbage" concept is all about using what you like! Try Italian sausage, pepperoni, diced ham, mushrooms, or spinach.

• Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.

• Kid-Friendly: Let everyone customize their own section with their favorite toppings before you roll it up.