Garbage Bread

 

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup diced onion
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons mustard
• 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought pieces)
• 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
• 8 slices American cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Thousand Island dressing, for dipping

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Season with salt and pepper and drain excess grease.
3. Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the French bread dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
4. Spread the Condiments: Evenly coat the dough with ketchup and mustard, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add the Fillings: Sprinkle the cooked beef, bacon, and chopped pickles across the dough.
6. Layer the Cheese: Place the American cheese slices in a single layer.
7. Roll It Up: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a log and pinch seams to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
8. Brush and Bake: Brush the top with beaten egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool & Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

 

Why You’ll Love This Garbage Bread

• Quick and easy dinner recipe for busy nights
• Family-friendly comfort food that kids and adults both enjoy
• Budget-friendly—uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients
• Customizable with endless filling options
• Perfect for game-day snacks, party appetizers, or meal prepping

Tips for Success

• Chill cooked beef for a few minutes so the cheese doesn’t melt too early.
• Don’t overfill—too much filling can cause the loaf to burst while baking.
• Make sure your seal is tight to prevent leaking.
• Let the loaf rest before slicing to keep the layers intact.
• Add sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.

 

Variations to Try

• Pizza Version: Pepperoni, mozzarella, pizza sauce, mushrooms, olives.
• Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar, green onions.
• Philly Cheesesteak Style: Thin-sliced beef, provolone, sautéed peppers and onions.
• Breakfast Roll: Scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns.
• Veggie Lover’s: Spinach, roasted peppers, olives, mushrooms, and mozzarella.