The very first time I made Garbage Bread, my entire kitchen smelled like a cozy diner in the best possible way—warm bread, sizzling beef, melting cheese, and that unmistakable aroma of bacon crisping to perfection. I remember pulling the loaf from the oven, hearing the soft crackle of the golden crust, and feeling almost giddy as the cheese bubbled at the edges. It felt like discovering the ultimate comfort food wrapped up in one delicious roll. Garbage Bread became an instant hit in my home, and every time I bake it, it brings back that same comforting, satisfying feeling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Garbage Bread because it turns everyday ingredients into something unexpectedly incredible, all without requiring much effort. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like you spent hours preparing it, even though you barely lifted a finger.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough (or 1 homemade pizza dough ball)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar–mozzarella blend)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley for topping
- Optional dips: mustard, ketchup, ranch, spicy mayo
One of the reasons this recipe works so well is the flexibility of the ingredients. I’ve made Garbage Bread with leftover meatloaf, ground turkey, and even shredded chicken, and it always turns out amazing. Pizza dough is my go-to because it stretches beautifully, bakes evenly, and creates that perfect balance of crispness and chewiness. Cheddar brings the ideal sharp meltiness, but if you prefer something creamier, mozzarella or Monterey Jack blend wonderfully. The seasoning blend gives just enough flavor depth without overpowering the meat. And don’t skip the Worcestershire—it adds a savory richness that ties everything together.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
I love that Garbage Bread doesn’t require any special gadgets—just the basics you probably already have in your kitchen. A large skillet makes browning the meat easy and ensures everything cooks evenly. A rolling pin helps get the dough perfectly thin, though I’ve used my hands plenty of times when I couldn’t find mine. A sharp knife is essential for slicing the finished loaf into thick, satisfying pieces. And parchment paper will save you from dealing with sticky cleanup and helps create an evenly crisp bottom crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I begin making Garbage Bread, I start by sautéing the onion in a skillet until it becomes soft and fragrant. That’s my cue to add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once the meat is no longer pink, I stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and the seasoning blend. The aroma at this point is unbelievably good. After the mixture cooks down, I mix in the chopped bacon. This step always feels rewarding—adding bacon automatically transforms everything into something special.(See the next page below to continue…)