I first made Garbage Bread on a chaotic game night when I had a fridge full of random leftovers and a hungry crowd to feed. The smell of browning sausage and onions mixed with the yeasty promise of baking dough, creating the ultimate comfort food aroma. When I pulled that golden, stuffed loaf from the oven and cut into it, revealing the molten cheese and savory filling, the reaction was pure magic—everyone grabbed a slice, and the room fell silent except for happy chewing. It’s the glorious, no-judgment solution for using up bits and bobs, transforming them into a meal that’s endlessly exciting and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this recipe because it’s the delicious answer to the “what’s for dinner?” puzzle, offering total creative freedom with guaranteed crowd-pleasing results. It’s forgiving, fun to assemble, and the final product—a golden, portable loaf oozing with cheesy, meaty goodness—feels like a culinary triumph. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or need a show-stopping appetizer for a party, this one-handed wonder delivers on flavor, ease, and that wonderful feeling of making something spectacular out of seemingly simple components.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara, plus more for dipping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
The beauty here is in the customization, but let me share what I’ve learned. Using a mix of meats is my secret—half Italian sausage, half lean ground beef gives you fantastic flavor and the right amount of fat. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese if you can help it; I know it’s convenient, but block cheese you shred yourself melts so much creamier and doesn’t have the anti-caking agents. That 1/2 cup of pizza sauce spread on the dough before adding toppings is non-negotiable; it keeps the bread moist and infuses every bite with flavor. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.(See the next page below to continue…)