How to Make Garbage Bread

The Ultimate Cheesy, Stuffed Pizza Roll Loaded with Flavor

If you are looking for a fun, hearty, and crowd-pleasing recipe, Garbage Bread is exactly what you need. Don’t let the name fool you — there is nothing “garbage” about this delicious stuffed bread. In fact, it’s one of the most satisfying and customizable comfort foods you can make at home.

Garbage Bread is essentially a rolled pizza stuffed with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and any additional toppings you love. The name comes from the idea that you can throw in all your favorite ingredients — even leftovers — and bake them into one golden, cheesy loaf.

Perfect for game nights, family dinners, parties, or casual gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Garbage Bread Recipe

Easy to make with store-bought pizza dough
Crispy golden crust with gooey melted cheese inside
Completely customizable filling
Great for feeding a crowd
Perfect as a main dish or party appetizer
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

This recipe combines everything you love about pizza in a fun, sliceable form.

Ingredients

1 tube pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
450 g (1 lb) ground beef
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional for topping)

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

One of the best things about Garbage Bread is how versatile it is. You can add:

Pepperoni slices
Cooked sausage
Crispy bacon
Sautéed onions
Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Black olives
Jalapeños
Cheddar or provolone cheese

You can truly customize it to match your taste preferences or use whatever ingredients you have available.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Large skillet
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Spatula
Pastry brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns.

Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Season the beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.

Remove from heat and allow the beef to cool slightly before assembling. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Lightly flour your countertop or work surface.

Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 10×14 inches. Try to keep the thickness even throughout.

Do not roll the dough too thin, as it needs to hold the filling without tearing.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface.

Distribute the cooked ground beef evenly on top of the cheese.

If using additional toppings, add them evenly at this stage.

Be careful not to overload the filling, as too much can cause the bread to split during baking.

Step 5: Roll the Bread

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, similar to a cinnamon roll.

Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends underneath to seal the filling inside.

Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

If desired, brush the top of the roll with a beaten egg. This creates a shiny, golden crust.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan or extra Italian seasoning on top for added flavor.

Use a sharp knife to cut 3–4 small slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and fully cooked.

The bread should feel firm and sound slightly hollow when tapped.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last few minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and allow the Garbage Bread to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

This resting time helps the cheese settle and makes slicing easier.

Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Flavor and Texture

Garbage Bread delivers an incredible combination of:

Crispy, golden crust
Soft, fluffy interior
Juicy, seasoned beef
Gooey melted mozzarella
Savory Italian flavors

Each bite is hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Garbage Bread pairs well with:

Fresh garden salad
Garlic dipping sauce
Ranch dressing
Tomato soup
Roasted vegetables

You can also slice it into smaller portions for party appetizers.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes
Air fry for 4–5 minutes
Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust crispy

You can freeze baked Garbage Bread for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Garbage Bread?
Because you can add almost anything to it — it’s a creative way to use leftovers and favorite toppings.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the roll, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely. Homemade pizza dough works beautifully in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Garbage Bread is a fun, satisfying, and versatile recipe that turns simple ingredients into something special. Whether you stick with classic beef and cheese or experiment with different fillings, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

It’s crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor in every slice.