Dinner

Cheesy Bacon and Beef Garbage Bread Recipe

Name: Cheesy Bacon and Beef Garbage Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular); 6 strips bacon; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 refrigerated bread dough or pizza dough (about 12 x 16 inches rolled out); 2 tbsp butter (melted, for brushing); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Oregano or other fresh herbs (optional, for flavoring dough or garnish)

Byluca Carter December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

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Introduction

Garbage Bread with Cheesy Bacon & Beef Filling is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with savory flavors. This easy-to-make stuffed bread combines crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and melting cheeses in a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Two thick halves of a stuffed bread sandwich are stacked one on top of the other on a wooden surface. The bread has a golden-brown, crispy crust with a soft, white, airy inside. Inside the bread, there is a visible filling made of two main layers: a bottom layer of cooked ground meat with brown and slightly chunky texture, and a top layer of melted cheese that is gooey and orange with some areas appearing creamy white. The cheese is melted into and around the meat, showing a rich, inviting texture. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
6 strips bacon

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste
1 refrigerated bread dough or pizza dough (about 12 x 16 inches rolled out)
2 tbsp butter (melted, for brushing)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Oregano or other fresh herbs (optional, for flavoring dough or garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Chop half of the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with the beef. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring gently just until the cheese begins to melt and the filling becomes gooey.
Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated bread or pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 16 inches, ready to hold the filling.
Step 4: Spread the cheesy bacon and beef filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seams to seal the filling inside.

Step 5: Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
Step 6: Let the Garbage Bread rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to firm slightly. Slice thickly and serve warm for the best gooey, cheesy experience.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle some oregano or your favorite fresh herbs on top before baking or mix them into the filling.

Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.
Try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers into the beef mixture for added texture and taste.
If you prefer crispier bacon, bake the bacon separately in the oven to get it extra crunchy before adding it to the filling.

Storage

Store leftover Garbage Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of two thick sandwich halves stacked on top of each other, each with three distinct layers. The outer layer is a golden-brown, toasted crust with a slightly glossy and crispy texture. Inside the sandwich, the middle layer consists of rich, crumbly ground beef mixed with small bits of browned bacon. Surrounding the meat is a bright orange melted cheese layer that looks gooey and smooth, blending into some lighter toppings that appear to be melted mozzarella or cheddar, adding a creamy texture. The sandwich rests on a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Absolutely! Homemade bread or pizza dough works great in this recipe and can add a personalized touch. Just roll it out to the same size and follow the instructions as usual.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the beef and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasoning and cook times accordingly to maintain flavor and texture.