There’s something special about pulling a golden, cheesy loaf from the oven and slicing into layers of warm, savory goodness. Garbage Bread, a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza rolls, turns everyday ingredients into an easy dinner recipe that feels both comforting and exciting.
Originally popularized in New York, this creative dish is a cross between a stromboli and a calzone, filled with ground beef, melty cheese, and colorful veggies. It’s perfect for family-friendly comfort food nights, especially when you want something quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting game night, or making the most of leftovers, Garbage Bread transforms simple pantry staples into a delicious homemade meal you’ll make again and again.
What You Need
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef — 1 pound
- Mozzarella cheese — 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese — ½ cup
- Diced onion — ½ cup
- Minced garlic — 2 cloves
- Bell peppers, sliced — ½ cup
- Black olives, sliced (optional) — ½ cup
- Olive oil — 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper — To taste
- Egg — 1 (for egg wash)
- Pizza dough — 1 (10×14-inch rectangle)
How to Make Garbage Bread
- Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan, then add diced onions. Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers and olives. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Roll dough: On a floured surface, roll pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Assemble filling: Spread the beef mixture evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with mozzarella and cheddar.
- Roll and seal: Roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch seams and ends to seal. Place seam side down.
- Egg wash: Brush top with beaten egg. Cut a few small slits for steam to escape.
- Bake: 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara or ranch sauce.
