Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The meat and cheese filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before spreading on the dough so it's easier to work with.

My family doesn't like Velveeta. Can I use a different cheese?

While Velveeta provides that classic creamy, melty texture, you can substitute with 8 ounces of cream cheese plus 4 ounces of shredded cheddar for a similar effect. Just make sure whatever cheese you use melts well.

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully. Just roll it to the same dimensions and make sure it's not too thick, or the inside might not cook through by the time the outside is golden.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

Try using ground turkey instead of beef, reducing the amount of cheese, and using a whole wheat pizza dough. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the filling for added nutrition.

Garbage Bread Recipe - Evelynseats

Name: Garbage Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound chopped bacon; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon steak seasoning (e.g., McCormick); 12 ounces Velveeta, cubed; 1 (13.8 ounce) thin crust pizza dough (e.g., Pillsbury); 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar jack cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; Salt and pepper, to taste

This Garbage Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal. Packed with savory bacon, seasoned ground beef, and two kinds of cheese all wrapped in a golden pizza crust, it’s a hearty dish that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Complete Meal in One: This recipe combines protein, dairy, and carbs in a neat, portable package—no need for multiple dishes!
Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
Kid-Approved: The combination of pizza dough, beef, and melty cheese makes this a guaranteed hit with the younger crowd. No negotiating required at dinnertime!
Versatile: Works as a main dish, game day snack, or even packed lunch. Slice it thick for dinner or thinner for appetizers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon: Provides that smoky, savory foundation that elevates the entire dish. Cook it until properly crisp for the best texture contrast.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling. Yellow onions work best, but any variety will do in a pinch.
Ground Beef: The protein star of the show. Using lean beef (90/10) gives you flavor without excess grease that could make the dough soggy.
Steak Seasoning: A one-step flavor booster that adds complexity without requiring multiple spice jars. McCormick works perfectly, but any steak seasoning blend will do.
Velveeta: Creates that creamy, melty texture that binds everything together. Don’t substitute here—the meltability is key to the recipe’s success.
Pizza Dough: The wrapper that holds everything together. Pillsbury thin crust works perfectly because it bakes up crisp despite the hearty filling.
Cheddar Jack Cheese: Adds another layer of cheese flavor and texture. The combination of sharp cheddar and mellow jack creates the perfect balance.
Mayo and Ketchup: The dynamic duo that creates a simple but addictive dipping sauce. Use real mayonnaise for the best flavor and consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Breakfast Garbage Bread

Replace the ground beef with breakfast sausage, add scrambled eggs and use American cheese instead of Velveeta for a morning version that will start your day right.

Italian Style

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, use mozzarella instead of Velveeta, and add pepperoni slices and Italian seasoning. Serve with marinara for dipping.

Vegetarian Option

Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. The cheeses and cooking method remain the same for that melty goodness.

Spicy Kick

Add diced jalapeños to the filling and mix some hot sauce into your dipping sauce for heat lovers.

How to Make Garbage Bread

Step 1: Prep and Cook Bacon

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving just enough grease to cook the next ingredients.

Step 2: Cook Beef Mixture

Increase heat to medium-high and add onions and ground beef to the same skillet. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease to prevent a soggy bread.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Return the skillet to low heat. Add the bacon back in and season everything with steak seasoning. Add the cubed Velveeta and stir continuously until completely melted and incorporated. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble

Roll out the pizza dough onto your prepared baking sheet, forming approximately a 15×10 rectangle. Spread the meat and cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving about an inch at the edges. Sprinkle the grated cheddar jack cheese over the meat mixture.

Step 5: Roll and Bake

Carefully roll up the dough lengthwise, pinching the edges to seal in all that goodness. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Prepare Sauce and Serve

While the bread bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Let the finished bread cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Cooling: Those 5-10 minutes of cooling time are crucial! Cut too soon and you’ll have filling spilling everywhere.
Cheese Distribution: Make sure the Velveeta is fully melted and incorporated into the meat mixture for the best texture throughout.
Seal Properly: Take extra care to pinch and seal the dough edges well to prevent any filling from escaping during baking.
Even Rolling: Try to roll the dough with consistent pressure for an evenly shaped loaf that will cook uniformly.
Parchment Paper: Don’t skip this! It prevents sticking and makes cleanup infinitely easier.

How to Serve

Garbage Bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Main Dish

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the bread.

Game Day Spread

Slice into smaller pieces and serve alongside other finger foods like chicken wings, veggie platters, and potato skins.

Complete Meal

For a fuller meal, serve with roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries and extra dipping sauce on the side.

Lunch Option

Pack cold slices in lunch boxes with some fresh fruit for a meal that won’t need reheating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled garbage bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and develop overnight, making day-two garbage bread sometimes even better than fresh!

Freezing

You can freeze fully baked and cooled garbage bread for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw only what you need.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can make the crust soggy. If using a microwave, heat at 50% power in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The meat and cheese filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before spreading on the dough so it’s easier to work with.
My family doesn’t like Velveeta. Can I use a different cheese?

While Velveeta provides that classic creamy, melty texture, you can substitute with 8 ounces of cream cheese plus 4 ounces of shredded cheddar for a similar effect. Just make sure whatever cheese you use melts well.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully. Just roll it to the same dimensions and make sure it’s not too thick, or the inside might not cook through by the time the outside is golden.
Is there a way to make this healthier?

Try using ground turkey instead of beef, reducing the amount of cheese, and using a whole wheat pizza dough. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the filling for added nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Garbage Bread is one of those magical recipes that feels like you’re getting away with something—it’s too delicious to be this easy! Perfect for busy weeknights, surprise guests, or just when you’re craving something utterly satisfying, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The combination of crispy exterior, melty cheese, and savory filling makes every bite something to savor. Give it a try tonight—your family will be asking for it again tomorrow!