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Garbage Bread with Cheesy Bacon & Beef Filling

Garbage Bread with Cheesy Bacon & Beef Filling

Garbage Bread with Cheesy Bacon & Beef Filling is a hearty, comforting dish featuring crispy thick-cut bacon, lean ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic, a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and tomato sauce all stuffed into fresh French bread or hoagie rolls and baked until golden and bubbly. This easy-to-make, customizable recipe delivers a delicious fusion of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors perfect for cozy nights, game days, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Bread

  • 1 large French bread loaf or 2 hoagie rolls

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & Seasonings

  • ½ cup tomato sauce or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme mix)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon and Beef: Fry the thick-cut bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Using the same pan with remaining fat, cook the lean ground beef along with chopped onions and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the mixture is fragrant.
  2. Mix the Filling: Chop the cooked bacon into bits and combine it with the beef mixture. Stir in the tomato or pasta sauce along with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Let the filling simmer for a few minutes until all flavors meld and the mixture is juicy but not runny.
  3. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread or hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. Optionally, hollow out some bread from inside for extra filling while keeping a sturdy base to hold everything.
  4. Stuff and Add Cheese: Generously fill the bread pocket with the beef and bacon mixture. Layer shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the filling to ensure a melty, cheesy finish.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and bread edges turn crisp and golden.

Notes

  • Drain excess grease from cooked bacon and beef to prevent soggy bread.
  • Use fresh bread that is firm but not too soft to maintain structure.
  • Do not overstuff the bread to allow cheese to melt properly and bread to toast evenly.
  • Let the baked bread rest for a few minutes before slicing to set the filling.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garbage Bread, Cheesy Bacon Bread, Beef Filled Bread, Comfort Food, Cheese Bacon Beef Sandwich