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A loaf of cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread sliced and stuffed with meat and cheese, garnished with parsley on a wooden board.

Garbage Bread (Cheesy Stuffed Bread Recipe)

This savory "Garbage Bread" is an irresistible, cheesy stuffed bread packed with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, two types of cheese, and marinara, all wrapped in a soft, homemade dough. It's a satisfying meal or a fantastic party appetizer!
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1.25 cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil plus more for greasing
  • 3.5 cup all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
For the Egg Wash & Topping
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried parsley

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Large Skillet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Brush

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Add the olive oil, 3 cups of the all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface (or with the dough hook) for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly grease a clean large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
  1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Assemble the Garbage Bread
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches (30x45 cm).
  3. Spread the cooled ground beef mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border along all edges.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded provolone cheese over the meat mixture. Distribute the sliced pepperoni evenly on top of the cheese.
  5. Starting from one of the long sides, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed firmly to seal the filling inside. Tuck in the ends and pinch them to seal as well.
  6. Carefully transfer the sealed log to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
Bake and Serve
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the dough log with the egg wash.
  2. In another small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the egg-washed bread.
  3. Using a sharp knife, make several shallow diagonal slits across the top of the log (about 1/4-inch deep). This helps steam escape and prevents cracking.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Garbage Bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  5. Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You can substitute ground Italian sausage for ground beef, or use a mix of both. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.