Garbage Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and let’s kick things off right with a little warmth in our kitchen.

2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onions until they’re just starting to turn translucent. That smell is home calling, I tell ya!

3. Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to season it with a little salt and pepper, alongside those minced garlic cloves.

4. Toss in the bell peppers, black olives if you’re using them, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir it all together and cook for another couple of minutes until everything is friendly in the pan.

5. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to prevent sticking, and create a rectangle about 10×14 inches. We’re not looking for perfection; rustic is good for the soul.

6. Spread your ground beef mixture over the dough, leaving a slight border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, because cheese is the glue that holds all the good things in life together.

7. Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the long side, like you would with a jelly roll, and pinch the ends shut. Place seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup.

8. Make a couple of slits on top of the bread for steam to escape – it’s like giving the Garbage Bread a little room to breathe.

9. Beat the egg and brush it over the top for that golden sheen that we all love. Trust me, it makes a difference.

10. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread is beautifully golden and sounds a little hollow when tapped. That’s the music of dinner calling right there.

11. Let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice it up and serve warm. Watch as your family dives in – it’s the best reward.

– You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter touch. Any cooked and crumbled sausage also works wonders.
– Feel free to add other veggies you have on hand, like mushrooms, or perhaps a handful of spinach for a touch of green.
– For those picky eaters, keep it simple with just cheese and beef, or even just cheese; it’ll be our little secret.
– You can prepare the Garbage Bread ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to popping it in the oven.
Adapt, enjoy, and most of all, gather round ’cause this meal is made for sharing and caring.