Description
This Garbage Bread Extravaganza is a hearty, cheesy stuffed bread loaded with ground meat, vegetables, and Italian flavors. Wrapped in foil and baked until golden and melty, it’s perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread or French baguette
- 1/2 lb cooked ground beef or sausage
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf lengthwise without slicing completely through, creating a hinge. Hollow out some of the bread inside to make room for the filling.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add Meat and Seasoning: Add the cooked ground beef or sausage to the skillet along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook together for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix in Sauce: Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, then remove the mixture from heat.
- Stuff the Bread: Fill the hollowed bread with the meat and vegetable mixture. Then layer the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the filling.
- Wrap and Bake: Close the loaf and wrap it tightly in foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Crisp and Melt: Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a crispy crust and melted, bubbly cheese on top.
- Serve: Slice the bread and serve it warm as a delicious and hearty treat.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with sausage or a vegetarian meat alternative based on your preference.
- Adding sliced black olives into the filling can enhance the flavor and texture.
- Make sure not to slice the bread completely through to keep the filling intact during baking.
- Use fresh Italian herbs for a more aromatic taste if preferred.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.