Quick, easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor – that’s what Easy Cheeseburger Garbage Bread is all about! As a busy parent, I know how challenging it can be to get a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is my family’s go-to for those nights when time is short but cravings are high. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my grandma used to make a similar dish – a “pizza loaf” as she called it. It was always the highlight of family gatherings. Easy Cheeseburger Garbage Bread is my updated, cheeseburger-inspired take on that classic comfort food. It brings back those wonderful memories and creates new ones with my own family.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and green chilies; cook for 5 minutes more.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Cut the Italian bread in half lengthwise.
- Hollow out the inside of both halves, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.
- Drizzle melted butter and Worcestershire sauce over both halves of the bread.
- Fill the bread halves with the cheeseburger mixture.
- Place both halves together. Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil.
- Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Slice and serve hot!
Easy Cheeseburger Garbage Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and green chilies; cook for 5 minutes more.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Cut the Italian bread in half lengthwise.
- Hollow out the inside of both halves, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.
- Drizzle melted butter and Worcestershire sauce over both halves of the bread.
- Fill the bread halves with the cheeseburger mixture.
- Place both halves together. Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil.
- Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Slice and serve hot!
Notes
Expert Tips for Best Results
To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, ensure you drain all excess grease from the ground beef after browning. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack or provolone would be delicious additions. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. If you don’t have Italian bread, a French baguette will work just as well. For an extra flavorful crust, consider sprinkling garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top of the melted butter before drizzling it over the bread. To make ahead, assemble the Easy Cheeseburger Garbage Bread and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking!
Serving Suggestions
Easy Cheeseburger Garbage Bread is fantastic on its own as a casual meal. It’s also great served alongside a simple green salad or coleslaw for a more complete dinner. For a party, slice it into smaller portions and serve as an appetizer. Consider offering a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or a spicy mayo, for your guests to choose from. If you want to add some veggies to the meal, serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. Another delicious pairing is a bowl of tomato soup. For a fun twist, serve Easy Cheeseburger Garbage Bread at a tailgate party along with chips, dips, and your favorite beverages. No matter how you decide to serve it, be prepared for rave reviews!
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Garbage Bread recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a way to bring joy and comfort to your table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or whenever you’re craving something delicious and satisfying. The customizable nature of this recipe means you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead, give it a try and experience the perfect combination of flavors and convenience!