Garbage Bread (Loaded Stuffed Loaf)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in half of the cooked bacon pieces.
Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and hollow out part of the interior to make space for the filling.
Spoon the beef mixture into the loaf, pressing it in to fill all the gaps.
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese, then add the remaining bacon pieces.
Using a sharp knife, cut slits across the top of the bread every 1–2 inches, being careful not to slice all the way through the bottom crust.
Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bread is golden and crisp.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.

Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat.
Mushroom lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the beef for an earthy, umami-rich addition.
Pizza style: Replace the beef with pepperoni and Italian sausage, and use marinara sauce and mozzarella for a pizza-inspired loaf.
Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning to the beef and serve with sour cream, salsa, and avocado on the side.

Use a sturdy loaf of bread to hold the filling without getting soggy—day-old French bread works especially well.
Line your baking sheet to catch any melted cheese or juices that may bubble out during baking.
For easy slicing, let the bread rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to settle.
Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.