Messy-Chef Bread Casserole

This savory, crowd-pleasing baked treat is inspired by a classic cheeseburger. It combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles, all wrapped in soft French bread dough for a fun, shareable meal.

Cheeseburger-Stuffed Bread

Ingredients
For the Filling:

• Ground beef – 1 lb
• Onion, finely diced – ½ cup
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Pepper – ¼ tsp
• Cooked bacon, crumbled – 6 slices
• Dill pickle spears, chopped – 2
• American cheese slices – 8

For the Dough:

• Refrigerated French bread dough – 1 tube (11 oz)
• Ketchup – ⅓ cup
• Mustard – 3 tbsp
• Large egg, beaten – 1
• Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp

For Serving:

• Thousand Island dressing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the French bread dough into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.

Step 4: Spread Condiments
Evenly spread ketchup and mustard over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

Step 5: Add Fillings
Layer the cooked beef over the condiments, then sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped pickles on top.

Step 6: Add Cheese
Place the American cheese slices evenly over the filling.

Step 7: Roll and Seal
Roll the dough from one long edge to the other, tucking and sealing the edges. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds. Bake 20–25 minutes until the bread is golden brown.

Step 9: Serve
Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.