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Prepare Time |
Cook Time |
Total Time |
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25 minutes |
35 minutes |
1 hour |
Halloween is all about the candy and the costumes, but dinner always seems to be an afterthought. I used to just order pizza before trick-or-treating, feeling a bit guilty about he lack of festive spirit on the dinner plate. Then, I stumbled upon the idea of a mummy meatloaf, and folks, it was a game-changer. It’s now a non-negotiable tradition in our house. Sure, it might look gross, but it’s totally appropriate for Halloween!
In fact, it’s basically your classic, comforting meatloaf in a hilarious disguise, which means you can shape it into anything you want, such as a bloody foot or goblin toes. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween bash or just want to add some spooky flair to dinner, this easy Halloween mummy meatloaf recipe is sure to delight the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 lb bacon
- 2 slices of provolone cheese
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wireless meat thermometer
- Small bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Pastry brush
Why You’ll Love This Mummy Meatloaf Recipe?
If you’ve never tried making this mummy meatloaf for Halloween yet, you seriously should! The first time I whipped this up, my kids’ jaws literally dropped. Since then, it’s become a fun tradition for us to create our own spooky decorations together.
Best of all, it’s still the classic, hearty meatloaf we all know and love, and if you can mix ingredients and wrap a blanker around a hot dog, you can definitely make this. Not only is is visually striking and a great conversation starter, but it also tastes incredibly moist and delicious. If you’re throwing a party, this main dish is absolutely a must-try!
How to Make Halloween Mummy Meatloaf?
Now that we have all the ingredients and gadgets ready, it’s time to get our hands on a little meaty. Here’s the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to to 375°F (190°C), and line that baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleaning. Then, combine the ketchup and apple cider vinegar until they’re well mixed, and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Flesh. In your large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your clean hands to stir the ingredients gently until they are barely combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the texture more like meatballs than meatloaf.
Step 3: Shape the Mummy. Plop the meat mixture onto the center of the baking sheet, and shape it into a slightly flattened football. Then, form it into a skull shape, and pinch the sides to create the cheekbones and jawline.
Step 4: Wrap It Up. Brush the mixture of ketchup and apple cider vinegar all over the patty. For the eyes, cut out two small circles from the provolone cheese slices and place them where the eyes should be, or you can use thinly sliced olives instead. If you want to add some teeth, just take a layer of onion, cut it into rectangles, and make a few scores to shape them. Alternatively, just use whole garlic cloves. Now’s when you can get creative - drape the bacon over the patty, one by one, overlapping them slightly.
Step 5: Bake the Mummy Meatloaf. To ensure your meatloaf is moist and juicy, it’s best to use a wireless meat thermometer like the INKBIRD INT-14-BW inserted deep into the center. It will notify you when it’s done, preventing it from overcooking. Then, place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes. Keep in mind that the time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your patty, so always rely on the internal temperature.
Step 6: Rest and Serve. After taking the meatloaf out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, you can blend the leftover ketchup with a bit of water and drizzle it over your mummy meatloaf for an extra spooky touch.
What to Serve with Your Mummy Meatloaf?
This Halloween mummy meatloaf is a main course and quite filling on its own, so I usually pair it with sweet treat. Here are some suggestions: 10 Spooky Halloween Cookie Ideas
If I’m hosting a big crowd, I often add monster mash, which is basically creamy mashed potatoes, dyed green with a little food coloring, and a big bowl of rich marinara for dipping the meatloaf. To lighten things up a bit, a simple green salad, playfully dubbed witch’s weed, makes for a great side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Don’t worry if you have leftover. Just place it in an airtight container once cooled, and it’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, vacuum-seal it in a heavy-duty bag to prevent freezer burn, which will keep it good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F. Cover it with aluminum foil, insert a meat thermometer, and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
