If you’re ready to add a pinch of spooky fun to your dinner table, the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is the perfect way to do just that! This playful take on classic meatloaf wraps savory, seasoned beef in golden, crescent-roll bandages, creating a delightful centerpiece that’s as tasty as it is entertaining. The blend of juicy, flavorful meat with a tangy BBQ topping and cheesy richness makes every bite a comforting and exciting experience for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Mummy Meatloaf Recipe. Each simple component plays a vital role, from adding moisture and flavor to creating that irresistible golden crust that looks just like mummy wrappings.
- Ground beef (or ground turkey, 1 lb.): The hearty base that delivers satisfying flavor and texture.
- RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (1 can, drained): Adds a zesty kick and a bit of moisture without making the meatloaf soggy.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind the meat mixture together for a tender, sliceable loaf.
- Egg, beaten (1): Acts as a glue to keep all ingredients firmly combined.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Enhances savory depth and brings a subtle nutty flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp.): Infuses a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with beef.
- Onion powder (1 tsp.): Adds a gentle onion undertone without bulk.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to highlight all the other flavors.
- BBQ sauce (1/4 cup): Introduces sweet tang and moisture for a finger-licking glaze.
- Brown sugar (2 Tbsp.): Balances acidity and adds caramelized sweetness to the topping.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can): Creates the mummy’s iconic “bandages” with a golden, flaky finish.
- Black olives: Perfect for making spooky, edible eyes.
- Optional: Green chile slices: For extra festive detail on the eyes, adding a pop of color and mild heat.
How to Make Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready while you mix up the meatloaf. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, drained RO*TEL®, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, as well as salt and pepper. Make sure to mix everything evenly but gently, so the ingredients meld without becoming too dense.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Once your mixture is well blended, shape it on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish into a fun head shape—this is what will become your mummy’s “face.” This adds an extra layer of whimsy and sets the stage for the decoration to come.
Step 3: Make and Spread the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the drained RO*TEL®, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. This sweet and tangy topping is going to keep the meat juicy while also giving it a beautiful glaze. Spread it evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf, making sure every nook gets some saucy love.
Step 4: Initial Bake
Pop the meatloaf into the oven and bake for around 40 to 45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This step cooks the meat through and lets the flavors meld perfectly before adding your stretchy “mummy bandages.”
Step 5: Add the Crescent Roll “Mummy” Wrap
Take the meatloaf out of the oven and then pull your crescent roll dough apart into thin strips. Wrap these strips loosely around the meatloaf, leaving spaces for the eyes, so it looks like a real mummy wrapped in gauze. This creative step adds the golden, flaky texture that makes this dish so special.
Step 6: Add the Eyes and Final Bake
Place two black olives carefully where the eyes should be, and if you want some extra flair, add green chile slices around them. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the crescent dough turns a gorgeous golden brown, completing the mummy look.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, allow your mummy masterpiece to cool just a bit before slicing. This gives the juices time to settle and helps keep each slice intact, ready to wow your guests or family members.
How to Serve Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of black olives as eyes gives the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe an instantly spooky appeal. For extra fun, consider adding thin green chile slices as pupils or draping a little fresh parsley around to mimic vines curling around the mummy. These little touches bring your dish to life in a playful way.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, which you can jazz up by tinting with Halloween colors like green or orange with a few drops of food coloring. Roasted veggies or steamed green beans add freshness and a vibrant contrast to your dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn your dinner into a festive event? Serve your Mummy Meatloaf Recipe on a dark platter, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips around to resemble dusty tombstones, or even add a small bowl of spicy ketchup “blood” on the side. This presentation will delight kids and adults alike, making your dinner unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Mummy Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days while maintaining its moisture and flavor, ready to be reheated for a quick and satisfying meal later.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time, you can freeze the meatloaf before or after wrapping it in crescent dough. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the meatloaf with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the crescent roll wrapping from drying out and retains that irresistible freshly-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative and pairs perfectly with the spices and toppings without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your crescent roll dough is gluten-free or replace it with strips of gluten-free puff pastry for the mummy wrap.
Can I prepare the meat mixture the night before?
Definitely! Preparing the meat mixture in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Mummy Meatloaf Recipe even tastier the next day. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make smaller, individual mummy meatloafs?
Of course! Mini meatloafs are a fun way to make this recipe if you’re cooking for fewer people or want easy-to-serve portions. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a meal that’s both delicious and delightfully fun, and the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking to add a festive twist to your Halloween spread, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wrap up an unforgettable dinner experience that’s as tasty as it is charming!
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Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mummy Meatloaf recipe combines a flavorful meatloaf base with a fun Halloween-themed presentation. Ground beef mixed with RO*TEL® diced tomatoes and green chilies, breadcrumbs, and spices is shaped into a head and topped with a tangy BBQ and tomato sauce. Wrapped in crescent roll dough strips to resemble a mummy, and adorned with olive eyes, this spooky dish is perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 can RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 can crescent roll dough
Garnish
- Black olives (for eyes)
- Optional: Green chile slices (for more detail on the eyes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, drained RO*TEL®, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute all flavors well.
- Shape the Meatloaf: On a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish, shape the meat mixture into a head shape to fit the mummy theme.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the drained RO*TEL®, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar to create a flavorful topping that adds moisture and tang.
- Apply the Topping: Spread the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf to infuse it with flavor.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Add the Crescent Mummy Wrap: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Tear the crescent roll dough into strips and wrap them haphazardly around the meatloaf, mimicking mummy wrappings while leaving spaces for the eyes.
- Place the Eyes: Position two black olives where the eyes should be on the wrapped meatloaf. Add green chile slices if desired for extra detail and spookiness.
- Finish Baking: Return the wrapped meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough strips are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf cool slightly. Serve with mashed potatoes—optionally decorated with food coloring or olive “eyes” for a fun Halloween touch. Enjoy your festive mummy meatloaf!
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- Wrap the crescent dough strips loosely for better mummy appearance and even baking.
- Use green chile slices optionally to add more character to the mummy’s eyes.
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
- You can prepare mashed potatoes with food coloring to enhance the Halloween theme.
