Nothing screams festive comfort food like this delightfully spooky Mummy Meatloaf Recipe. It’s a playful twist on classic meatloaf that wraps savory, juicy ground beef and sausage in crispy, buttery puff pastry strips, creating a whimsical mummy effect perfect for sharing with friends and family during Halloween or any fun gathering. This dish combines familiar flavors with a fun presentation that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients — each adding a layer of flavor, texture, or color to bring this dish to life. From the savory herbs in the seasoning to the flaky puff pastry that crisps up beautifully, every component plays a starring role.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Yellow onion: Adds a tender, savory base flavor when cooked until translucent.
- Cracker crumbs: Soaked in milk and seasoning, they keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Mrs. Dash seasoning: A flavorful blend that enhances the meat without overwhelming it.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle kick and depth to the meat mixture.
- Milk: Softens the cracker crumbs for a juicy meatloaf texture.
- Ketchup: Provides sweetness and moisture; also used in the glaze for that glossy finish.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami punch both in the meat and the glaze.
- Ground beef: The hearty, rich foundation for this recipe.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Boosts flavor with its spiced, meaty goodness.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together perfectly.
- Puff pastry sheet: The star for wrapping the mummy, delivering a golden, flaky crust.
- Egg wash (egg mixed with water): Creates a shiny, golden finish on the puff pastry strips.
- Edible eyes: For that spooky and cute mummy touch to complete the look.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook Your Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then add diced yellow onion. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it enriches the meat mixture with natural sweetness and depth that onion imparts when properly caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mix and Glaze
In a large mixing bowl, combine cracker crumbs, Mrs. Dash seasoning, garlic powder, and milk. Let the cracker crumbs soak up the milk and spices, which ensures your meatloaf won’t be dry. Separately, mix ketchup with Worcestershire sauce to create a tangy glaze reserved for after shaping the meatloaf.
Step 3: Combine the Meat Mixture
Add ground beef, ground breakfast sausage, the cooked onion, the remaining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and beaten egg into the seasoning-soaked cracker crumbs bowl. Mix everything using your hands for an even texture. This step balances savory flavors while maintaining the juicy integrity of your meatloaf.
Step 4: Shape and Glaze the Meatloaf
On a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, form the meat mixture into a mummy shape with a defined head and body. Next, spread the Worcestershire ketchup glaze generously over the surface, which will keep the meat moist and add a delicious sheen after baking.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake your meatloaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50 minutes. Once done, let it cool for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and to prevent the puff pastry from sliding off later.
Step 6: Add the Puff Pastry Strips
Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the chilled puff pastry and cut it into long strips with a pizza cutter. Carefully wrap the meatloaf in these strips to resemble mummy bandages.
Step 7: Final Bake and Add Edible Eyes
Brush the puff pastry with the egg wash for that beautiful golden finish. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is perfectly golden and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Add edible eyes for that spooky, adorable mummy effect before serving.
How to Serve Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Mummy Meatloaf Recipe presentation. Consider fresh parsley sprigs for a pop of color or a drizzle of extra ketchup or barbecue sauce for added tang and sweetness around the plate, enhancing both looks and flavor.
Side Dishes
This mummy pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Choose sides that complement the meat’s richness without overpowering the fun theme — think buttery carrots, garlic green beans, or even pumpkin-spiced sweet potatoes for that seasonal touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your mummy on a dark platter to let the golden puff pastry really shine. For extra fun, place mini tombstones or candy “bones” around for a full Halloween spread. You can even serve slices with a little sprinkle of grated cheese for a gooey surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Mummy Meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the textures intact for a delicious second round.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatloaf before wrapping it in puff pastry for up to 3 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the pastry and baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes to keep the puff pastry flaky and the meat juicy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat for the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef and sausage for flavor and fat balance, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can also work; just ensure you adjust seasoning to suit the meat’s inherent flavors.
What can I substitute for the cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs or even crushed oats make great alternatives. They all serve to bind the meat and keep it moist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs and make sure the Worcestershire sauce and other condiments you choose are gluten-free. Also, opt for gluten-free puff pastry if available.
How do I make sure the puff pastry sticks to the meatloaf?
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before applying the puff pastry strips. This prevents the pastry from sliding off and helps it adhere better when brushed with egg wash.
What if I don’t have edible eyes?
You can get creative by using small dots of cream cheese and olives, or even black olives cut into small circles to mimic eyes. It adds a homemade charm!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both fun and flavorful, the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is your perfect pick. It brings together spooky presentation and comforting tastes that everyone will love, whether for a festive party or a cozy family dinner. Give it a try — I promise it will be as much fun to make as it is to eat!
PrintMummy Meatloaf Recipe
This Halloween-themed Mummy Meatloaf is a spooky yet delicious dish perfect for festive gatherings. Ground beef and breakfast sausage mixed with savory seasonings and a Worcestershire-ketchup glaze, all wrapped in golden puff pastry strips to resemble a mummy. Easy to make and sure to impress both kids and adults with its fun presentation and comforting flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup cracker crumbs
- 1 1/4 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, divided
- 3/4 cup ketchup, divided
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 1 egg, beaten
Puff Pastry and Decoration
- 1 sheet puff pastry (chilled, refrigerated)
- 1 egg mixed with 1 tsp water (egg wash)
- 2 edible eyes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray it with cooking spray, and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Onion: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, Mrs. Dash seasoning, garlic powder, and milk. Set this mixture aside to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of ketchup and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. This will be used later to glaze the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: To the large bowl with cracker crumbs, add the cooked onion, ground beef, ground breakfast sausage, remaining 1/4 cup ketchup, 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and the beaten egg. Mix all ingredients with your hands until well combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Using your hands, mold the meat mixture on the prepared baking sheet into the shape of a mummy’s head and body—a long oval or elongated form with a rounded top for the head.
- Glaze the Meatloaf: Spread the Worcestershire-ketchup glaze evenly over the surface of the shaped meatloaf.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes.
- Cool the Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes. Cooling helps the meatloaf firm up, ensuring the puff pastry will adhere properly and not slide off.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the puff pastry.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Strips: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut long strips of the chilled puff pastry sheet.
- Wrap the Meatloaf: Carefully arrange the puff pastry strips over the head and body of the meatloaf, overlapping to create a wrapped mummy appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the puff pastry with the egg wash (egg mixed with water) to give it a golden, shiny finish after baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through: Return the mummy meatloaf to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the internal meat temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Decorate and Serve: Remove from the oven and attach the edible eyes to the mummy. Serve once slightly cooled and enjoy your spooky festive meal!
Notes
- Ensure the meatloaf cools completely before applying the puff pastry to avoid slipping.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe pork and beef consumption.
- Puff pastry can be found refrigerated in most grocery stores; keep it cold until ready to use for easier handling.
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped garlic or herbs to the meatloaf mixture.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.