Why You'll Love This Halloween Recipe
This is the rare Halloween main dish that is genuinely delicious first and cute second. The pastry keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist, the bandage lattice looks impressive with almost no skill required, and kids absolutely lose it over the googly eyes.
Ingredients for Mummy Meatloaf
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup, plus more for serving
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Candy eyeballs for decorating
How to Make Mummy Meatloaf Step by Step
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment.
- Mix the beef, pork, panko, eggs, ketchup, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning just until combined.
- Shape into a loaf (about 9x5 inches) on the prepared pan.
- Cut the puff pastry into 1-inch strips. Lay them diagonally across the loaf, leaving small gaps like mummy bandages. Tuck the ends underneath.
- Bake 50-60 minutes, until the pastry is deep golden and a thermometer reads 160°F. Tent with foil if the pastry browns too fast.
- Rest 10 minutes, then press candy eyeballs into the top near one end to make the mummy face. Slice and serve with ketchup 'blood'.
💡 Tips for the Best Mummy Meatloaf
Don't overmix the meat or the loaf turns dense — stop as soon as it holds together. Leave a bare patch of meatloaf at the top for the eyes so they stick better. A little egg wash on the pastry strips gives that deep golden mummy glow.
Halloween Party Serving Ideas
Slice the mummy and serve with roasted 'bone' breadsticks and a green salad. It anchors a Halloween dinner spread beautifully next to pumpkin soup shooters.
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📌 Pin it for laterFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use all beef instead of beef and pork?
Yes — use 2 lbs of 80/20 ground beef. The pork adds moisture, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of ketchup if you skip it.
Will the pastry get soggy on the bottom?
Baking on a parchment-lined sheet pan with hot air circulating keeps it crisp. Avoid a loaf pan, which traps steam.
Can I make it ahead?
Assemble the loaf and pastry (without eyes) up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake straight from the fridge adding 5-10 minutes.
Are candy eyeballs edible?
Yes, they're made of sugar like sprinkles — press them on after baking so they don't melt.