It’s that time of year again when ghosts, goblins, and ghouls come out to play! Halloween is filled with endless fun: trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and of course, themed food that makes the occasion even more special. One of my all-time favorite recipes that channels the spooky spirit of the day is my Mummy Meatloaf! This whimsical twist on a classic dish not only satisfies hunger but also serves up some giggles at the dinner table!
I first made this for a Halloween party several years ago, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The kids were fascinated by the “mummy” appearance, and I even caught the adults taking photos before having a slice. What I love most about this recipe is that it perfectly combines comfort food with creativity. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make! It’s a meatloaf, but it’s a meatloaf that looks like it just crawled out of a spooky tomb. Who wouldn’t want that in their life?
What’s in Mummy Meatloaf?
Let’s break down this delightful dish, shall we? Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating both the flavor and the playful appearance of our mummy!
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I like to go for lean ground beef (around 80/20) for the best flavor and texture. You could also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: These bad boys help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist. I usually use plain breadcrumbs, but panko works well too for an extra crunch!
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent in meatloaf—keeping everything together. I typically use large eggs for this recipe.
Onion and Garlic: I’m a firm believer that aromatics make everything better! Sautéed onions and garlic bring depth and flavor that you simply can’t beat.
BBQ Sauce: A key player in this recipe, BBQ sauce not only adds moisture but gives a tangy sweetness. You can use your favorite brand, but I’m a big fan of Sweet Baby Ray’s!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese adds richness and flavor to the meatloaf. I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick!
Phyllo Dough: The “bandages” of our mummy, phyllo dough gives the character its spooky look. You can find this in the freezer section of most grocery stores—just remember to let it thaw!
Is Mummy Meatloaf Good for You?
While Mummy Meatloaf is undeniably a fun dish, it holds its own in terms of nutritional value too.
Ground Beef: Provides essential protein along with important vitamins and minerals. If choosing a leaner option like ground turkey, you can decrease the fat content while keeping the protein punch!
Eggs: A fantastic source of protein and healthy fats.
Onion and Garlic: Packed with antioxidants and known for their numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system.
The downside? Well, if you’re watching your sodium or fat intake, you may want to keep an eye on portion sizes, especially with the BBQ sauce and cheese. But hey, it’s Halloween! It’s all about balance, right?
Ingredients List
For one spooky meatloaf that serves about 6 hearty portions, you’ll need:
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped onions (sautéed)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for topping
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 package phyllo dough (thawed)
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mummy Meatloaf?
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this masterpiece!
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, **sauté the onions** in a bit of olive oil until translucent. Add in **garlic** and sauté for another minute until you can smell the aroma.
3. In a large bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, **sautéed onions**, **garlic**, **eggs**, **BBQ sauce**, and **cheddar cheese**. Mix until everything is well incorporated, but don’t overmix!
4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This is your mummy’s tomb!
5. Take your thawed **phyllo dough** and cut it into strips. Wrap these strips around your meatloaf to look like mummy bandages, leaving space for the “eyes.”
6. **Brush** the loaf with a little extra **BBQ sauce** to enhance the flavor and glaze.
7. Pop that delicious mummy into the oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
8. While it’s baking, you can cut small pieces of cheese or olives for the eyes.
9. Once cooked, pull out the meatloaf and get creative with the eyes, adding them to the exposed areas of the mummy!
Creatively Spooky Suggestions!
– Consider adding **spooky veggies** at the side of your plate—think broccoli as “trees” and mashed potatoes as “clouds.”
– You can use **ketchup** instead of BBQ sauce for a more traditional meatloaf flavor!
– If you enjoy a little heat, dice some jalapeños into the mixture for a spicy twist!
I’m so excited for you to try this delightful Mummy Meatloaf! It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a perfect addition to your Halloween celebrations. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, or if you decided to make your own creepy adaptations! Happy cooking, and may your Halloween be filled with fun, fright, and fantastic food!