Mummy Meatloaf Recipe

If you’re looking to bring some festive fun to your dinner table, this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is an absolute showstopper that combines both spooky style and comforting flavor. Imagine a juicy, savory meatloaf shaped like a mummy, wrapped in crispy bacon strips that mimic ancient bandages, with onion slices cleverly arranged as eerie eyes and teeth. This dish is perfect for Halloween gatherings or any time you want to add a little excitement to your meal. Not only does it look amazing, but the balance of seasonings and textures will have everyone asking for seconds in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet essential, each bringing a unique flavor or texture to the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe. From the savory ground meat mix to the crisp bacon wrapping, every component plays a role in creating that perfect balance between tender, juicy, and delightfully crispy.

• Ground meatloaf mix (1 to 1.5 pounds): The base of your meatloaf providing flavor and protein; a blend of beef, pork, and veal works best.
• Plain breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds moisture retention and a tender crumb texture.
• Lipton onion soup mix (1 packet): A secret weapon for seasoning that infuses the meat with savory umami notes.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the meat’s depth and adds a subtle tang.
• Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Milk (1 cup): Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender throughout baking.
• Ketchup (1/4 cup): For a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness to the ketchup glaze and balances richness.
• Onion (1/2 small): Sliced to create the fun mummy eyes and teeth.
• Bacon (1 pound): Wrapped around the meatloaf mummy to mimic ancient bandages with a smoky craving satisfaction.

How to Make Mummy Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350º F and line a sheet pan with tin foil or parchment paper to make cleaning up a breeze. Next, mix together the ketchup and apple cider vinegar until fully combined—this will become the luscious glaze that coats your mummy meatloaf.

Step 2: Combine the Seasoning Mix

In a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs, Lipton onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and milk. This blend will infuse your meatloaf with moisture and layers of flavor.

Step 3: Gently Mix in the Ground Meat

Carefully crumble the ground meatloaf mixture over the dry ingredients. Using clean hands, lightly mix everything just until combined—don’t overmix or your meatloaf will be dense and tough. Leaving chunks of meat adds a wonderful texture.

Step 4: Shape Your Mummy

Transfer the meat mixture to the lined pan and shape it into a large oval around 1 to 1.5 inches tall. Then, sculpt the edges to resemble a skull, making a prominent top for the “brain,” indentations for the eyes, and a distinctive jawline. This is what makes the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe truly come to life.

Step 5: Add the Ketchup Glaze

Brush the ketchup and vinegar mixture over the entire meatloaf. Depending on your shaping, you might not need all the glaze. This layer will caramelize and add a subtle tangy sweetness.

Step 6: Create Eyes and Teeth from Onion

Slice one onion layer in half for the eyes, trimming as needed to get the perfect spooky look, and gently press them into the eye indentations on your meatloaf. For teeth, cut strips from another onion layer and carefully snip to mimic teeth shapes, then tuck them gently into place. These details give your mummy personality and that extra Halloween charm.

Step 7: Wrap Your Mummy with Bacon

This is the most fun part—layer bacon strips over the “face” of the meatloaf, leaving space for eyes and teeth. You can cut bacon to fit and tuck the ends underneath to keep everything neat. Don’t be afraid to have a couple of “flyaway” strips to create a sense of unraveling bandages, which adds life to your Mummy Meatloaf Recipe.

Step 8: Optional Extra Glaze

If you have leftover ketchup glaze, dab a bit onto some bacon strips for extra flavor and color. It’s a nice little touch but not mandatory.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Pop your mummy meatloaf into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads at least 160º F. Because sizes vary, start checking around 35 minutes to avoid overcooking. Using an instant-read thermometer really helps nail the timing.

Step 10: Let it Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, give your spooky masterpiece about 5 minutes to rest. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist, tender bite every time.

How to Serve Mummy Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness to your mummy’s presentation, making the bacon wrappings stand out even more. Consider a sprinkle of paprika for an autumnal glow or even some edible flowers if you want to dial up the whimsy.

Side Dishes

This hearty mummy pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. For a seasonal twist, roasted butternut squash or sautéed Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic vinegar offer a lovely balance to the rich meatloaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your mummy on a large platter surrounded by “spooky” sides like deviled eggs decorated as eyeballs or roasted cherry tomatoes for a blood-red effect. You can also place it on a bed of arugula or kale to add a dramatic dark-green base that complements the crispy bacon bandages.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Mummy Meatloaf Recipe can be enjoyed safely for up to 3-4 days without losing its flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meatloaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen properly, it stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the bacon crispy while warming leftovers, reheat in a 350º F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to preserve the mummy’s texture and appearance.

FAQs

Can I use just one type of meat for the meatloaf?

Absolutely! While a mixed ground meatloaf blend gives great flavor and texture, you can use all ground beef, turkey, or even chicken if you prefer. Just remember the fat content will affect moisture and cooking time.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe?

You can try using vegetarian ground substitutes like lentils or textured vegetable protein with added seasonings. However, wrapping with bacon will be skipped or replaced with vegan bacon options.

How do I prevent the bacon from shrinking too much during baking?

Choosing thinner-sliced bacon can help it cook more evenly without excessive shrinkage. Also, avoid overlapping bacon strips too much to allow proper crisping without pulling away from the meatloaf.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare and shape the mummy the day before, wrap it with bacon, and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just apply the glaze right before baking to ensure the best texture.

What if I don’t have Lipton onion soup mix?

No worries! You can substitute with a mix of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a bit of beef bouillon powder to mimic the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings smiles and conversation to any table. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a Halloween party or simply want a comforting dish with a playful twist, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your bacon wrapping and garnishes, and enjoy every delicious bite. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll be glad you did!

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