If you are looking for a fun and festive way to bring some excitement to your dinner table, this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is an absolute must-try! Combining classic comfort flavors with a playful Halloween twist, it’s not only delicious but also a fantastic centerpiece that will wow both kids and adults alike. The perfectly seasoned meatloaf wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough strips gives a charming mummy appearance that’s as tasty as it is entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mummy Meatloaf Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the overall flavor and texture. From the rich ground beef to the zesty burst of RO*TEL®, every component balances the dish beautifully.
- 1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey): The hearty base providing a juicy and flavorful foundation.
- 1 can RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, drained: Adds a subtle kick and moisture without making the meatloaf soggy.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and keeps it tender.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the loaf holds its shape.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory depth and hints of nutty flavor.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Infuses the meat with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 tsp. onion powder: Enhances the umami and overall seasoning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking.
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 1 can crescent roll dough: The secret to the mummy’s wrapped look, offering a golden and flaky texture.
- Black olives (for eyes): Fun edible eyes that give your mummy personality.
- Optional: Green chile slices: A creative detail to make the eyes extra spooky and colorful.
How to Make Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. 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 everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated—this ensures every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Next, form the mixture into a rough head shape right on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish. The oval or rounded shape helps create the perfect “mummy head” base for wrapping later on. Don’t worry about perfection here; the crescent dough strips will add character.
Step 3: Make and Spread the Topping
Whisk together the drained RO*TEL®, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl to create a tangy-sweet glaze. Spread this evenly across the top of your meatloaf. This topping adds a beautiful color and flavor contrast while sealing in the moisture as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This step is crucial to ensure your meatloaf is cooked through but still remains juicy and tender.
Step 5: Wrap the Mummy
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and tear your crescent roll dough into strips. Wrap these strips around the meatloaf in a haphazard, mummy-style pattern, leaving gaps where the eyes will go. This rustic wrapping is where the dish really starts to shine visually.
Step 6: Add the Eyes and Finish Baking
Place two black olives where the eyes should be, and if you want to get creative, add green chile slices for extra detail. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully golden brown and flaky.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
After removing your mummy masterpiece from the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to settle, making each slice neat and flavorful. Your Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is now ready to wow everyone at the table!
How to Serve Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of vibrant green that contrasts nicely with the golden crust. You can even use extra sliced olives or small veggies to add some spooky yet colorful flair around the plate.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes make a perfect side for this hearty dish. For Halloween fun, try adding a bit of green food coloring or olive “eyes” embedded in the mash to keep the spooky spirit alive. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also work beautifully to balance the richness of the meatloaf.
Creative Ways to Present
This Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is a showstopper on its own, but serving it on a black or dark-colored platter can intensify the spooky vibe. Consider surrounding the whole dish with small Halloween-themed decorations or placing it atop a bed of sautéed spinach for a lush, eerie effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mummy meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatloaf either fully cooked (wrapped in plastic wrap and foil) or as the uncooked mixture shaped in the pan. When freezing cooked meatloaf, it’s best to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it gently in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You might want to tent it with foil to avoid over-browning the crescent dough if it’s still wrapped. Microwaving works too but can make the crust less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works wonderfully in the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe. Just be sure not to overmix to keep it tender and juicy.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
You can substitute puff pastry or even strips of refrigerated biscuit dough. The important part is having a dough that bakes up flaky and golden to mimic the mummy wrapping effect.
How spicy is this recipe?
The RO*TEL® diced tomatoes and green chilies add a mild spicy kick, but it’s balanced nicely by the sweetness of the brown sugar and BBQ sauce. You can adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot RO*TEL® or skipping the extra chile slices.
Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and even add the glaze a few hours ahead, keeping it covered in the fridge. Just wrap the crescent dough and bake it fresh for best texture.
How do I make the olive eyes stay in place?
Press the olives gently into the meatloaf before the final bake so they stick well. The warmth helps them set in place as the dough crisps around the mummy, helping them stay secure when sliced.
Final Thoughts
This Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is such a delightful way to combine comfort food with a playful, seasonal presentation. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress at any Halloween gathering. I can’t wait for you to make it and see the smiles around your table—happy cooking!
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Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Mummy Meatloaf recipe combines seasoned ground beef with diced tomatoes and green chilies, baked to perfection and wrapped in crescent roll dough to resemble a mummy, making it a fun and festive meal for Halloween or any spooky occasion.
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
Additional
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- Black olives (for eyes)
- Optional: Green chile slices (for more detail on the eyes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
- 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. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a head shape on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish, shaping it carefully to resemble a mummy’s head.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the drained RO*TEL®, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar until combined to create a flavorful glaze.
- Apply the Topping: Spread the BBQ and tomato mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it covers the surface well.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Add Crescent Roll Wrap: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Tear the crescent roll dough into strips and wrap them around the meatloaf haphazardly to mimic mummy bandages, leaving spaces for the eyes.
- Add Eyes: Place two black olives where the eyes should be and add green chile slices if using for added detail.
- Finish Baking: Return the wrapped meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. For presentation, serve with mashed potatoes and optionally decorate with food coloring or olive “eyes” to enhance the spooky effect.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Green chile slices are optional but add a nice visual touch to the ‘eyes.’
- Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
