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Easy Mummy Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Bandages

mummy meatloaf - featured image

A fun and delicious Halloween twist on classic diner-style meatloaf, wrapped in ketchup bandages with candy eyes. This tender, flavorful meatloaf is perfect for a spooky dinner that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup finely diced onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup ketchup (Heinz recommended)
  • 2 candy eyes (or olive slices/peppercorns)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid and form a thick paste.
  3. Add beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until evenly combined.
  4. Add ground beef. Use your hands to gently fold and squeeze until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the meatloaf: press into the loaf pan or form a rounded loaf about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes. The meatloaf should be firm and starting to brown; internal temperature should be about 145°F (63°C).
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Pour ketchup into a small bowl. Using a spoon or pastry brush, draw horizontal stripes across the meatloaf, about 1 inch apart, letting the ketchup drip slightly over the sides.
  9. Place candy eyes about one-third of the way down from the top, spaced about 1 inch apart. Press gently to stick.
  10. Return to oven for 10-15 more minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bandages.

Notes

For best results, let the meatloaf rest 5 minutes after first bake before adding ketchup bandages. Use thick ketchup (Heinz) to prevent sliding. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken with added olive oil. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween meatloaf, mummy meatloaf, ketchup bandages, easy meatloaf, spooky dinner, kid-friendly, ground beef recipe