Introduction
Bring some Halloween fun to your dinner table with Mummy Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon. This creative take on classic meatloaf transforms a hearty, comforting dish into a spooky, festive centerpiece. Tender ground meat is shaped into a mummy, wrapped in strips of bacon to resemble bandages, and baked to perfection. Mini strips of vegetables or cheese create “eyes” that peek out, giving the dish a playful personality.
Perfect for family dinners or Halloween parties, this mummy meatloaf is both delicious and visually entertaining. The bacon adds smoky flavor and a crisp texture, while the meatloaf remains juicy and flavorful. It’s a fun way to get kids excited about dinner and make Halloween dinner memorable.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s creative, hearty, and surprisingly easy. It turns a traditional comfort food into a festive, eye-catching dish. The combination of seasoned ground meat and crispy bacon is irresistible, and shaping it into a mummy adds a whimsical touch that kids adore.
It’s also versatile: you can add different herbs, spices, or vegetables to the meatloaf, and it pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It’s one of those recipes that makes dinner feel like a special event, especially during the spooky season.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Fun & festive: Perfect for Halloween dinner or parties.
- Flavor-packed: Juicy meatloaf with smoky bacon.
- Family-friendly: Kids love helping assemble the mummy.
- Versatile: Works with beef, turkey, or chicken.
- Impressive yet easy: Makes a simple meal feel special.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Course: Main course
- Cuisine: American, Halloween-themed
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 6–8 strips of bacon
- Small pieces of cheese or sliced olives for “eyes”
Cooking Directions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until well combined but do not overwork.
- Shape the Mummy
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Wrap with Bacon
- Lay bacon strips diagonally across the meatloaf to resemble mummy bandages. Overlap slightly for a wrapped effect.
- Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until meatloaf is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
- Optional: Brush additional ketchup on top during the last 10 minutes for a “bloody” effect.
- Add Eyes
- Insert small pieces of cheese or sliced olives to create mummy eyes once slightly cooled.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Preheat oven → prepare baking sheet or loaf pan.
- Mix ground meat, seasonings, and binders → form loaf.
- Lay bacon strips across loaf to look like bandages.
- Bake 50–60 minutes → check doneness.
- Add “eyes” with cheese or olives → serve.
How to Serve
Serve the mummy meatloaf hot, sliced into thick portions. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a Halloween-themed salad. For extra fun, drizzle some ketchup or barbecue sauce around the plate to mimic a “spooky effect.”
Recipe Tips
- Partially cook bacon before wrapping if you want extra crispiness.
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatloaf.
- Let meatloaf rest 5–10 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Mummy: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheesy Mummy: Add shredded cheese inside the meatloaf for gooey bites.
- Mini Mummies: Make small individual meatloaf mummies for portion control.
- Spicy Mummy: Add chili powder or hot sauce for a kick.
- Sweet & Savory: Brush maple syrup over bacon for a glazed, caramelized finish.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cooked meatloaf tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Optional: brush for ketchup or glaze
Conclusion
Mummy Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon is a deliciously spooky, hearty, and fun Halloween centerpiece. With juicy, seasoned meat and crispy bacon “bandages,” it’s both flavorful and festive. Perfect for family dinners or Halloween parties, this dish combines creativity, taste, and fun for a memorable seasonal meal.