Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute ground turkey with ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor! I designed this recipe with turkey for a healthier option, but ground beef works just as well. You might need to drain a bit more fat if using beef with higher fat content.

How do I make sure the meatloaf is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer - it's your best friend here! Check that the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F to make sure your turkey meatloaf is fully cooked. The dough on top should also be golden brown when it's ready.

What can I use instead of candy eyes for the mummy face?

If you can't find candy eyes at your grocery store, sliced black olives work perfectly for a savory option! You could also use small pieces of mozzarella cheese with black olive centers for a different look.

Spooky Mummy Meatloaf Recipe Halloween Dinner in 35 min

Description

Halloween dinner just got so much more exciting! This spooky mummy meatloaf combines the comfort of a classic family dinner with the playful spirit of Halloween. Made with turkey meatloaf for a healthier twist that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor, it’s surprisingly simple to make despite looking like you spent hours on it.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large egg
2 ½ tablespoons ice cold water
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce, divided
1 pound ground turkey
½ cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¾ cup shredded carrot (about 1 carrot)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 large candy eyes or sliced black olives

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, shredded carrot, remaining 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper
Add ½ the ketchup mixture to the meat mixture and stir to combine
Roll a small ball of meat in your hands to form the mummy’s head and place it on your prepared baking sheet
Form the rest of the meat into an oval shape for the body, placing it on the baking sheet and connecting it to the head
Brush the remaining ketchup mixture on top of the loaf
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together egg and ice water
Add flour and salt to a food processor and pulse a few times to combine
Add the cubed butter to the food processor and pulse until it forms a crumb, then pour in the egg/water mixture
Pulse until it forms a thick dough
Flour a clean surface and rolling pin, form the dough into a disc and roll it until it forms a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick
Cut the dough into long, thin strips, about ½ inch wide
Place dough strips on top of the meatloaf, crisscrossing to look like a mummy, leaving space towards the top for the face
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F
Allow the meatloaf to cool before placing 2 ‘eyes’ in the empty space on the head, then slice and serve

Notes

Temperature is key – always use a meat thermometer to check that your turkey meatloaf reaches 165°F internal temperature. You can use candy eyes from the baking section for the most authentic spooky look, or sliced black olives for a savory option. Don’t overwork the meat when mixing to keep it tender.