If you’re looking to add some fun flair to your dinner table, the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is an absolute showstopper that combines comfort food with a festive twist. This dish takes classic meatloaf and wraps it up in crescent roll “bandages,” transforming an everyday favorite into a playful centerpiece. It’s juicy, flavorful, and just spooky enough to delight kids and adults alike, making it perfect for Halloween or anytime you want a hearty meal with a whimsical vibe.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, flavorful ingredients is the first step to nailing this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe. Each element plays a special role, from the juicy ground beef providing perfect richness, to the crescent roll dough that crisps up beautifully, adding that iconic mummy wrapping look.
- 1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey): Choose your favorite for a meaty, protein-packed base.
- 1 can RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, drained: Adds a subtle kick and moisture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together without sogginess.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a natural glue for ingredients to hold their shape.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory depth and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with beef.
- 1 tsp. onion powder: Lifts the overall taste with subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that awaken and balance the flavors.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Adds tangy sweetness for a mouthwatering glaze.
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar: Balances the BBQ sauce with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 can crescent roll dough: The secret to your mummy’s “bandages” – flaky, golden, and delicious.
- Black olives (for eyes): Cute and creepy eye details that bring your mummy to life.
- Optional: Green chile slices (for more detail on the eyes): Adds fun pops of color and a little extra bite.
How to Make Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and ready to go when your meatloaf mixture is formed. This sets you up for baking perfection.
Step 2: Combine the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the ground beef, drained RO*TEL®, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently but thoroughly—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so just get everything nicely incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
On a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish, mold the meat mixture into a rough head shape. This extra step preps your mummy form, giving it a fun silhouette before the wrapping begins.
Step 4: Make the Topping
Mix the drained RO*TEL®, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth and combined. This blend adds a sweet and tangy layer that keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Spread the Topping
Evenly brush this tasty topping all over the shaped meatloaf. This helps with flavor and gives the meatloaf a beautiful glaze once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
Pop it into the oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160°F. This ensures your meatloaf is fully cooked but still juicy inside.
Step 7: Add the Crescent Mummy Wrap
Once the first bake is done, take the meatloaf out and start tearing the crescent roll dough into strips. Wrap these strips artfully around the meatloaf, leaving some space for eyes—no need to be perfect; the charm is in the uneven wrappings.
Step 8: Add the Eyes
Place two black olives where the eyes should peek through the dough. If you want to get creative, add a slice or two of green chile for a colorful, eerie effect.
Step 9: Finish Baking
Return the mummy meatloaf to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the crescent dough has turned golden brown and crisp. This step brings that bakery-fresh look and a delightful contrast in texture.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Let your mummy cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This gives the meatloaf some time to set, making it easier to cut and enjoy without losing those precious “bandages.”
How to Serve Mummy Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes
Bring your mummy to life with simple garnishes like fresh parsley for a pop of green or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce around the plate for that tangy burst. If you want to lean into the spooky fun, add a small side of “eyeball” olives or a dusting of smoked paprika for color contrast.
Side Dishes
This hearty meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp side salad. For a Halloween twist, try swirling in some food coloring to your mashed potatoes or arranging veggies in fun shapes that complement your mummy theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving this mummy meatloaf on a platter lined with faux cobwebs or bat-shaped napkins nearby. You can also transform leftovers into mini mummy sliders or even a spooky meatloaf sandwich by layering with cheese and your favorite condiments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover mummy meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps maintain moisture and flavor, so you can enjoy every bite later without sacrifice.
Freezing
Mummy meatloaf freezes beautifully. After cooking and cooling completely, wrap it securely and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your meatloaf gently in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps preserve the crispness of the crescent roll wrapping. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and makes the dish a bit leaner while still offering plenty of flavor. Just watch the cooking time closely since turkey can dry out faster.
What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry or refrigerated biscuit dough can substitute nicely for the crescent roll dough. They offer a similar flaky texture and will wrap around the meatloaf just as well.
Is it necessary to drain the RO*TEL® before mixing?
Yes, draining the RO*TEL® helps prevent the meat mixture from becoming too wet, which could affect the meatloaf’s shape and texture.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can assemble the meatloaf portion up to the first baking step ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the crescent wraps and finish baking just before serving for best results.
How do I make the eyes look more realistic?
Using sliced black olives and adding green chile slices gives your mummy a fun, detailed eye look. You could even use small dollops of cream cheese or mustard for extra texture if you want to get creative.
Final Thoughts
This Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a festive, fun way to bring a smile to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some wholesome comfort food, this dish hits all the right notes for flavor, creativity, and ease. Give it a try next time you want to impress your family with something deliciously different!
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Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mummy Meatloaf recipe is a fun and festive twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for Halloween gatherings. Ground beef mixed with flavorful seasonings and diced tomatoes forms a hearty meatloaf shaped like a mummy, wrapped in crescent roll dough strips and topped with black olive eyes. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a deliciously spooky centerpiece that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
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
Mummy Wrap
- 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). This will ensure the oven is ready when your meatloaf is assembled.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, drained RO*TEL® diced tomatoes and green chilies, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well incorporated.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a head-shaped loaf on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish to create the base for your mummy design.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the drained RO*TEL®, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar until combined to create a flavorful glaze for the meatloaf.
- Apply the Topping: Spread the BBQ and tomato mixture evenly over the top surface of the shaped meatloaf for added moisture and taste.
- 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), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Add Crescent Mummy Wrap: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Tear the crescent roll dough into strips and wrap them loosely and haphazardly around the meatloaf to mimic mummy bandages, leaving spaces for the eyes.
- Place the Eyes: Position two black olives on the meatloaf where the eyes should be. Optionally, add green chile slices to create more detailed eyes.
- Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the crescent roll dough becomes golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the mummy meatloaf from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, which you can decorate with food coloring or olive “eyes” for extra spooky flair.
Notes
- If using ground turkey, watch for dryness and consider adding a little extra moisture like a tablespoon of olive oil or milk.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature to avoid under or overcooking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs and crescent rolls with gluten-free versions.
- Customize the “eyes” with mini pepperoni slices or bell pepper pieces if olives are unavailable or not preferred.
- To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and juicier texture.

