Name: Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 46 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 lb. ground beef; 1/2 lb. ground pork; 2 large eggs; 2 Tbsp. Ketchup; 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup panko or plain bread crumbs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, finely grated; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 lb. white or yellow potatoes; 12 grape tomatoes; 3/4 cup lowfat sour cream; 24 oz. peas; 1 tsp kosher salt (for boiling potatoes); Additional 1/4 tsp salt (for mashed potatoes)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 125 reviews

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to jazz up dinner, especially around Halloween, you’re going to adore this Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe. I absolutely love how these mini meat loaves turn out not only because they taste fantastic, but also because they bring a playful vibe to your plate with their charming mummy “wraps.” Whether you’re cooking for kids or want to surprise your guests with something unique, this recipe hits all the right notes—flavorful, easy, and totally adorable!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Using a muffin tin means everyone gets their own little mummy, no arguing over slices.
Playful Presentation: The mashed potato “wrappings” make this meal as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Balanced Flavors: A blend of beef and pork keeps the meat moist and savory without being overwhelming.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find these items easily, making this an approachable recipe to whip up any night.

A small foil cup holds a food with two layers: the bottom layer is crumbly and brown-red with visible bits of carrot and tomato chunks, while the top layer is smooth, white mashed potatoes shaped with ridges and two bright green peas on top. The foil cup sits on a black round plate, which rests on a blue textured cloth. A silver fork lies next to the foil cup on the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe come together beautifully to create both texture and flavor. I always appreciate the mix of ground beef and pork, which brings the perfect savory balance. Plus, fresh veggies like garlic and carrot add subtle sweetness and depth without overshadowing the meat.

Potatoes: Yukon Golds or any creamy white potatoes work great for smooth mashing.
Eggs: These help bind the meat mixture so your loaves stay together nicely.
Ketchup: Adds just a touch of sweet tomato flavor, balancing the savory beef and pork.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret weapon for umami — don’t skip it!
Bread Crumbs: I prefer panko for a lighter texture, but plain works fine too.
Garlic: Fresh cloves give a punch of flavor that canned or powdered can’t match.
Carrot: Finely grated, it adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Ground Beef and Ground Pork: Combining these keeps the meatloaves juicy and flavorful.
Grape Tomatoes: These go right in the center for the “mummy” eyes and a juicy surprise.
Sour Cream: This goes into the mashed potatoes for creaminess and tang.
Peas: Little green eyes that make these meat loaves come alive!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to play around with this recipe depending on occasion and taste preferences. Feel free to make it your own—the basic framework is flexible and forgiving, which I think every home cook will appreciate.

Variation: When I first made this for a vegetarian friend, I swapped the meat for a mix of lentils and mushrooms and it was surprisingly tasty—still kept the fun look with the potato wrap.
Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free version, just swap the bread crumbs for gluten-free crumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Seasonal Twist: Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme gives these mummy loaves a fresh, elevated flavor.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne added to the meat mixture really wakes up the flavor if you like a bit of heat.

How to Make Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Muffin Tin

First, heat your oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with foil liners. I always use foil because it makes cleanup way easier and the loaves pop right out. Next, put your peeled potatoes in a pot with enough cold water to cover them. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water to help season the potatoes as they cook. Boil and then simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes until they’re just tender but still hold their shape. This timing is crucial because overcooked potatoes can get waterlogged and affect your mashed potato topping.

Step 2: Mix and Form the Meat Loaves

While the potatoes cook, let’s get the meat mixture ready. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, plus salt and pepper. This combo adds moisture and flavor. Stir in the bread crumbs—they act like a binder to keep everything together. Next, mince your garlic and grate the carrot finely. Adding veggies here keeps the meat juicy and adds subtle sweetness. Now, mix in your ground beef and pork gently until just combined; it’s important not to overwork the meat or your loaves might get tough. Divide the mixture evenly into your foil muffin cups, then push a grape tomato right into the center of each—to look like the “head” poking out from the mummy wraps.

Step 3: Roast and Pipe the Potato Wrappings

Pop the muffin tin into the oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 155°F—usually about 14 to 16 minutes. I always use an instant-read thermometer to nail the perfect doneness and keep it juicy. Once out, drain your potatoes and return them to the pot. Stir in the sour cream and a pinch of salt before mashing until super smooth. Transferring the mash to a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch ribbon tip is the key for getting those signature mummy strips. Pipe the potatoes back and forth across each meatloaf, mimicking the bandages. Top the loaves by pressing two peas into each for spooky little eyes—this detail never fails to make everyone smile.

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Pro Tips for Making Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe

Using Foil Liners: I can’t stress enough how much these simplify cleanup and keep the loaves intact when you remove them.
Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing just until combined keeps the texture tender, not dense.
Perfect Piping Consistency: If your mashed potatoes seem a bit thick, add a splash of milk or broth to help them pipe smoothly.
Watch Your Oven Timing: Keep an eye on the meatloaves during roasting to avoid drying out—using a meat thermometer is a game-changer.

How to Serve Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe

A round silver foil cup holds a layered dish on a black plate set on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth nearby. The dish has two layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and small pieces of red tomato with a crumbly texture, and the top layer is a smooth, creamy white mash arranged in wavy ridges. Two bright green peas sit on top of the white mash, resembling eyes. A silver fork with a black handle rests on the plate next to the foil cup with a small bit of meat on the fork's prongs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple and thematic. Those peas for eyes are a must—they add just the right pop of color and a little personality to each mummy. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of chopped fresh parsley around the platter for a splash of green without compromising the Halloween vibe. And for a finishing touch, a tiny drizzle of extra ketchup can look like cute (and not too creepy) mummy bandage stains.

Side Dishes

These mummy meat loaves pair perfectly with simple sides like roasted green beans, buttered corn, or a fresh garden salad. My family especially loves creamy mashed sweet potatoes on the side for a color contrast and a hint of sweetness. If you want a fun, festive touch, try serving with a bright beet salad or crunchy apple slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I’ve arranged these mummies on a platter shaped like a spooky graveyard using some fresh rosemary sprigs as “grass.” Another fun idea is to serve the mummies individually in mini casserole dishes or little cauldrons with a side of “bloody” marinara sauce for dipping. The key is to get playful with how you arrange them—it’s part meal, part decoration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—these mummy meat loaves keep well for up to 3 days. Keep the mashed potato topping on, but press the peas off so they don’t get mushy, then add fresh ones when reheating or serving.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze unbaked meat loaves in the muffin tins (covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. Alternatively, the fully baked and decorated mummy loaves freeze well too—just freeze on a tray first, then transfer to bags to keep the shape intact.

Reheating

When reheating, I find gentle heat works best to keep the meat moist—cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. You can pop the potatoes in the microwave separately if you want to re-pipe fresh “wraps.” This little step keeps your mummies looking fresh even the next day.

FAQs

Can I use just ground beef for the Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend the mix of beef and pork for extra juiciness and flavor, using only ground beef will still produce delicious mummies. Just keep an eye on the moisture level, and you may want to add a splash of milk or an extra egg to help bind the mixture.
How do I make the mashed potato topping pipe smoothly?

Great question! Make sure your potatoes are well drained and very smooth before piping. Adding sour cream helps keep them creamy, and if they feel too thick, stir in a little milk or broth. Using a piping bag with a wide ribbon tip creates those perfect “bandage” strips.
Can I prepare Mummy Meat Loaves in advance?

Yes! You can assemble and bake the meatloaves beforehand and reheat when ready. Just pipe the mashed potato “bandages” fresh before serving to keep them looking their best. Alternatively, freeze the assembled unbaked loaves in the tins and bake when needed.
Are these meat loaves kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the fun mummy design and the mild, familiar flavors make this a great way to sneak in some veggies too. Plus, the portion sizes are perfect for little appetites.

Final Thoughts

I hope you get as much joy making this Mummy Meat Loaves Recipe as I do—there’s something so satisfying about turning an everyday meal into a playful experience. They’re a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends with a festive touch. Give it a try next time you want a simple, delicious, and adorable dinner that’s sure to spark smiles and second helpings!