Get ready to shock your dinner guests with the most spine-chilling, deliciously macabre meatloaf that will transform your Halloween feast into a ghoulishly memorable experience! This "Dead Man Meatloaf" isn't just a recipe—it's an edible work of horror art that combines gruesome presentation with mouthwatering flavor. Perfect for Halloween parties, themed dinners, or when you want to add a touch of culinary terror to your meal, this recipe will make your taste buds scream with delight while sending shivers down your guests' spines!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for decoration)
- Olives (for eyes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a meatloaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, finely chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into a human-like body outline on the prepared baking sheet. Create a head, torso, arms, and legs to resemble a "dead man" silhouette.
- Use the shredded cheese to create a "bandage" effect by strategically placing strips across the meatloaf body, mimicking wrapped gauze.
- Place black olives as "eyes" on the head section to give a haunting appearance.
- Cover the meatloaf loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese and surface to brown slightly.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carefully transfer to a serving platter, maintaining the body shape for maximum Halloween effect.
- Serve hot and enjoy your spooky Halloween Dead Man Meatloaf!
Tips
- • For the most realistic "corpse-like" appearance, use lean ground beef to prevent excessive grease and maintain a cleaner body outline.• When shaping the meatloaf, use a butter knife or spatula to create defined body contours and realistic "bandage" placements.• Ensure your olives are positioned symmetrically for a more haunting facial expression.• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.• Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to help it hold its shape and prevent crumbling when transferring to a serving platter.• For extra dramatic effect, serve on a dark or blood-red plate to enhance the Halloween presentation.• Don't be afraid to get creative with additional "wound" or "decay" effects using additional condiments or food coloring!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
