If you are searching for a delightfully spooky yet utterly delicious dish to impress your friends and family, this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is the perfect choice. It’s not just a feast for the eyes with its clever crescent roll “bandages” and olive eyes, but also a comforting and flavorful meal that brings together the juicy goodness of seasoned ground beef, the subtle kick of RO*TEL® diced tomatoes and green chilies, and a savory topping that elevates every bite. Whether for Halloween or just a fun weeknight dinner, this dish combines creativity and taste in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Mummy Meatloaf Recipe shine. Each component is simple and straightforward but plays a special role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so memorable.
- 1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey): The hearty base that delivers juicy, rich flavor and tenderness.
- 1 can RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, drained: Adds juicy bursts of tangy tomato and gentle heat to keep the meatloaf lively.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture while keeping it light and airy.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a natural glue, ensuring your meatloaf holds its shape perfectly.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a subtle nutty richness that deepens the savory notes.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: A classic aromatic that permeates the meat with warmth.
- 1 tsp. onion powder: Enhances savory depth without adding moisture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Provides smoky sweetness for that irresistible glaze.
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar: Balances the BBQ sauce with a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 can crescent roll dough: The star of the presentation, creating the iconic mummy wrappings.
- Black olives (for eyes): Adds playful “eye” details that complete the spooky look.
- Optional: Green chile slices (for more detail on the eyes): Fancy up the mummy’s gaze with some extra flair.
How to Make Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by setting your oven to 350°F, warming it up so it’s perfectly ready to bake your mummy masterpiece. Ensuring the oven is at the right temperature is key to an even cook and a golden crescent roll finish.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the drained RO*TEL® tomatoes and green chilies. Add breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is evenly blended — this creates a flavor-packed and well-textured base for your meatloaf.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
On a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a baking dish, sculpt the meat mixture into a head shape. This isn’t just whimsical; it’s the perfect canvas for wrapping your mummy bandages.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
Mix the reserved RO*TEL® (well drained), BBQ sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl until it forms a luscious glaze. This will be spread on top, adding a tangy, smoky, and sweet layer that keeps every bite exciting.
Step 5: Apply the Topping
Evenly spread the barbecue mixture over your meatloaf head, ensuring every nook gets a kiss of sticky, flavorful sauce. This layer not only tastes incredible but also keeps the meat moist during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F. At this point, your aroma will begin to fill the kitchen with inviting and unmistakable comfort food scents.
Step 7: Wrap the Mummy
When your meatloaf is partially baked, pull it out and tear your crescent roll dough into strips. Wrap these strips haphazardly around the meatloaf to mimic mummy wrappings, leaving gaps to create places for the eyes. This step transforms an ordinary meatloaf into a festive crowd-pleaser.
Step 8: Add the Eyes
Place two black olives where the eyes should sit, and if you want to add extra personality, use green chile slices as eyelids or around the eyes for a more intricate look.
Step 9: Finish Baking
Return your mummy meatloaf to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
After baking, let your mummy meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices settle for perfect, tender slices that will keep your guests coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the spooky charm of your mummy meatloaf with simple garnishes like fresh parsley sprinkled around the plate or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side. Adding a few “eyeball” olives on the mashed potatoes can bring extra fun to the table.
Side Dishes
Mummy Meatloaf Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, perhaps colored with a bit of green food coloring for a Halloween vibe. Steamed green beans or roasted autumn vegetables add the perfect balance of freshness and crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party, place your mummy on a platter garnished with edible “spider webs” made from sour cream or a ring of chopped herbs. For kids, add tiny plastic spiders (removed before eating) to inspire imagination. This kind of presentation makes the entire meal a festive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover mummy meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save portions for a rainy day, freeze individual slices or the whole meatloaf before wrapping with the crescent dough. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf can last up to 3 months when stored properly.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispness of the crescent wrap and moistness of the meat inside.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe for a leaner alternative, and the RO*TEL® tomatoes and seasonings keep it flavorful and juicy.
What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
If crescent roll dough isn’t available, puff pastry or even refrigerated biscuit dough cut into strips can work in a pinch to create that wrapped mummy look.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make the Mummy Meatloaf Recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs and crescent dough specifically labeled as gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the crescent roll from burning?
If you notice the crescent roll edges browning too quickly, cover lightly with foil halfway through baking to protect the dough while the meat finishes cooking.
Can I add more vegetables to the meatloaf?
Yes! Finely diced veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms can be mixed into the meatloaf for extra texture and nutrition without compromising the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Mummy Meatloaf Recipe is simply too fun and flavorful not to try, whether you’re cooking for a festive occasion or just want to surprise your family with a creative twist on a classic comfort dish. The playful presentation combined with the juicy, savory meatloaf and sweet-savory topping makes it a standout favorite that invites smiles and satisfied appetites. So go ahead, wrap up your own mummy and enjoy every spooky, delicious bite together!
Print
Mummy Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This spooky Mummy Meatloaf recipe transforms a classic comfort dish into a fun Halloween treat. Ground beef is mixed with flavorful spices, Parmesan, and diced tomatoes, then shaped and topped with a barbeque glaze. Wrapped in crescent roll dough strips to resemble mummy wrappings and finished with olive ‘eyes,’ this savory dish is perfect for festive family dinners.
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
- 1 can RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, drained (for topping mixture)
Mummy Wrap
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- Black olives (for eyes)
- Optional: Green chile slices (for eye details)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, drained RO*TEL®, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Meatloaf: On a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish, shape the meat mixture into a large head shape to resemble a mummy’s face.
- Make BBQ Topping: In a small bowl, mix the reserved drained RO*TEL®, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar together until blended to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Apply Topping: Spread the BBQ topping evenly over the surface of the shaped meatloaf, adding flavor and moisture.
- Bake Initial Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring it is safely cooked through.
- Wrap with Crescent Dough: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Tear the crescent roll dough into thin strips and wrap them haphazardly around the meatloaf, mimicking mummy wrappings and leaving spaces for eyes.
- Add Eyes: Place two black olives in the eye spaces on the meatloaf; add green chile slices if desired for extra detail.
- Finish Baking: Return the wrapped meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the mummy meatloaf from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, optionally garnished for extra spookiness.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- For best results, drain the RO*TEL® tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture in the meat mixture and topping.
- You can customize the mummy eyes using different olives or slices of green chile for creativity.
- This recipe is perfect for a Halloween-themed meal or anytime you want to impress with a festive dish.

