Zombie Meatloaf
Zombie Meatloaf is a playful centerpiece that tastes like comfort food and instantly sets a spooky Halloween scene. Shaped into a ghoulish face with mozzarella 'bones' and a ketchup glaze for a glossy crimson look, it's kid-friendly, budget-smart, and party-ready. Prepare ahead, bake before guests arrive, and serve as a star main dish that feeds a hungry crowd.
Equipment
- Rimmed Sheet Pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean) for moisture and flavor
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs use gluten free crumbs if needed
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk dairy free milk works too
- 1 small onion finely minced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce coconut aminos for soy free
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional for warmth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella for bone and eye accents, dairy free shreds if needed
- 0.5 cup ketchup for glaze
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup for glaze
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for glaze
- olive oil for greasing the pan
- optional decorations sliced olives for pupils, onion strips for teeth
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a rimmed sheet pan or line with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Make a panade: In a large bowl, stir breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit five minutes to hydrate. This keeps the loaf tender.
- Add eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk with a fork until well combined.
- Add ground beef. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined. Do not overmix or the loaf can turn dense.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Shape a rough oval about 9 x 5 inches. Flatten the top a bit for an even bake.
- Create the face. Press shallow hollows for eyes and a long groove for a gnarled mouth. Add a ridge for the nose.
- Add cheese accents. Tuck strips or small heaps of mozzarella into the eye hollows and along the mouth to look like exposed bone. Save a little for the final five minutes.
- Optional details: Press olive slices into the eyes for pupils. Use thin onion pieces as jagged teeth along the mouth groove.
- Stir the glaze. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar until smooth. Brush half over the entire surface.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Pull out, brush on the rest of the glaze, and return to the oven.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes more until an instant read thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. Scatter remaining mozzarella over the eye hollows for a final eerie melt. Bake two more minutes to soften.
- Rest 10 minutes. This sets juices for clean slices. Transfer carefully to a board, then slice and serve.
Notes
Make ahead friendly by assembling in the morning and baking before guests arrive. Swap in turkey, plant based grounds, or gluten free crumbs as needed. Chill shaped loaf before baking for sharper face features.