Description
A fun and spooky meatloaf shaped like feet, perfect for Halloween gatherings. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and a guaranteed hit even among picky eaters.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef (or mix beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the spooky topping
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or pickle juice
- 10 pieces whole blanched almonds for toenails
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional) (for extra drama)
For the mashed potato dirt
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (with butter, milk, and salt)
- 1 cup crushed black crackers or crushed olives (for the dirt look)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- In a big bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Italian seasoning. Use clean hands to mix.
- Divide the mixture into two equal portions, shaping them into feet on the baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake for about 45 minutes, then add the glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar, and continue baking until the center reaches 160 F, about 15-25 minutes more.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Assembly
- Shape meatloaf into feet with thicker heels and pinch up five little bumps for toes. Press an indentation on each toe for the almond toenails.
- After the loaf has baked for 45 minutes, spoon the glaze over the feet before adding the almonds.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling and mashing with butter, milk, and salt. Pile them to resemble dirt on a platter and place the meatloaf on top.
- Sprinkle crushed black crackers or olives over the mashed potatoes for a dirt effect.
Notes
Do not overmix the meatloaf to avoid toughness. Allow the loaf to rest before slicing for better shape. If the glaze is too runny, thicken it with more brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
