Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
Create a festive Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf perfect for Halloween! This creative ground beef dish features cheddar cheese topping and bell pepper ribs.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- oven
- baking sheet
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Topping and Assembly
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing
- 1 bell pepper stem removed and cut into thin strips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the meat mixture into a round pumpkin shape, about 6 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall. Use your hands to smooth the surface and create an even shape.
- Press the shredded cheddar cheese into the top of the meatloaf, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This will create the “pumpkin’s” top.
- Arrange the bell pepper strips vertically around the sides of the meatloaf, pressing them gently into the meat to resemble pumpkin ribs.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the top is browned. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep its shape. Use lean ground beef for best results.