Description

This Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is the perfect Halloween dinner centerpiece—festive, flavorful, and so fun to make! Shaped and wrapped to resemble a spooky pumpkin, this meatloaf is packed with savory goodness and wrapped in golden crescent dough for an unforgettable presentation. Ideal for Halloween parties or cozy fall dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1 can crescent dough (or puff pastry)
1/4 cup tomato sauce or ketchup (for decoration)
Mini mozzarella balls or string cheese (for stem)
Chives or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika. Mix until fully incorporated but do not overmix.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet and shape into a round pumpkin-like form, slightly flattened on top.
Roll out crescent dough and cut into strips. Arrange strips over the meatloaf in a crisscross pattern to resemble pumpkin ribs.
Bake meatloaf for 40–45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and dough is golden brown.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
Decorate top with mozzarella balls or string cheese to resemble a pumpkin stem. Add a drizzle of tomato sauce or ketchup for color. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley around base.
Slice and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Notes

You can prep the meatloaf in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Feel free to customize the filling with extra veggies or swap the meat for a turkey or pork version. For a gluten-free option, use GF breadcrumbs and omit the dough or use mashed potato piping for the pumpkin effect.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 105mg