Zombie Meatloaf Hand Horror (Print Version)

Craft a moist, savory meatloaf shaped like a spooky hand—ideal for Halloween parties or horror-themed gatherings.

# Components:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - ½ pound ground pork
03 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - ½ cup milk
06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Topping & Decoration

13 - ½ cup ketchup
14 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
15 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
16 - 1 small onion, peeled and quartered (for fingernails and bone)
17 - 5 almond slivers or small pieces of onion (for nails)
18 - Red food coloring (optional, for effect)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until just blended.
03 - Transfer meat mixture onto prepared baking sheet and form into the shape of a large hand with five fingers. Round each fingertip and use your thumb and a knife to define knuckles and creases for realistic effect.
04 - Gently press an almond sliver or onion piece into the tip of each finger to create fingernails. Insert a small piece of onion at the base of the hand to resemble a bone.
05 - In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Brush half of the glaze over the shaped hand, setting aside remaining glaze for serving.
06 - For a gory presentation, dab red food coloring around fingernails or the wrist if desired.
07 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F is reached at the thickest part.
08 - Allow meatloaf hand to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining ketchup glaze alongside.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to shape with everyday pantry ingredients
  • Meatloaf is packed with protein and flavor
  • Works perfectly for parties or family dinners
  • Can be made ahead for stress free serving
02 -
  • Excellent source of protein fits classic comfort food cravings
  • Can be shaped ahead and baked last minute without losing moisture
  • Always a hit at seasonal gatherings especially for children
03 -
  • A gentle touch when mixing keeps meatloaf extra tender don’t compress the mix
  • Score deep creases for dramatic hand knuckles
  • To avoid dry edges tent lightly with foil halfway through
  • Push glaze right into every crevice for best flavor

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