APPS & SIDES

🎃 Smoked Mummy Meatloaf on the Z Grills

prep 10-15 minutes (Making the meatloaf)adding it to the puff pastry

cook time 1-1.3 hours @ 350f-375f once 160f-165f is reached

Resting Time: 5-7 Min

Total Time:  1hours  30minutes 

Ingredients

Serving Sizes

Topping

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20) or meatloaf mix (beef, pork, veal)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup half and half
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)

  • ⅔ cup ketchup (divided)

  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

    ---------------------------

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

  • 2 additional eggs, beaten (for egg wash)

  • Olive oil or nonstick spray for the sheet pan

This mummy meatloaf has tender, juicy, flavorful meat, sweet-smoky notes from Z Grills, and a crunchy pastry wrap—perfect spooky-yummy Halloween food!

Instructions

Preheat the Z Grills:
Set your Z Grills pellet grill to 350-375°F using cherry pellets for a sweet, mild smoke. Close the lid and let the grill come to temperature.

Sauté the Aromatics (if not already done):
Lightly sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and let cool.

Mix the Meatloaf Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooled onion-garlic mixture, eggs, half and half, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Lightly oil or spray a nonstick sheet pan.
Lay out the two thawed puff pastry sheets, slightly overlapping if needed to form a larger rectangle.
Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut 1-inch-wide strips on each side, leaving the center solid (this is where the meatloaf will sit).

Form the Mummy:
Shape the meatloaf mixture into a mummy body or head shape down the center of the puff pastry.
Gently fold the pastry strips over the meatloaf, alternating sides to create a wrapped “mummy bandage” look. Leave small gaps so the “mummy” can peek through as it bakes.
Tuck the ends underneath to seal.

Egg Wash:
Then, brush the puff pastry with an egg wash made from the 2 beaten eggs for a golden, shiny finish.

Bake the Mummy Meatloaf:
Carefully place the sheet pan onto your Z Grills grate.
Cook for about 1.2 to 1.5 hour, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) and the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
If needed, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Rest and Serve:
Let the mummy meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Add olive slices or peppercorns for eyes if you want that classic spooky look.

💡 Pro Tip:
Before mixing your meatloaf, lightly sauté the chopped onions and garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and let the mixture rest and cool. This adds a rich, mellow flavor and keeps your meatloaf extra juicy.

Ingredients

Serving Sizes

Topping

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20) or meatloaf mix (beef, pork, veal)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup half and half
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)

  • ⅔ cup ketchup (divided)

  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

    ---------------------------

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

  • 2 additional eggs, beaten (for egg wash)

  • Olive oil or nonstick spray for the sheet pan