Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little oil for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

4. Form the Meatloaf Shape:

Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a large oval, about 12 inches long, tapering it at one end to resemble a rat’s body. Mold small lumps at the front to create the rat’s head and muzzle. You can also form smaller lumps at the sides to resemble the rat’s legs.

Step 2: Add the Rat Features

1. Add the Bacon Tails:

Cut the bacon strips in half and curl each half to form the rat’s long, winding tail. Tuck one end of each bacon strip into the back of the meatloaf, positioning it to look like a long tail emerging from the body.

2. Place the Olives for Eyes:

Insert half of a green or black olive on either side of the rat’s head to form the eyes. Press them gently into the meat to secure them.

3. Create the Whiskers:

Take several strands of cooked spaghetti and cut them into 2-3 inch pieces. Insert them on either side of the rat’s muzzle to create whiskers.

4. Add the Nose:

Press a small slice of baby carrot into the tip of the rat’s muzzle to create a bright orange nose.

5. Add “Blood” for Extra Spookiness:

To give your rat loaf a creepy, gory effect, add a small amount of ketchup or BBQ sauce on the nose or near the tail to resemble blood.

Step 3: Bake the Rat Loaf

Place the decorated meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) on a meat thermometer. If the rat loaf starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Garnish

Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, tender loaf.

If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives around the edges of the serving platter to add a touch of color.

Step 5: Serve the Rat Loaf

Serve the Rat Loaf Meatloaf hot, slicing into it to reveal the delicious, savory meat inside. Pair it with mashed potatoes (or mashed “ghost” potatoes), roasted vegetables, or a spooky salad to complete the Halloween meal.