Hedgehog Meat Loaves

Turn dinner into a whimsical delight with these adorable and flavorful Hedgehog Meat Loaves! Combining a savory blend of ground beef and pork with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, these mini meat loaves deliver bold, comforting flavors in every bite. What sets this recipe apart is its playful presentation—uncooked rice grains are pressed onto the surface to mimic spiky hedgehog fur, and optional olive slices can be added for charming eyes. Ready in just an hour, these meat loaves are perfect for family dinners, kids’ parties, or whenever you want to add a little fun to the table. Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or crisp roasted veggies for a meal that's as delicious as it is entertaining.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 0.5 cup bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup uncooked white rice
• 6 slices (optional, for eyes) black olives

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Mix the ingredients with clean hands or a spoon until evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meat loaf dense.

Step 4

Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and shape each into an oval to resemble a hedgehog body. Place the ovals on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Step 5

Carefully press uncooked rice grains into the top and sides of each meat loaf to create the appearance of hedgehog spikes. Use enough rice to coat the surface but press gently so the rice sticks.

Step 6

For an extra touch, press two olive slices into each meat loaf as eyes to complete the hedgehog look. This step is optional but adds character.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat loaves reaches 160°F (71°C) and the rice has puffed up and cooked through.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Serve the hedgehog meat loaves warm alongside mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1124.5 grams (1124.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2578

Total Fat 147.50g	189%
Saturated Fat 57.60g	288%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 770mg	257%
Sodium 3045mg	132%
Total Carbohydrate 147.80g	54%
Dietary Fiber 5.30g	19%
Total Sugars 22.00g
Protein 166.80g	334%

Vitamin D 81IU	403%
Calcium 615mg	47%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 1724mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.3%

Protein: 25.8%

Carbs: 22.9%