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Overhead shot of a spicy air fryer ground beef casserole in a white baking dish, topped with golden melted cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and sliced jalapeños, styled with fresh cilantro on a rustic wooden table.

Top 3 Irresistible Air Fryer Ground Beef Casserole Recipes for Fast & Flavorful Dinners

Ifra Shahnawaz
This classic air fryer ground beef casserole is comforting, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes! Ideal for hectic weeknights, this dish brings together savory ground beef, soft pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, finished with a layer of perfectly melted golden cheese. A quick, satisfying family dinner with minimal cleanup!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • airfryer
  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
  • Brown the Meat: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it's browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
  • Simmer Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
  • Mix with Pasta Mix the cooked macaroni and meat sauce together in a large bowl.
  • Assemble Casserole Transfer mixture into an oven-safe dish. Place it in your air fryer basket.
  • Air Fry: Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Then top with shredded cheese and air fry an additional 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Serve: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

💡 Notes & Variations

  • Want it spicy? Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Swap cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
  • Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra texture.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly version.
  • Try cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb option.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
  • Pair with garlic bread and a Caesar salad
  • Add a crisp green salad with vinaigrette
  • Serve alongside roasted Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes
  • Make it part of a meal prep rotation with Air Fryer Salisbury Steaks
❄️ Storage & Reheating
  • Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat: Air fry at 300°F for 3–4 minutes or microwave until hot
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
Keyword air fryer ground beef casserole recipes