Make a classic comfort meal with this Air Fryer Meatloaf Casserole, meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese, easy to make gluten-free too!
Air Fryer Meatloaf Casserole is a quick, easy way to make a traditional recipe with a twist! Topping the delicious meatloaf with a layer of mashed potatoes and cheese. This is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes too. The air fryer makes it nice and crispy, plus fast to make this in less than an hour.
What ingredients do you need for Air Fryer Meatloaf Casserole?
- Ground Beef
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt
- Onion Powder
- Ground Black Pepper
- Dry Breadcrumbs
- White Onion
- Ketchup
- Egg
- Milk or Beef Broth
- Golden Potatoes
- Butter
- Cheddar Cheese
- Bacon Bits
- Dried Parsley or Fresh Parsley – Optional
Can you use leftover mashed potatoes?
This is the best recipe for using leftover mashed potatoes. About 5-6 cups of leftover mashed potatoes will work for this recipe, if you do choose to use leftover mashed potatoes then skip the steps for making the mashed potatoes.
Alternatively, refrigerator mashed potatoes can also be used that are already prepared from the store.
Can you make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. All remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free but always check all ingredients before using to be sure there is no cross-contamination.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Meatloaf Casserole:
- Choose the Right Pan – Use a round 8-inch cake pan for this recipe, but be sure that it fits in the air fryer basket of your specific air fryer.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes – This recipe is the perfect way to utilize leftover mashed potatoes.
- Make it Dairy-Free – If preferred, use broth for the mashed potatoes, meatloaf, and vegan cheese or no cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Keep an Eye on the Air Fryer – Remember that ALL air fryers heat differently, so always check in on the meal throughout the cooking time to be sure it’s evenly cooking and not overcooking. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should be at least 165 degrees F.
- Make it spicy – If you prefer this to be made spicy, add red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
How do you store leftover meatloaf casserole?
Once fully cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When ready to reheat, air fry in an air-fryer-safe dish at 300 degrees F for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal with a twist, making it nearly a one-dish dinner. It pairs perfectly with air fryer broccoli to make a wonderful well-rounded meal.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 1/2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2/3 Cup Seasoned Dry Breadcrumbs or Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Cup Chopped White Onion
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup
- 1 Whole Egg
- 1/2 Cup Milk or Beef Broth
Potato Mixture – See Note
- 2 Pounds Golden Potatoes, Peeled and Cut in 1-inch Cubes
- 5 Tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Cup Milk or Beef Broth
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Cooked Bacon Bits
Toppings – Optional
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Tsp Dried Parsley
Instructions
Potato Mixture
- If you are using leftover mashed potatoes, skip the potato mixture steps.
- Put the cut potatoes in a saucepan.
- Fill the saucepan with water, 2-3 cups to cover the potatoes.
- Cook on medium heat until the potatoes are softened, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the water.
- Add the butter and allow to melt.
- Add the beef broth or milk.
- Mash the potatoes to the desired texture.
- Add the onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix this well.
- Add the cheese and bacon bits, and mix this well.
- Set aside.
Ground Beef Mixture
- While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the ground beef mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
- Grease, oil or butter, an 8-inch round pan. Make sure it fits in your air fryer basket and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Mix this well.
- Add the dry breadcrumbs, chopped white onions, and ketchup to the ground beef mixture. Mix this well.
- Create a well in the ground beef mixture.
- Add the egg and the milk or broth. Mix well.
- Add the ground beef mixture to the prepared pan.
- Use a fork to spread the mixture evenly and press into the pan. The beef will shrink as it cooks, so be sure to compact it well.
- Air Fry at 350°F for 11-13 minutes, the internal temperature of the beef should be at least 165°F.
Topping
- Once the meat is cooked, remove it carefully from the air fryer and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat.
- Place back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. (Note – If you are not planning to add cheese on top cook for 8 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. If you are going to add cheese, cook for 5 minutes.)
- Sprinkle shredded cheese 1/2-2/3 cup over the potatoes along with bacon bits.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Take the pan carefully out of the air fryer.
- Sprinkle with additional toppings if preferred.
- Serve.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be used for this, if used skip the potato mixture steps.
- If you want to prepare ahead of time, prepare the meatloaf mixture and wrap it in plastic wrap in the fridge. It should not be left in the fridge uncooked for more than 8-12 hours.
- Broth and Vegan Cheese are good options for a dairy intolerance.
Nutrition
Kristy says
We love to make this when we have a lot of mashed potatoes leftover!