If you have ground beef and need an easy dinner idea, this air fryer ground beef recipe is such a good one to make… It is hearty, cheesy, full of flavor, and every slice looks so impressive once you cut into it.
Be sure to check out my air fryer ground beef recipe video below to see exactly how I make this stuffed meat roll… it turns out so good. If you enjoy easy air fryer dinner recipes, like the video, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more simple and delicious ground beef recipes.
Why you’ll love this air fryer ground beef recipe
This is one of those dinners that feels a little special, even though the ingredients are very simple.
I also love that it turns basic ground beef into something that looks a lot more exciting on the plate. The slices come out neat, cheesy, and really filling, which makes this such a good dinner for busy nights.
It is also simple to serve and does not need much on the side. Add a salad, fries, or some potatoes, and dinner is sorted.
Texture + flavor
The outside is lightly browned, and the middle stays softer once you cut into it. The cheese melts into the filling as it cooks, so each bite feels creamy, meaty, and hot all the way through.
The flavour is rich and cheesy, with the beef and ham cooking together in a way that makes the whole thing taste deeper and more rounded.
Air Fryer Stuffed Meat Roll Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef/minced beef (500 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (40 g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (40 g)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 6 slices Edam cheese (150 g)
- 6 slices cooked ham (150 g)
Note: If you do not have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon dried parsley instead.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Parchment paper or air fryer liners
- Rolling pin, optional
- Sharp knife
- Ninja Air Fryer
- Tongs or a spatula
- Instant-read meat thermometer
How to cook ground meat in an air fryer
Step 1: Add 1 pound of ground beef to a large mixing bowl. Add 1 egg, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and a pinch of black pepper.
Step 2: Finely chop 1 bunch of fresh parsley and add it to the bowl. Mix everything together until it is well combined and the meat mixture holds together nicely.
Step 3: Place a piece of parchment paper on your counter and scoop the meat mixture onto it. Press it out into a large, even rectangle. You can use your hands for this, or a rolling pin if that feels easier. Try to keep the thickness as even as you can so it rolls neatly and cooks evenly.
Step 4: Cover the meat with 6 slices of Edam cheese, then place 6 slices of cooked ham over the top. Spread them out fairly evenly so each slice gets some filling.
Step 5: Roll the meat into a tight log, using the parchment paper to help guide it as you go. Go slowly here and keep it snug, but do not press so hard that the filling starts pushing out.
Top Tip: Chill the roll until it feels firm before slicing. This makes the slices much neater and helps them hold their shape better in the air fryer.
Step 6: Wrap the roll in the parchment paper again and place it in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, until firm. You want it cold and solid enough to slice cleanly, but not frozen rock hard.
Step 7: Remove the parchment paper and use a sharp knife to cut the roll into about 10 even slices. Try to keep them close to the same thickness so they cook evenly.
Step 8: Place the slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer. If you want, line the basket with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Do not stack the slices, so cook them in batches if needed.
Step 9: Air fry in a preheated air fryer at 356°F (180°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Start checking around 20 minutes. When they are ready, the outside should look nicely browned, the cheese should be hot and melted, and the center should reach 160°F (71°C).
Related Recipe: If you like easy air fryer recipes, then check out this cheesy air fryer garlic bread here too.
Air Fryer Ground Beef Recipe with Ham and Cheese
5
servings15
minutes25
minutes480
kcal40
minutesIf you have ground beef and want an easy dinner idea, this air fryer meat roll is such a good one to make… It is cheesy, filling, and comes out so delicious.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 pound (500 g) ground meat/minced beef
1 pc egg
1/2 cup (40 g) breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
6 slices (150 g) Edam cheese
6 slices (150 g) cooked ham
1 bunch fresh parsley
Salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon (1.2 g) sweet paprika
pinch of black pepper
Directions
- Add one pound of ground beef to a large mixing bowl, followed by one egg and half a cup of breadcrumbs.
- Add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt to taste, half a teaspoon of sweet paprika, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Finely chop one bunch of fresh parsley and add it to the mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Scoop the meat onto a piece of parchment paper and spread it flat using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Cover the meat with six slices of Edam cheese, followed by slices of cooked ham.
- Roll the meat tightly, using parchment paper to guide, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Wrap the roll in parchment paper and place it in the freezer until firm, about one to two hours.
- Remove from freezer, slice into ten even pieces, and place slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Preheat air fryer to 356°F (180°C) and air fry meat rolls for 20-25 minutes until browned and cheese is melted.
Equipment
Ninja Air FryerCheck it out on Amazon here
Recipe Video
Notes
- Best cheese swaps: If you do not have Edam, use another cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, provolone, or Gouda. Thin slices work best here because they roll more neatly and melt more evenly inside the meat.
- Keep the roll together: Do not skip the egg or breadcrumbs. Those two ingredients help the meat mixture hold its shape, and they make the roll less likely to break or crumble when you slice it.
- Keep the shape snug: Roll the meat firmly enough to hold everything together, but do not squeeze too hard. If you press too much, the filling can push out, and the shape can get uneven.
- Chill before slicing: Put the rolled meat in the freezer just until it feels firm, not frozen solid. That makes it much easier to cut neat slices and helps the pieces keep their shape in the air fryer.
- Cook in batches if needed: Give each piece a little room in the basket. If you crowd the air fryer, the meat rolls can cook less evenly and brown less nicely.
- Check the center temp: Do not judge doneness by color alone. Ground beef should reach 160°F, which is 71°C, in the center, so use a meat thermometer if you can.
- Serve with simple sides: This recipe is rich and filling, so lighter sides work really well. Try it with a salad, roasted vegetables, or potatoes if you want an easy dinner plate that feels balanced.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 5
- Calories: 480kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 45g
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Storage
Let the meat rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze them, let them cool first, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They are best used within 2 months.
Serving ideas for this meat roll recipe
These stuffed meat rolls are really good with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fries, rice, or a simple salad. If you want something a little lighter on the side, a crisp salad works really well because the meat roll is rich and cheesy.
They also make a great lunch the next day… just reheat and serve.
More easy air fryer dinners
If you liked this air fryer ground beef recipe, be sure to check out more easy air fryer dinner recipes below… especially if you enjoy simple beginner-friendly air fryer recipes.
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe (Quick Dinner in 20 Minutes) – This juicy pork tenderloin cooks fast in the air fryer with a flavorful seasoning blend and a perfectly tender center. It’s a great weeknight option when you want something simple but impressive.
- How To Cook Salmon In Air Fryer – Easy Recipe – Learn how to make flaky, moist salmon with crispy edges in minutes. This easy method is perfect for a healthy, no-fuss dinner.
- Air Fryer Drumsticks with So Much Flavor – These chicken drumsticks turn out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, coated in a bold, savory seasoning. A budget-friendly dinner that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
If you make this recipe, or have any questions, leave a comment below or ask in the YouTube video comments too. I’ll try to reply to as many as I can.