✔ Updated · 27 sides regrouped with one-line methods, recipe links and an oven-sharing plan
Meatloaf is rich, savory and usually glazed with something sweet and tangy, so the best side dishes for meatloaf either soak up the sauce or bring freshness and crunch to balance it. Most of these also suit a vegetarian nut roast; see what to serve with nut roast.
The best sides for meatloaf are mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, roasted carrots, corn, baked potatoes and dinner rolls. For a balanced plate, pair one starchy side (mashed or baked potatoes, mac and cheese or rice) with one vegetable (green beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts or broccoli), and add a crisp salad or coleslaw for contrast.
Below are 27 sides that go with meatloaf, grouped into potatoes and breads, vegetables and lighter salads and low-carb options. Where we have a full recipe, the card links to it, and every other side has a one-line method. There is also a quick plate-building guide and a plan for cooking sides in the same oven as the meatloaf.
Potato, Pasta and Bread Sides for Meatloaf
These are the comfort-food classics that soak up meatloaf glaze and gravy. Pick one; two starches on the same plate quickly gets heavy. Mashed potatoes win in my house.
1. Mashed Potatoes
The classic meatloaf side. Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes catch every bit of glaze and gravy, and you can add garlic or cheese.
Get the recipe →2. Baked Potatoes
Rub russets with oil and salt and bake at 400°F for 50 to 60 minutes. They can share the oven with the meatloaf for the last hour.
3. Scalloped Potatoes
Thin potato slices baked in garlicky cream and cheese at 350°F for about 1 1/4 hours until tender and golden on top.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
Toss sweet potato sticks with oil, cornstarch and salt and bake at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until crisp at the edges.
5. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy baked macaroni is a favorite with kids and pairs well with a tangy ketchup or barbecue glaze.
Get the recipe →
6. Seasoned Rice
Buttery rice cooked in broth with garlic, onion and paprika. A lighter starch that still soaks up the meatloaf juices.
Get the recipe →
7. Cornbread
Sweet or savory cornbread brings a crumbly, buttery contrast to tender meatloaf. Bake it in a skillet for crisp edges.
Get the recipe →
8. Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery yeast rolls are perfect for mopping up glaze and making next-day meatloaf sandwiches.
Get the recipe →9. Garlic Bread
Spread a split loaf with garlic butter and parsley, then bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp and golden.
Vegetable Sides for Meatloaf
A vegetable side keeps a meatloaf dinner from feeling heavy. Roasted vegetables can go into the oven while the meatloaf rests, which is how I time it.
10. Green Beans
Southern-style green beans simmered with bacon and onion, or quick-sauteed with garlic and finished with lemon or toasted almonds.
Get the recipe →
11. Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots glazed in butter and brown sugar. Their sweetness mirrors a ketchup-glazed meatloaf.
Get the recipe →12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Halve the sprouts, toss with oil and salt and roast at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes until browned; finish with balsamic or bacon.
13. Roasted Broccoli
Toss florets with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and roast at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes, then add lemon and Parmesan.
14. Roasted or Grilled Asparagus
Toss trimmed spears with oil and salt and roast at 425°F or grill for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender-crisp with a little char.
15. Creamed Spinach
Rich, velvety spinach in a garlicky cream sauce. A steakhouse-style side that makes a weeknight meatloaf feel special.
Get the recipe →16. Peas and Carrots
Simmer frozen peas and diced carrots for 4 to 5 minutes, drain and toss with butter, salt and pepper. Simple and kid-friendly.
17. Corn on the Cob
Sweet, buttery corn on the cob, boiled or grilled, brings a summery crunch to a meatloaf dinner.
Get the recipe →18. Creamed Corn
Simmer corn kernels with butter, cream, a little sugar and salt for 10 minutes, then thicken with a spoonful of flour or cornstarch.
19. Sauteed Mushrooms
Brown sliced mushrooms in butter with garlic and thyme for 8 to 10 minutes and spoon them over the meatloaf slices.
20. Baked Beans
Simmer canned navy beans with onion, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar and mustard, then bake at 325°F for about 1 hour until thick.
21. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with rice, tomatoes, beans and cheese and bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes. A colorful meatless side.
Salads and Light or Low-Carb Sides
Something crisp, tangy or light balances a rich slice of meatloaf. These also suit anyone avoiding a heavy starch.
22. Coleslaw
Crunchy, creamy-tangy cabbage slaw cuts through the richness of meatloaf. Make it an hour ahead so the flavors meld.
Get the recipe →23. Cucumber and Chili Salad
Thin-sliced cucumber tossed with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, salt, sliced red chili and sesame seeds. Cool, crisp and a little spicy.
24. Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beets on greens with goat cheese, toasted walnuts and a tangy vinaigrette. Earthy, sweet and fresh beside savory meatloaf.
25. Wedge Salad
A wedge of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes and chives. Cold, crunchy and classic diner style.
26. Cauliflower Mash
Steam cauliflower until very tender, then blend with butter, garlic and a splash of cream for a low-carb stand-in for mashed potatoes.
27. Zucchini Noodles
Spiralize zucchini and saute in olive oil with garlic for 2 to 3 minutes, just until tender. A light, low-carb side ready in minutes.
How to Build the Perfect Meatloaf Plate
The easiest way to decide what to serve with meatloaf is to pick one side from each column. It’s the same rule my mum used: one starch, one green thing and something with a bit of zing. A starchy side soaks up the glaze, a vegetable adds color and nutrients, and a crisp side brings contrast.
| Starchy and comforting | Vegetable | Crisp or fresh |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed potatoes | Green beans | Coleslaw |
| Baked potatoes | Glazed carrots | Wedge salad |
| Mac and cheese | Roasted Brussels sprouts | Cucumber and chili salad |
| Seasoned rice or dinner rolls | Roasted broccoli or corn | Roasted beet salad |
Cooking Sides in the Same Oven as Meatloaf
Most meatloaf bakes at 350°F for about 1 hour, until the center reaches 160°F for beef or pork (165°F if it is made with ground turkey or chicken). Plan the sides around that:
- Bake alongside at 350°F: baked potatoes (allow about 1 hour and 15 minutes at this lower temperature), scalloped potatoes, baked beans and mac and cheese.
- Roast while the meatloaf rests: once it comes out, rest it for 10 minutes and raise the oven to 425°F for Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus or sweet potato fries.
- Cook on the stovetop: mashed potatoes, green beans, peas and carrots, creamed corn and mushrooms can all be made while the meatloaf bakes.
- Make ahead: coleslaw, cucumber salad and beet salad can be prepped hours in advance and kept cold at 40°F or below.
More Meatloaf Ideas
Need a meatloaf to go with these sides? Try our copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf, onion soup meatloaf or McCormick-inspired seasoned meatloaf. For even more ideas, browse our potato side dishes and low-carb sides. Making shepherd’s or cottage pie instead? See what to serve with cottage pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side dish for meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes are the most classic side dish for meatloaf because they soak up the glaze and any gravy. Green beans, mac and cheese, roasted carrots, baked potatoes and corn are the other most popular choices. Pair one starchy side with one vegetable for a balanced plate.
What vegetables go well with meatloaf?
Green beans, glazed or roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, peas and corn all go well with meatloaf. Roasted vegetables with a little char or a squeeze of lemon balance the rich meat and sweet glaze especially well.
What can I serve with meatloaf instead of potatoes?
Mac and cheese, seasoned rice, cornbread, dinner rolls or garlic bread all work in place of potatoes. For a lighter or low-carb plate, try cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, roasted broccoli or a crisp wedge salad.
How many sides should I serve with meatloaf?
Two sides are enough for most weeknight meatloaf dinners: one starchy side, such as mashed potatoes or mac and cheese, and one vegetable. For a holiday or company dinner, add a third side such as a salad, coleslaw or warm dinner rolls.
What salad goes with meatloaf?
A crisp, tangy salad is best with meatloaf. Coleslaw, a classic wedge salad, a cucumber salad with vinegar, or a roasted beet salad with goat cheese all add crunch and acidity to balance the rich, savory meat.
Awesome dishes