I don’t know about you, but growing up, meatloaf was definitely a staple meal in my home. I come from a big family so naturally, we have big dinners. At least once a month we gathered for dinner and had enough food to feed an army. Different kinds of meatloaf, potatoes in many shapes and forms, a variety of vegetables and of course some kind of salad. Meatloaf is such a comfort food and every time I make it, I instantly get nostalgic. But deciding meatloaf sides dishes and what to serve with meatloaf was always a challenge.
If you are not sure what meatloaf is, it’s a mixture of ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup and seasoning. You bake the meatloaf in a baking pan for about an hour. The great thing about meatloaf is that they are so versatile. You can add vegetables, different spices and use different meats. If you are unfamiliar with them, start with an easy classic meatloaf recipe.
Meatloaf also freezes well and easily reheats. A tip I can give you is to use lean meat. If you have too much fat in the meat, it cooks out and causes a greasy mess. You can also use white meat such as ground turkey or chicken if you are not a fan of red meat.
Best Sides for Meatloaf
Meatloaf always comes with side dishes. Most side dishes work, but of course, some are better than others. Here is my list of the best side dishes for meatloaf that are versatile and pairs well with almost any kind of meatloaf.
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for meatloaf. Their creamy, comforting texture balances perfectly with the savory meatloaf. Add in some garlic or cheese for extra flavor, or keep them simple and let the meatloaf shine.
2. Green Beans
Green beans, whether steamed, sauteed, or baked in a casserole, make a great side dish for meatloaf. Their fresh and slightly crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the hearty meatloaf. Plus, their bright color adds visual appeal to the plate.
3. Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots add a sweet and earthy flavor to the meal. Their natural sweetness complements the savory meatloaf, and roasting them brings out their best flavors. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender and caramelized.
4. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with meatloaf. The creamy, cheesy pasta balances the rich, hearty meatloaf. For an extra touch of flavor, add in some sharp cheddar or smoked gouda.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a refreshing, tangy crunch to the meal. The crisp vegetables and creamy dressing complement the dense, savory meatloaf. Use a mix of cabbage and carrots for a classic coleslaw, or add in some red cabbage for a pop of color.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread is a comforting side that goes well with meatloaf. Its sweet, crumbly texture contrasts nicely with the savory meatloaf. Serve it warm with a bit of butter for a delicious side dish.
7. Baked Beans
Baked beans, with their sweet and smoky flavor, make a great side dish for meatloaf. The beans are hearty enough to stand up to the meatloaf, and their sweetness complements the savory flavors of the meat.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a flavorful and nutritious side dish for meatloaf. The sprouts have a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that pairs well with the rich meatloaf. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a delicious caramelized exterior.
9. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, with its robust flavor and crispy texture, makes a great side dish for meatloaf. It’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from the meatloaf, and the garlic adds a nice punch of flavor to the meal.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fun and nutritious side dish for meatloaf. The fries have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that complements the savory meatloaf. Plus, their crispy texture provides a nice contrast to the dense meatloaf.
11. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus makes a flavorful and healthy side dish for meatloaf. The slightly charred, smoky flavor of the asparagus pairs well with the hearty meatloaf. Plus, it’s high in nutrients and adds a pop of color to your plate.
12. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a rich, comforting side that goes well with meatloaf. The creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor of the spinach provide a nice contrast to the savory meatloaf.
13. Cauliflower Puree
Cauliflower puree is a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that pairs beautifully with meatloaf. The creamy, slightly nutty flavor of the puree complements the rich, savory meatloaf.
14. Peas and Carrots
Peas and carrots, whether steamed or sautéed in butter, make a classic side dish for meatloaf. Their sweet flavor and vibrant colors add a touch of freshness to the hearty meatloaf.
15. Roasted Beet Salad
A roasted beet salad is a unique and healthy side dish for meatloaf. The sweet, earthy flavor of the beets pairs well with the savory meatloaf, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
16. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and meaty texture, are a great complement to meatloaf. They can be simply cooked with butter, garlic, and a splash of white wine for a flavorful side dish.
17. Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, with their creamy sauce and crispy topping, make a delicious side dish for meatloaf. The rich, cheesy flavor of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the hearty meatloaf.
18. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob, especially when grilled, is a sweet and smoky side that pairs well with meatloaf. The kernels add a burst of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory meatloaf.
19. Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls, especially when they’re warm and spread with butter, are a simple and comforting side dish for meatloaf. They’re perfect for mopping up any extra sauce and add a nice soft texture to the meal.
20. Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a low-carb, healthy side dish that goes well with meatloaf. They can be sautéed with a bit of garlic and olive oil for a light and flavorful side dish.
21. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A side dish that is always served with meatloaf would be mashed potatoes – and for a good reason! I absolutely love potatoes even if they might not be as healthy as we would like. Unfortunately, as simple as mashed potatoes might sound, a lot of people do not know how to correctly make it.
You need to have seasoning, not just salt, but a variety. Even if you just add freshly ground black pepper, your mashed potatoes already elevates to another level. Another crucial step in making creamy mashed potatoes is to add butter and cream. This makes the mixture much creamier than plain mashed potatoes.
If you want even more out of this dish, a delicious option is to add cheese – and lots of it. You can also add herbs such as chives or parsley or spices such as cayenne pepper or garlic powder. The possibilities are literally endless!
22. Green Beans
A lot of people are put off by green beans because they were served plain boiled beans. This is such a sad misconception as beans are so appetizing and versatile.
One option is to toss the green beans in olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake on a baking sheet until cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another way to serve green beans is as part of a salad. A family favorite is a fresh salad of green beans, tomatoes, red onion, feta and a balsamic dressing. This is truly a crispy explosion of flavor and is a great option for summers.
A more elaborate dish would be a green bean casserole with onions, chorizo and a creamy mushroom sauce. Although delicious, just make sure that the flavors do not clash with your meatloaf.
23. Coleslaw
If you have a rich meatloaf, creamy coleslaw will balance it out nicely. There are a lot of coleslaw recipes out there so, in the end, it is left to personal preference. If I were to give some advice, it would be to choose a coleslaw recipe that has a good balance of sweet and tangy; meaning not a bitter mayonnaise but also not too much sugar in the recipe.
Something I truly appreciate about this side dish is its versatility. There are many different ingredients you can use in a coleslaw such as carrots, onions, different cabbage varieties or beets. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise or use a yogurt base if you do not fancy mayonnaise.
24. Mac n Cheese
Mac n Cheese is a must-have if there are kids on the guest list. For adults, this might be too many calories, but it is perfect for kids. Make sure to make it extra cheesy.
Here is also a great idea; make a mac n cheese stuffed meatloaf. All you have to do is make a thick mac n cheese and your meatloaf mixture. Place half of the meat mixture in a baking pan. Make an indent in the middle so the meat pushes up the sides. Place the mac n cheese in the center and add the remaining meatloaf mixture. Make sure that the mac n cheese is fully enclosed on all sides. Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Top with extra cheese and bake another 10 minutes.
Here are 3 mac n cheese recipes we know you’ll love and of course are perfect sides for meatloaf.
1. Panera mac n cheese
2. Trisha yearwood mac and cheese
3. Cracker barrel mac n cheese
25. Fresh Cucumber & Chili Salad
Of course there are many salads that go with meatloaf but this cucumber salad is at the top.of my list. More on the healthy side than comfort food but this fresh cucumber salad mixed with spicy red chili is an ideal side. Firstly it takes very little time to prepare and secondly it’s fresh and healthy. It compliments and is an ideal meatloaf side. Slice up your cucumber in very thin slices, use some dressing and chop up the chili to give it the perfect flavor.
26. Seasoned Rice
Seasoned rice is a side dish that can be added to anything and in my opinion what goes with meatloaf perfectly. Lucky for you, we have a seasoned Texas Roadhouse rice recipe that you can prepare with your next meal. Takes little time to prepare and is equally delicious so you know you’re in for a treat.
27. Stuffed Peppers
The last side dish I chose is stuffed bell peppers. Here, there are a few options you can choose from. The amount of cooking time will range anywhere between 10 minutes to 30 minutes. This entirely depends on the type of stuffing you choose.
Because you already have meat on the table, opt for a vegetarian stuffed pepper. Make a Mediterranean stuffed pepper with tomatoes, olives, cheese and herbs. Another vegetarian option is to make a Halloumi stuffed pepper with mushrooms and couscous. There are many mouth-watering recipes out there so you have many options to choose from.
If you want to use meat, you can choose a stuffed pepper recipe which usually consists of a saucy meat mixture, vegetables, rice and cheese. Leftover meatloaf can be used as a stuffing in the peppers and baked for 25-30 minutes. Now you know what goes well with meatloaf – Our stuffed pepper recipe.
What To Serve With Meatloaf (27 Side Dishes)
Ingredients
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Coleslaw
Mac n Cheese
Fresh Cucumber & Chili Salad
Seasoned Rice
Stuffed Peppers
Directions
- Select from your favorite sides on the list
- Serve and enjoy
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are tons of delicious, versatile side dishes that can be served with your meatloaf. Feel free to experiment and push the boundaries as there are always new flavor combinations waiting to be discovered. With these side dishes you can easily change flavors to match with each other and adapt the recipes to meet your guests’ needs.
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