April 30, 2026

What To Serve With Meatloaf (37 Ideas)

Wondering what to serve with meatloaf? There are so many delicious options! Meatloaf is an easy weeknight dinner and it pairs perfectly with a lot of different sides. We're talking roasted veggies, rolls, green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob and so much more. Sides for meatloaf are easy to come by!

Two slices of eggless meatloaf on a plate with broccoli and mashed potatoes. — Meatloaf

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I've gotta brag for a second: my homemade meatloaf recipe is absolutely to-die for with incredible flavor (and it doesn't even use eggs)!

It's juicy on the inside with an awesome crispy crust on the exterior and a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze slathered all over the top.

I normally serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed or roasted broccoli, but there are so many great sides you can serve with meatloaf.

Jump to:

Extra Low-Effort Sides
Potatoes
Rice & Pasta
Vegetables
Salads
3 Curated Dinner Plates
Your Suggestions!? ✨

Extra Low-Effort Sides

Often, I'm making meatloaf when I need a really simple and easy meal. If I need something simple for dinner, sides need to fit that same bill. This means my sides are often store-bought or very low prep! I'm talking:

Canned green beans: Dump and heat. A super easy veggie side option.
Canned baked beans: I personally prefer green beans, but some people LOVE baked beans with their meatloaf.
Frozen peas: Another dump and heat option. Simmer, drain then add a little butter and salt. This is another one of my favorites!
Bread: Buttered bread slices, dinner rolls, croissants, biscuits or garlic bread. Sometimes I buy the pre-made garlic bread from the grocery store, or I'll butter and toast a french baguette.
Grocery store salad kit: Everyone has their favorite salad kit. Mine is the Dole brand Endless Summer Salad.
Frozen french fries: Sweet potato wedges, regular french fries or even tater tots! Instant mashed potatoes are another yummy potato option.

Potatoes

Starchy potatoes are perfect for meatloaf because they balance nicely with a rich and savory main course. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food combo.

Dairy free mashed potatoes in a white serving dish.

Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes have perfect fluffy, velvety and creamy texture. If you didn't know they were milk and butter free, you'd never guess. I made them for a family get together a while back and every single person LOVED this recipe. Of course, you can also make them will regular milk and butter!

Twice baked potatoes on a foil lined baking sheet.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Instead of mashed potatoes, try these incredible cheesy twice baked potatoes alongside meatloaf. So yummy! Regular baked potatoes would also be a great option and super-duper easy.

Air fried sweet potatoes in black air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with seasonings. Cook in the air fryer for just 15 minutes until lightly golden! The best, most scrumptious side that pairs well with nearly any dinner.

Close up of roasted garlic potatoes.

Garlicky Roasted Potatoes

These garlicky roasted potatoes are so simple with just 5 household ingredients! The perfect easy side for your weeknight dinner.

Potato salad in a white serving bowl.

Traditional Potato Salad

Cool and creamy potato salad is the perfect match for meatloaf. I also love that potato salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for a smoother weeknight in the kitchen.

Rice & Pasta

Rice, rice pilaf, pasta and noodles with sauce or butter! More starchy sides that are seriously fabulous with meatloaf. Macaroni and cheese is another really classic pairing for meatloaf. If you want a starch other than potatoes, these are good ideas. 💡✨

Smoked gouda mac and cheese up close.

Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese

Smoked Gouda mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and made with a blend of smoked Gouda and classic Gouda for extra depth of flavor. It’s a quick stovetop pasta that’s perfect as a cozy dinner or bold side dish.

Buttered noodles in a white serving dish.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Whip up these buttered egg noodles with feta in 20 minutes! They're the ultimate, fast weeknight side dish and perfect with meatloaf. They're also really affordable and kid-approved.

French onion rice in a baking dish.

French Onion Rice

This side is a savory, dump-and-bake rice dish made with canned French onion soup, beef broth, and butter. With just 4 household ingredients, it is tender, flavorful, and perfect alongside meatloaf.

Creamy parmesan rice in a white serving dish.

Creamy Parmesan Rice

This 30-minute side is made with minimal ingredients in just one pot. Creamy parmesan rice pairs perfectly with meatloaf and it's something the whole family will love. Easy, affordable and super flavorful!

Vegetables

We've covered plenty of starch side options, now let's lighten things up and talk veggies! Sautéed, steamed or roasted (it doesn't matter)! They're all great with savory meatloaf. Because so many vegetables pair with meatloaf, I like to choose whatever's in season.

Roasted florets on baking sheet.

Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower

Crisp, tender broccoli and cauliflower florets roasted with olive oil and seasonings until golden. This quick, easy and healthy side is the perfect accompaniment for almost any main course!

Mashed cauliflower in a white serving dish.

Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower seasoned with rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper and onion flakes. Add a dash of cream or non-dairy milk for vegan. A delicious, healthier alternative when you want something other than mashed potatoes.

Roasted asparagus on a baking sheet.

Simple Oven Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with salt & pepper. Roast in the oven until easily pierced with a fork. The perfect, healthy side dish!

Drizzling maple syrup on roasted Brussels sprouts and pecans.

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Maple balsamic Brussels sprouts are packed with sweet and tangy vinegar flavor! They're super scrumptious, quick and easy to make and come together in just about 40 minutes. This side dish is perfect for any weeknight meal.

Roasted carrots on a serving plate.

Honey Roasted Carrots With Feta

Peeled whole carrots cut in half lengthwise and covered in a sweet honey, brown sugar and rosemary glaze. Roast with feta cheese crumbles. Delicious!

Creamed peas in an oval white serving dish.

Creamed Peas

A simple side dish featuring sweet green peas in creamy white sauce! Creamed peas are a holiday meal staple but they're completely perfect as a side for any ol' weeknight dinner. I love serving them with grilled steak, chicken or meatloaf.

Creamed corn in a large, stainless steel skillet.

Creamed Corn

This buttery stovetop creamed corn recipe comes together in just 15 minutes! It's a delicious side dish and perfect alongside any weeknight dinner.

Corn casserole in a white baking dish.

Corn Casserole

Now I love serving corn bread with meatloaf, but you can also take things up a notch and make this creamy corn casserole! I think a lot of people forget about this option and it's seriously so yummy.

Sautéed mushrooms on a white serving plate.

Butter Sautéed Mushrooms And Onions

In this butter sautéed mushrooms and onions recipe, mushrooms and onions are sautéed on the stove for a quick and tasty side for steak, meatloaf and burgers or just to eat on their own.

Sautéed veggies on a white serving plate.

Sautéed Vegetables

These simple sautéed vegetables with Italian herbs really round out any meal. You can also season your veggies in so many different ways!

Corn on the cob on a white serving plate.

Smoked Corn On The Cob

Simple seasonings and sweet corn kernels smoked on the grill. Such an easy and delicious side dish!

Zucchini fries on a white plate.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

These air fryer zucchini fries are so crispy and flavorful and a healthier alternative to French fries! An easy recipe with just 10 minutes of cook time and 6 ingredients!

Salads

Garden salad in a wooden serving bowl.

Simple Garden Salad Recipe

Fresh, chopped lettuce and veggies tossed together into a gorgeous, healthy salad. Add nuts, seeds, cheese or croutons if desired and serve with a simple lemon vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing.

Beet and goat cheese salad.

Roasted Beet Salad With Goat Cheese

Roasted beets, mixed greens, goat cheese, walnuts & avocado all tossed together into a gorgeous, healthy salad! Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette is highly recommended as a salad dressing option!

Ditalini pasta salad in a large glass bowl.

Ditalini Pasta Salad

This delicious ditalini pasta salad is packed full of nutritious veggies and features a creamy, sweet and tangy dressing! The best part of this recipe? It can be made in just 30 minutes or less. It's the perfect dinner side and a total crowd-pleaser.

Cucumber feta tomato salad.

Cucumber Tomato Onion Feta Salad

Veggie packed cucumber and onion salad with feta, avocado, grape tomatoes and a tangy homemade vinaigrette dressing is the perfect side for meatloaf. It's light, refreshing and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Pasta salad ingredients measured into a large, glass mixing bowl.

Italian Rotini Pasta Salad

Pasta salad with spiral rotini noodles, bright green asparagus, cherry tomatoes, gouda cheese, salami, olive oil and seasonings! Such a delicious, quick and easy classic. Ready in 25 minutes or less.

Egg salad in a white serving bowl.

Egg Salad With Greek Yogurt

Classic egg salad with a healthy twist! Hardboiled eggs mixed into a dressing made of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, herbs and spices. Minced celery and red onion add a little crunch! The perfect make-ahead lunch or side dish for dinner.

Broccoli crunch salad in a large glass bowl with serving spoon.

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Packed with fresh broccoli, sweet candied pecans, pumpkin seeds and bacon all covered in a creamy homemade vinaigrette! Broccoli salad is the perfect light side for meatloaf.

Coleslaw in a serving dish.

Sweet Coleslaw

Classic sweet coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser and something everyone will love. It perfectly compliments meatloaf! Crunchy slaw is the perfect texture contrast that makes each bite more inviting.

3 Curated Dinner Plates

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all of these incredible side options, let me lighten your mental load and offer 3 simple pairings to choose from:

Option one: meatloaf, mashed potatoes & roasted broccoli
Option two: meatloaf, corn casserole & garden salad
Option three: meatloaf, buttered dinner rolls & canned green beans

Pin For Later!

Sides for meatloaf Pinterest pin.

Your Suggestions!? ✨

I'd love to hear. What would you serve with meatloaf?! Leave a comment below if you have any fun ideas to share with everyone. ✨

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