What To Serve With Meatloaf 23 Best Side Dishes For Meatloaf Dinner

Jump to Recipe The next time you’re planning dinner and wondering What To Serve With Meatloaf, look no further - I have everything you need for an amazing family meal right here! All of our best-loved meatloaf side dishes plus some surprising sides that pair oh-so-well with this hearty entree!!

So many great side dishes for meatloaf including much more than the standard rice or mashed potatoes! I have fond memories of my grandmother serving this American classic when I was growing up. While it seems to have waned in popularity, it still makes a delicious meal for the whole family. It’s a great food to get creative with, as everyone has a slightly different recipe that has been passed down through the generations. I was inspired to come up with a list of my favorite side dishes to serve with this traditional main dish.

Jump to:1. Mashed Potatoes 2. Cajun Fries 3. Steamed Broccoli 4. Broccoli Tots 5. Skillet Glazed Carrots 6. Roasted Brussel Sprouts 7. Onion Rings 8. Crockpot Cabbage 9. Vermicelli Rice 10. Mac and Cheese 11. Baked Beans 12. Cheese & Bacon Turnovers 13. Cheese Rolls 14. Coleslaw 15. Green Salad 😋 Amazing Meatloaf Recipes! 📋 Recipe

Try one, or try them all. You won’t be disappointed. So many tasty side dishes! Let’s get started!

Mashed Potatoes You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes. Seriously, they’re usually the best thing on the table on holidays. OK. Maybe they have some competition, but this recipe will give the dressing a run for its money. Smooth, creamy, and stuffed with roasted garlic and cream cheese. That’s a side I’d eat with any meal - not just meatloaf!

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Red skin mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and cream cheese are a classic holiday side dish and a staple for great family meals! The smooth, rich potatoes still have a few lumps to enjoy all of the wonderful textures of your red potatoes. If you’re feeling the need for delicious mashed potatoes, then this dish is your next obsession!

Check out this recipe

Cajun Fries For a different take on potatoes, look no further than these awesome Cajun fries. With a whole slew of spices that make this fantastic, these homemade fries are designed for kids but with adults in mind. Make the whole family happy with these better-than-a-Happy-Meal fries. They’re easy to customize to your desired ‘heat’ and a spicy flavor contrast to a simple meatloaf!

Cajun Fries

These tasty homemade Cajun fries are wonderfully crispy and perfectly seasoned for flavorful fries that everyone will enjoy! They’re easy to make at home and are the perfect side for burgers, barbecue, pulled pork, and more!!

Check out this recipe

Steamed Broccoli When you want something fresh and healthy, broccoli is the way to go. It’s anything but boring. But have you ever tried steaming it in the microwave? It’s so quick, and the broccoli comes out perfect! And when it’s finished, you can always mix in some butter and seasonings. Don’t skip this vibrant veggie side dish that works so well with meatloaf!

Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

There is simply no easier cooking method than to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave for perfectly cooked broccoli in a flash! It’s a great go-to side dish when you need to get something on the table quickly! Plus, the broccoli turns out wonderfully!

Check out this recipe

Broccoli Tots If you’re a fan of tater tots and broccoli, you’ll love having these with your meatloaf! Plus, combining crunchy panko with broccoli and cheese is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables. Everyone in my house loves these. Dips make them even more flavorful. Try these tasty not-your-usual tots with ranch, ketchup, or your favorite condiment!

Broccoli Tots

Quick and easy baked cheddar Broccoli Tots are an amazingly tasty way to enjoy your vegetables! The whole family loves this healthy tater tot side or snack that’s perfect when dipped in ketchup, ranch, or your favorite condiments!

Check out this recipe

Skillet Glazed Carrots I grew up on brown sugar-glazed carrots. Sweet and savory combo lovers will be using this recipe over and over again. It’s that good. It’s the answer to your ‘what to serve with meatloaf’ question any time you’re making a tasty meatloaf! The trick is in the caramelization of the butter and brown sugar. Notes of garlic bring it all together for that melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf side dish that has everyone asking for more. It’s a great one for holidays, too!

Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

This family favorite is a go-to recipe for oven-roasted quality, perfectly seasoned caramelized carrots!

Check out this recipe

Roasted Brussel Sprouts While I grew up loving brussel sprouts - picture the kid in the store begging for a treat, that was me asking mom for brussel sprouts! As an adult, I love making my brussel sprouts in a variety of ways and MANY of my recipes here on the site would be a great side for meatloaf! This recipe only calls for a few, simple ingredients but creates savory little morsels that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The salty, nutty flavors blend really well with the taste of meatloaf.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

These tasty Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts are super easy to make! They’re also equally suitable for an anytime weeknight dinner, holiday meals, and special occasions! Fresh or frozen brussels sprouts are baked to crispy, caramelized perfection that retains their wonderfully nutty flavor too!

Check out this recipe

Onion Rings It’s time to break out the air fryer for some seriously crunchy onion rings! Onions compliment meatloaf really well, but that golden breading makes them even better. We all know that deep-frying ruins any health benefits you might have otherwise gained, so why not try something different? Air fryers can get you the same crisp we all know and love (and in some ways a better crisp onion ring!) but without the pool of grease. For an informal, quick family meal these onion rings make a delightful, kid-friendly, finger food side dish to serve with your meatloaf dinner.

Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

I’m absolutely loving these Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings for how incredibly easy and super crispy they turn out in just minutes! The ease of getting as-good-as-deep-fried foods in these air fryers is just amazing. I love the ease of cleanup and both hubby and I love these perfectly crisped onion rings with a big, juicy burger!!

Check out this recipe

Crockpot Cabbage Crockpot meals are lifesavers for the busy cook. Just throw everything in, turn on the heat, cover, and come back in a few hours. Crockpot cabbage is the comfort food to add to any other comfort food for an incredibly satisfying meatloaf meal. Flavored with bacon, garlic, onion, and broth, this is cabbage at its finest!

Crockpot Cabbage

This super easy to make Crockpot Cabbage combines crispy bacon, tender cabbage, onions, garlic, and broth then cooks to perfection in your crockpot or slow cooker! That tasty comfort food flavor that you grew up enjoying at your Grandma’s house comes alive in this simple cabbage recipe!

Check out this recipe

Vermicelli Rice If rice is more your style, this is the recipe for you! The mix of vermicelli pasta and basmati with a few toasted pine nuts makes a nutty side dish that will make your whole house smell amazing. It’s simple enough to complement a meal of meatloaf or any main dish you make while being flavorful enough to be memorable.

Vermicelli Rice

Vermicelli rice is an amazingly popular Middle Eastern side dish that combines toasted vermicelli pasta with long-grain Basmati rice! The flavorful rice side dish is easy to make, extremely versatile, and intensely flavorful. You would never know it only has a few ingredients!

Check out this recipe

Mac and Cheese Creamy, white cheddar mac and cheese pairs perfectly as a side dish to serve with meatloaf. Plus, this flavorful mac will have everyone drooling before it hits the table! This recipe is sure to be a hit with all the trappings of any other good comfort food: cheese, cream, onion, and garlic. My recipe only takes 30 minutes and can all be done start to finish on the stove-top. You’re not going to want to miss this!

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

My white cheddar mac and cheese is loaded with delicious sharp white cheddar in a creamy sauce that’s in every tender bit of the macaroni pasta! It’s also incredibly easy to make with this simple stove top method that everyone is sure to love!!

Check out this recipe

Baked Beans Baked beans are another classic that goes well with meatloaf and, in this case, adds even more meat! Try these hearty beans with hickory-smoked bacon and ground beef. The sweet and smoky sauce combines brown sugar and liquid smoke with Worcestershire sauce and green pepper! It takes a humble can of Bush’s Original Baked Beans to the next level.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Baked beans with ground beef and bacon are a satisfying side dish for BBQ dinners and cookouts! Baked beans are made sweet with brown sugar. They are made even better with added smoky flavors from hickory-smoked bacon and liquid smoke!!

Check out this recipe

Cheese & Bacon Turnovers Salty bacon and gooey cheese wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry dough? I’ll never say no to that! These tasty snacks make a delicious breakfast, but they also work really well with a savory meatloaf. Consider them your side of bread. Puff pastry can be intimidating, but with only a few ingredients and 30 minutes, you can have them on the table with no trouble at all. These tasty, flaky pastries might be exactly what your meal is missing.

Cheese and Bacon Turnovers

These incredibly tasty Cheese and Bacon Turnovers combine all of the best of our favorite comfort food flavors with rich, buttery puff pastry wrapped around crispy bacon and melted cheeses!! Nothing more is needed as every great flavor we love is wrapped in tender, flaky puff pastry and ready to be enjoyed!

Check out this recipe

Cheese Rolls Speaking of bread and cheese…cheese rolls are also an excellent option for serving with a meatloaf dinner. Start with a yeast roll and add cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, or pepper jack. Pick your favorite. Sound good? It is. The smell is arguably even better! You might make a bit of a mess flouring a surface to roll out your dough, but the product is well-worth the investment. A delightfully cheesy pull-apart roll served hot right out of the oven is heaven!

Cheese Rolls

These easy, tasty cheese rolls take the usual dinner rolls to a whole new level of amazingly flavorful deliciousness! They pair with practically anything to round out your family meals with a wonderful side of bread that the whole family will rave about!

Check out this recipe

Coleslaw Coleslaw doesn’t just go with fried chicken. It’s an awesome side dish with meatloaf! Adding a creamy, crunchy vegetable to the meal is a good way to add an array of textures as well as great flavor. Maybe I’ve been watching too much Top Chef, but I like variety! No one wants to sit down to a dinner of all mushy foods, no matter how great it tastes.

Southern Coleslaw

Southern coleslaw is a classic quick and easy side dish with crunchy veggies that are tossed with a flavorful, creamy dressing! It’s the perfect addition to sandwiches, tacos, fried fish, and so much more. This Southern coleslaw isn’t just for the summertime—it’s great for anytime you want a quick, delicious side!

Check out this recipe

Green Salad Fresh, colorful, and full of vitamins, a green salad is a delicious addition to a dinner with meatloaf. You can be as creative as you want with it, too! Throw in thinly sliced, raw brussel sprouts for added crunch or black beans and red peppers for a southwestern take. And don’t even get me started on dressing options! 😋 Amazing Meatloaf Recipes! Taco MeatloafLipton Onion Soup MeatloafStove Top Stuffing MeatloafSmoked MeatloafAir Fryer Meatloaf We hope that you enjoy a fabulously tasty meatloaf dinner with these ideas for the best sides to serve with your meal! Be sure to share your favorite sides in the comments below and check back in to let us know what you liked best! Enjoy!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 37 reviews

What To Serve With Meatloaf: Boiled Potatoes (+More Great Ideas!)

The next time you’re planning dinner and wondering What To Serve With Meatloaf, look no further - I have everything you need for an amazing family meal right here! All of our best-loved meatloaf side dishes plus some surprising sides that pair oh-so-well with this hearty entree!!

Author | Angela

Servings: 4 servings Calories: 143kcal Prep 5 minutes Cooking 10 minutes Total Time 15 minutes

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 1 lb baby potatoes (or any variety, cut into chunks roughly the same size)▢ 1 whole bay leaf▢ 2 teaspoon Kosher salt▢ 1 teaspoon black peppercorns▢ 4 whole garlic cloves (optional)▢ 2 tablespoon butter (melted)▢ each, salt & pepper (to taste)

InstructionsIn a large saucepan or stock pot, add the baby potatoes, bay leaf, Kosher salt, peppercorns, garlic cloves, and enough water to cover the potatoes by about an extra inch.1 lb baby potatoes, 1 whole bay leaf, 2 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 4 whole garlic clovesBring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-8 minutes. Once the potatoes are fork tender, remove from heat. Drain and discard the bay leaf, peppercorns, and garlic cloves.Return the drained boiled potatoes to the saucepan or a clean bowl and toss with melted butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.2 tablespoon butter, each, salt & pepper Equipment You May NeedLarge StockpotMixing BowlKnife Set NutritionCalories: 143kcal (7%) | Carbohydrates: 21g (7%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 6g (9%) | Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg (5%) | Sodium: 1220mg (53%) | Potassium: 499mg (14%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 199IU (4%) | Vitamin C: 23mg (28%) | Calcium: 25mg (3%) | Iron: 1mg (6%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! side dishes for meatloaf, what to serve with meatloaf Course Potato Dishes, Side Dish, vegetable side dishCuisine AmericanAngela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

So many great side dishes for meatloaf including much more than the standard rice or mashed potatoes!

I have fond memories of my grandmother serving this American classic when I was growing up. While it seems to have waned in popularity, it still makes a delicious meal for the whole family.

It’s a great food to get creative with, as everyone has a slightly different recipe that has been passed down through the generations. I was inspired to come up with a list of my favorite side dishes to serve with this traditional main dish.

Try one, or try them all. You won’t be disappointed. So many tasty side dishes! Let’s get started!

1. Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes. Seriously, they’re usually the best thing on the table on holidays. OK. Maybe they have some competition, but this recipe will give the dressing a run for its money.

Smooth, creamy, and stuffed with roasted garlic and cream cheese. That’s a side I’d eat with any meal - not just meatloaf!

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Check out this recipe

2. Cajun Fries

For a different take on potatoes, look no further than these awesome Cajun fries. With a whole slew of spices that make this fantastic, these homemade fries are designed for kids but with adults in mind.

Make the whole family happy with these better-than-a-Happy-Meal fries. They’re easy to customize to your desired ‘heat’ and a spicy flavor contrast to a simple meatloaf!

Cajun Fries

Check out this recipe

3. Steamed Broccoli

When you want something fresh and healthy, broccoli is the way to go. It’s anything but boring. But have you ever tried steaming it in the microwave?

It’s so quick, and the broccoli comes out perfect! And when it’s finished, you can always mix in some butter and seasonings. Don’t skip this vibrant veggie side dish that works so well with meatloaf!

Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

Check out this recipe

4. Broccoli Tots

If you’re a fan of tater tots and broccoli, you’ll love having these with your meatloaf! Plus, combining crunchy panko with broccoli and cheese is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables.

Everyone in my house loves these. Dips make them even more flavorful. Try these tasty not-your-usual tots with ranch, ketchup, or your favorite condiment!

Broccoli Tots

Check out this recipe

5. Skillet Glazed Carrots

I grew up on brown sugar-glazed carrots. Sweet and savory combo lovers will be using this recipe over and over again. It’s that good. It’s the answer to your ‘what to serve with meatloaf’ question any time you’re making a tasty meatloaf!

The trick is in the caramelization of the butter and brown sugar. Notes of garlic bring it all together for that melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf side dish that has everyone asking for more. It’s a great one for holidays, too!

Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

This family favorite is a go-to recipe for oven-roasted quality, perfectly seasoned caramelized carrots!

Check out this recipe

6. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

While I grew up loving brussel sprouts - picture the kid in the store begging for a treat, that was me asking mom for brussel sprouts! As an adult, I love making my brussel sprouts in a variety of ways and MANY of my recipes here on the site would be a great side for meatloaf!

This family favorite is a go-to recipe for oven-roasted quality, perfectly seasoned caramelized carrots!

This recipe only calls for a few, simple ingredients but creates savory little morsels that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The salty, nutty flavors blend really well with the taste of meatloaf.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Check out this recipe

7. Onion Rings

It’s time to break out the air fryer for some seriously crunchy onion rings! Onions compliment meatloaf really well, but that golden breading makes them even better.

We all know that deep-frying ruins any health benefits you might have otherwise gained, so why not try something different? Air fryers can get you the same crisp we all know and love (and in some ways a better crisp onion ring!) but without the pool of grease.

For an informal, quick family meal these onion rings make a delightful, kid-friendly, finger food side dish to serve with your meatloaf dinner.

Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

Check out this recipe

8. Crockpot Cabbage

Crockpot meals are lifesavers for the busy cook. Just throw everything in, turn on the heat, cover, and come back in a few hours.

Crockpot cabbage is the comfort food to add to any other comfort food for an incredibly satisfying meatloaf meal. Flavored with bacon, garlic, onion, and broth, this is cabbage at its finest!

Crockpot Cabbage

Check out this recipe

9. Vermicelli Rice

If rice is more your style, this is the recipe for you! The mix of vermicelli pasta and basmati with a few toasted pine nuts makes a nutty side dish that will make your whole house smell amazing.

It’s simple enough to complement a meal of meatloaf or any main dish you make while being flavorful enough to be memorable.

Vermicelli Rice

Check out this recipe

10. Mac and Cheese

Creamy, white cheddar mac and cheese pairs perfectly as a side dish to serve with meatloaf. Plus, this flavorful mac will have everyone drooling before it hits the table!

This recipe is sure to be a hit with all the trappings of any other good comfort food: cheese, cream, onion, and garlic. My recipe only takes 30 minutes and can all be done start to finish on the stove-top. You’re not going to want to miss this!

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Check out this recipe

11. Baked Beans

Baked beans are another classic that goes well with meatloaf and, in this case, adds even more meat! Try these hearty beans with hickory-smoked bacon and ground beef.

The sweet and smoky sauce combines brown sugar and liquid smoke with Worcestershire sauce and green pepper! It takes a humble can of Bush’s Original Baked Beans to the next level.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Check out this recipe

12. Cheese & Bacon Turnovers

Salty bacon and gooey cheese wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry dough? I’ll never say no to that! These tasty snacks make a delicious breakfast, but they also work really well with a savory meatloaf. Consider them your side of bread.

Puff pastry can be intimidating, but with only a few ingredients and 30 minutes, you can have them on the table with no trouble at all. These tasty, flaky pastries might be exactly what your meal is missing.

Cheese and Bacon Turnovers

Check out this recipe

13. Cheese Rolls

Speaking of bread and cheese…cheese rolls are also an excellent option for serving with a meatloaf dinner. Start with a yeast roll and add cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, or pepper jack. Pick your favorite. Sound good? It is. The smell is arguably even better!

You might make a bit of a mess flouring a surface to roll out your dough, but the product is well-worth the investment. A delightfully cheesy pull-apart roll served hot right out of the oven is heaven!

Cheese Rolls

Check out this recipe

14. Coleslaw

Coleslaw doesn’t just go with fried chicken. It’s an awesome side dish with meatloaf! Adding a creamy, crunchy vegetable to the meal is a good way to add an array of textures as well as great flavor.

Maybe I’ve been watching too much Top Chef, but I like variety! No one wants to sit down to a dinner of all mushy foods, no matter how great it tastes.

Southern Coleslaw

Check out this recipe

15. Green Salad

Fresh, colorful, and full of vitamins, a green salad is a delicious addition to a dinner with meatloaf. You can be as creative as you want with it, too!

Throw in thinly sliced, raw brussel sprouts for added crunch or black beans and red peppers for a southwestern take. And don’t even get me started on dressing options!

😋 Amazing Meatloaf Recipes!

Taco MeatloafLipton Onion Soup MeatloafStove Top Stuffing MeatloafSmoked MeatloafAir Fryer Meatloaf

We hope that you enjoy a fabulously tasty meatloaf dinner with these ideas for the best sides to serve with your meal! Be sure to share your favorite sides in the comments below and check back in to let us know what you liked best! Enjoy!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 37 reviews

What To Serve With Meatloaf: Boiled Potatoes (+More Great Ideas!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 4 servings Calories: 143kcal Prep 5 minutes Cooking 10 minutes Total Time 15 minutes

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!

5 from 37 reviews

What To Serve With Meatloaf: Boiled Potatoes (+More Great Ideas!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 143kcal

Prep 5 minutes

Cooking 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 1 lb baby potatoes (or any variety, cut into chunks roughly the same size)▢ 1 whole bay leaf▢ 2 teaspoon Kosher salt▢ 1 teaspoon black peppercorns▢ 4 whole garlic cloves (optional)▢ 2 tablespoon butter (melted)▢ each, salt & pepper (to taste)

Equipment You May NeedLarge StockpotMixing BowlKnife Set

Nutrition

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

Course Potato Dishes, Side Dish, vegetable side dishCuisine American

US CustomaryMetric

1. Mashed Potatoes#

2. Cajun Fries#

3. Steamed Broccoli#

4. Broccoli Tots#

5. Skillet Glazed Carrots#

6. Roasted Brussel Sprouts#

7. Onion Rings#

8. Crockpot Cabbage#

9. Vermicelli Rice#

10. Mac and Cheese#

11. Baked Beans#

12. Cheese & Bacon Turnovers#

13. Cheese Rolls#

14. Coleslaw#

15. Green Salad#

😋 Amazing Meatloaf Recipes!#

📋 Recipe#

What To Serve With Meatloaf: Boiled Potatoes (+More Great Ideas!)#

Nutrition#

1. Mashed Potatoes

2. Cajun Fries

3. Steamed Broccoli

4. Broccoli Tots

5. Skillet Glazed Carrots

6. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

7. Onion Rings

8. Crockpot Cabbage

9. Vermicelli Rice

10. Mac and Cheese

11. Baked Beans

12. Cheese & Bacon Turnovers

13. Cheese Rolls

14. Coleslaw

15. Green Salad

😋 Amazing Meatloaf Recipes!

📋 Recipe

What To Serve With Meatloaf: Boiled Potatoes (+More Great Ideas!)

Nutrition