What to Serve with Meatloaf: 30+ Easy Sides (Plus Dessert!)

The best sides for meatloaf, from creamy mashed potatoes and buttery green beans to easy salads, rolls and cozy desserts. 30+ family-favourite ideas.

The Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of the most beloved comfort foods in many homes—including ours! The smell of it baking brings back so many warm memories, and I love getting creative with different variations like classic meatloaf with glaze and bacon-wrapped mini meatloaves.

One of the best things about meatloaf is how easy it is to mix up and freeze ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a fantastic option for feeding a crowd. When I cooked at a camp and retreat center, meatloaf was always a favorite!

So what goes with meatloaf? You can’t go wrong with something creamy (mashed potatoes or mac and cheese), something green (green beans, broccoli or a crisp salad), and something to soak up the sauce, like warm dinner rolls. I’ve grouped all 30+ ideas below so you can mix and match.

Potatoes & Starches

Potatoes are a classic pairing for meatloaf, offering creamy, crispy, or roasted textures that balance the richness of the dish.

1. Smashed Potatoes – Crispy, buttery, and the perfect match for meatloaf.
2. Roasted Diced Potatoes – Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A slightly sweet and nutritious option.
4. Potato Salad – A cool, tangy contrast to warm meatloaf.
5. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy comfort food at its finest.
6. Scalloped Potatoes – Layers of tender potatoes in a creamy sauce.
7. Cheesy Potatoes with Frozen Hash Browns – A creamy, cheesy, and irresistible potato side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with meatloaf.

Salads

A fresh salad can add a light and crisp contrast to a hearty meatloaf meal.

8. Broccoli Salad – A crunchy, slightly sweet salad with a creamy dressing.
9. Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing – Light and refreshing.
10. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, parmesan, and a tangy dressing.
11. Orange Fluff Salad – A retro favorite that adds a bit of sweetness.
12. Frito Corn Salad– Sweet corn, crunchy Fritos and a creamy, tangy dressing make this a fun, crowd-pleasing side next to a slice of meatloaf.
13. Macaroni Pasta Salad – A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet pasta salad packed with flavor, making it a great make-ahead side for meatloaf dinners.
14. Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Buttery, fluffy and perfect for spooning gravy or extra meatloaf glaze over. It’s the classic pairing for a reason!

Vegetables

Roasted, steamed, or sautéed vegetables make a nutritious and colorful addition to a meatloaf dinner. Here are some yummy options:

15. Crock Pot Baked Beans – Slow-cooked with a rich flavor, these baked beans are a hearty and delicious complement to meatloaf.
16. Roasted Carrots – Slightly caramelized and naturally sweet.
17. Green Beans Almondine – Fresh green beans sautéed with butter and almonds.
18. Harvard Beets – A sweet and tangy old-fashioned side that pairs perfectly with a classic meatloaf.
19. Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Butter – A light and bright option.
20. Roasted Asparagus – Simple, elegant, and delicious.

Breads & Rolls

Warm, crusty bread or soft rolls are perfect for soaking up meatloaf juices.

21. Sourdough Bread – Slightly tangy and chewy.
22. Bread Machine Dinner Rolls – Easy homemade buns with a soft texture.
23. Cornbread – A slightly sweet and savory option.
24. Dinner Rolls – Classic, fluffy, and perfect for spreading with butter.
25. Garlic Bread – Because garlic and butter make everything better!
26. Baking Powder Biscuits – Light and fluffy and quick to mix up.

What Desserts Go with Meatloaf?

A classic, homey dessert is the best way to finish a meatloaf dinner. Here are some old fashioned favorites.

27. Hot Fudge Pudding Cake – A rich, gooey chocolate dessert.
28. Apple Crisp – Warm, spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping.
29. Peach Crisp – Sweet, juicy peaches with a buttery oat topping.
30. Lemon Bars – A sweet and tart treat to balance the meal.
31. No-Bake Cheesecake – A creamy, easy dessert.
32. Canned Cherry Pie Recipe – A special and classic crowd pleaser.

What Not to Serve with Meatloaf

Meatloaf goes with almost everything, but a few sides can make the meal feel heavy, repetitive or out of balance. Aim for a mix: one creamy or starchy side, one vegetable, and something fresh. These are the ones I’d skip:

• Overly spicy dishes – Strong heat can overpower the cozy, savoury flavour of the meatloaf.
• Too many rich or creamy sides – Mashed potatoes and mac and cheese and a creamy casserole is a lot. Pick one and pair it with something lighter.
• Another heavy meat dish – Sausage stuffing or meatballs on the side make the plate feel like double the meat.
• Tomato-heavy sides – A ketchup or tomato glaze already brings plenty of tang, so skip things like tomato pasta or stewed tomatoes.
• Two starches that are too similar – Rice pilaf next to buttered noodles feels repetitive. Choose one starch and let a vegetable round out the plate.
• Super light or delicate dishes – A tiny side salad on its own can feel too insubstantial next to a hearty slice of meatloaf.

Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Love

There are so many delicious ways to round out a meatloaf dinner! Whether you go for comforting potatoes, fresh salads, or warm bread, these side dish ideas will help you create a cozy and satisfying meal for any occasion.

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with meatloaf? Let me know in the comments!

Plan Your Meatloaf Night (and the Rest of the Week!)

Grab my free printable menu planning set to map out dinners, side dishes and your grocery list in one place.

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