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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Published: Jul 1, 2021 · Modified: Oct 15, 2021 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    What to Serve with Meatloaf

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you are trying to figure out what goes well with homemade meatloaf for dinner, this list is exactly what you are looking for. Meatloaf is a classic family favorite and a comfort food staple that has been around for decades.  It really needs another comfort food side recipe to make a complete meal. Therefore, you will want to pick the best easy side dish to go with any ultimate homemade meatloaf recipe.

    Whether you want a salad, vegetables, or potato, we have you covered with so many choices on what to enjoy with meatloaf. Many fellow food bloggers have shared some of their quick and easy side dish recipes to eat with your traditional, glazed, stuffed, beef, turkey, or any kind of meatloaf. All of these sides pair well with the seasonings, breadcrumbs, and ground beef that makes meatloaf a popular nostalgic recipe.  Meatloaf originated from Europe with different forms of meatballs and then became a form of American scrapple. If you ever wondered how meatloaf got to be so popular and other fun facts, find out at HISTORY OF MEATLOAF. 

     

     

    What to Serve with Meatloaf PN1 4 recipe images of mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, stuffed tomatoes and a casserole

     

     

     

    What to Serve with Meatloaf

    This is a tasty list of what to offer with meatloaf.  To help you decide what to serve with meatloaf, I have broken down the list into some subcategories. So based on your mood, preference, or diet, there is something for everyone.  There are comfort food classics, healthy salads, casseroles,  low-carb, keto, gluten-free, and keto sides.  This recipe roundup of what to make with meatloaf includes:

    • Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook
    • Comfort Food Classic Side Dishes
    • Salad & Vegetable Side Dishes
    • Keto, Low Carb, or Gluten-Free Side Dishes

     

    Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook

    All of these recipes can be found on the website and are what to eat with meatloaf the next time you cook it at home. These are some of our family favorites.  They are delicious, home-cooked, and rich just as all the best comfort food side dish recipes should be.

     

    Caramelized Brussel sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese
    Caramelized Brussel sprouts with brown sugar are a wonderful simple side dish.  To make Brussel sprouts even more wonderful add bacon and blue cheese for a sweet, salty, creamy, and nutty delight. 
    Check out this recipe
    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese featured overhead

     

    Whipped Sweet Potatoes
    For a comforting side dish, these whipped sweet potatoes really hit the spot. They are fluffy and sweet with a hint of nutmeg.
    Check out this recipe
    Whipped Sweet Potatoes featured recipe card image of 2 ramekins with whipped orange sweet potatoes topped with a sprig of parsley and spoon and napkin

     

    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Acorn Squash
    This sweet and savory acorn squash recipe is a fabulous side dish. The taste of fall is wonderful in this slow cooker brown sugar acorn squash that is stuffed with apple and sprinkled with cinnamon.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Acorn Squash featured overhead of apple cinnamon stuffed squash on a plate

     

    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes
    Tender bite-sized potatoes are tossed with butter and ranch seasoning for a family favorite. These salt-crusted electric pressure cooker potatoes are easy and the best side dish recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes

     

    Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    Homemade deep-fried sweet potato fries are a quick and easy family favorite recipe. This fantastic method to deep fry & season them makes the best appetizer or side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured overhead of plate of fries and dipping sauce

     

    Low-Carb Keto Creamed Spinach Casserole
    Creamed spinach is a tasty low-carb steakhouse restaurant favorite. This easy keto recipe is the best spinach casserole side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Low-Carb Keto Creamed Spinach Casserole featured overhead

     

    Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Bacon
    Creamy macaroni and cheese with caramelized onions are made even more amazing with crispy bacon. The best homemade recipe for elevated mac and cheese that adults and kids will love.
    Check out this recipe
    casserole dish with baked 3 cheese mac and cheese topped with bacon

     

    Easy Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls
    The best soft homemade dinner rolls baked using yeast are easy to make. These rolls are delicious and enjoyed best when warm straight out of the oven.
    Check out this recipe
    Freshly baked easy homemade soft dinner rolls

     

    Keto Cornbread Chaffles
    Cornbread chaffles made with almond flour are the best Mini Dash keto waffle recipe. A savory low-carb & gluten-free side for chili, soup, or salad.
    Check out this recipe
    Keto Cornbread Chaffles featured 3 fanned chaffles on the left and right is a partial bowl of chili w parsley

     

    Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
    Instant pot steamed broccoli is a healthy and easy recipe that comes out perfect every time. In just a few minutes fresh broccoli is cooked and ready to enjoy.  This method works in any electric pressure cooker with or without a steamer basket and results in fresh steamed broccoli that is not mushy. 
    Check out this recipe
    Steamed Broccoli featured in instant pot overhead shot

     

    Amazing Roasted Green Beans with Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning
    These delicious but easy green beans will be a family favorite. The nutty sesame seasoning that includes garlic and onion adds so much flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    plated green beans sprinkles with everything bagel seasoning

     

     

     

    Comfort Food Classic Side Dishes

    Comforting sides like mashed potatoes and creamed vegetables are commonly served with meatloaf.  Besides mashed potatoes and gravy, this list includes some comfort food classics and new recipes that you will want to make over and over again. All of these soul-pleasing recipes will be a sure-fire hit with the family.  

     

    Potatoes Au Gratin
    Potatoes au gratin has thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich cream sauce plus cheese. A delicious comforting side dish that everyone will enjoy.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf potatoes-au-gratin-5-scaled butteryourbiscuit overhead image of a casserole dish ready to eat

     

    Carrot & Rutabaga Mash
    Quick and easy to make, this carrot and rutabaga mash is a great make-ahead side dish. Full of flavor and a gorgeous color for the perfect comforting recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf carrot-swede-mash-8-768x1024 biteontheside two bowls full of bright orange carrot and white mashed on a table with spoons and napkins

     

    Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes
    Think of these as a loaded baked potato that is made in your Instant Pot for an easy and delicious side dish. With smoky bacon, garlic, and sour cream, these pressure cooker potatoes are crazy irresistible.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf bacon-ranch-potatoes-33 lovefromtheoven bowl ready to eat with a fork on the side and an instant pot in the background

     

    Fried Corn
    Whether you have fresh or canned corn available, this side dish is easy to make and is loved by everyone. It is simply sweet and comforting.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf friedcorn veganinthefreezer a blue bowl full of corn with a spoon on the side

     

    Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
    Of course, meatloaf needs a great mashed potato side dish and this make-ahead recipe is perfect. It is rich and comforting just as it should be.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf make-ahead-mashed-potatoes-recipe atablefullofjoy a closeup of a large bowl of mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and chives

     

     

    Salad & Vegetable Side Dishes

    Here are some great healthy side dishes to make and eat with your next dinner of meatloaf.  There is a healthy salad, mayo-based salad, and comforting vegetables and casseroles. All of them are yummy and complete your meal.

     

    Red Cabbage Slaw
    With just a few ingredients, this homemade slaw comes together in minutes. It is a wonderful simple side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf Red-cabbage-slaw-4-683x1024 splashoftaste

     

    Fried Potato Salad with Bacon & Homemade Aioli
    This Fried Potato Salad features pan-fried potatoes that are elevated with bacon, scallion, red onion, and a homemade Smoked Paprika Aioli. This recipe is a delicious comforting side dish with a ton of flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf Pot-Salad-2-1 foodworthfeed checkered napkin on a table with a few bowls filled with potato salad

     

    Southern Squash Casserole
    The cracker topping on this squash recipe creates a delicious crunch to compliment the creamy casserole. It is a perfectly cheesy vegetable side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf squash-casserole-3 basilandbubbly overhead image of a casserole dish ready to eat and plates and forks on the side

     

    Fried Cauliflower
    These easy vegan cauliflower bites are addicting. They are wonderfully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside which is perfect to pair with your favorite dip.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf vegan-fried-cauliflower-1-1 getsetvegan a papertowel lined bowl filled with fried cauliflower bites and small dish of dish on the side

     

    Crispy Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
    These delicious Baked Parmesan Tomatoes are topped with breadcrumbs, herbs, Parmesan cheese and garlic for a punch of flavor. These warm and crispy tomatoes are a comforting side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf Parmesan-Tomatoes-5 itsnotcomplicatedrecipes a large platter with 6 parmesan topped tomatoes arranged on it

     

     

    Keto, Low Carb, or Gluten-Free Side Dishes

    This category of ideas to serve with meatloaf includes keto, low-carb, paleo, or gluten-free recipes. Try a new creamed vegetable or a gluten-free twist on a classic recipe. No matter what you choose, your healthy diet will be on track and your taste buds will thank you. 

     

    Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
    This keto side dish is a wonderful compliment to any meatloaf recipe. After all, bacon and meatloaf should be a match in heaven, right?
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf Bacon-Wrapped-Asparagus cookathomemom

     

    Best Gluten-Free Vegan Stuffing
    If you want a hearty side dish that is gluten-free, this vegan stuffing is just what you are looking for. Chunks of celery and carrots plus herbs make this stuffing comforting with classic flavors.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf Gluten-Free-Vegan-Stuffing-4 strenthandsunshine a plate with stuffing piled in the middle

     

    Creamed Onion Gratin
    Perfectly oven-baked onions in a creamy bechamel sauce with white wine, fresh thyme and, grated parmesan cheese. This creamed onion gratin is a perfect side dish for any comforting meal.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf Thanksgiving-19 cravingcalifornia

     

    Cream of Peas
    This cream of peas recipe, aka creamed peas, is a quick, easy, and comforting recipe. Everyone will love peas as soon as they take one bite of these!
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf CreamedPeas-32-680x1024 savorywithsoul

     

    Keto Mac & Cheese
    Heavy cream and a 3-cheese blend make this keto cauliflower mac & cheese the most satisfying side dish. Enjoying a healthy low-carb version that is full of flavor and what is loved in this classic American dish just got easier.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Meatloaf ketolowcarbmacandcheese thesixfiguredish overhead photo of a large casserole dish of cheesy bubbling keto mac & cheese

     

     

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

     

    What to Serve with Meatloaf PIN for Pinterest with 4 recipe images for creamd peas, onion gratin, fried corn, and squash casserole

     

     

     

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    What to Serve with Meatloaf PN1 4 recipe images of mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, stuffed tomatoes and a casserole

    What to Serve with Meatloaf

    Angela
    If you are trying to figure out what goes well with good old-fashioned meatloaf for dinner, this list is exactly what you are looking for. If you want something new and not just mashed potatoes, try any of these new recipes for other comfort foods, casseroles, salads, vegetables, potatoes, or more. We have you covered with so many choices on what to serve and eat with homemade meatloaf.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 0 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
      

    Try a Side Dish from the List Above, such as:

    • Creamed Onion Gratin
    • Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
    • Squash Casserole
    • Keto Creamed Spinach
    • Fried Corn
    • Cheesy Potatoes
    • Bacon Mac & Cheese
    • Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

    Instructions
     

    • Make your favorite meatloaf recipe.
    • Choose one or more wonderful sides from the lists above.
    • Enjoy!
    Keyword American, baked, casserole, comfort food, dinner, easy, gluten-free, keto, low carb, potatoes, salad, side dish, sides, vegetables
     
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Roselyn Franke says

      July 06, 2021 at 9:32 am

      The side dishes look yummy - don't make meatloaf often, but will have to try some of them with other entrees as well,

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 06, 2021 at 11:03 am

        thanks - enjoy whatever recipe you make with these side dishes

        Reply
    2. Brandee says

      February 21, 2022 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      My kid does not like mashed potatoes so I am always stumped on what to make with meatloaf. My mom always made mashed potatoes so boy has it been weird to not have that with a ton of gravy. I made the mashed up whipped sweet potatoes and we loved it. My kid ate it! So that is love if you ask me when the pickiest eater in the house finished it.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 21, 2022 at 3:48 pm

        Great news - what a win for momma!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat and explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that enjoys cooking with and for my family, traveling to try new cuisine, and constantly learning about food, drink, & how it touches all our lives.

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