Wondering what to serve with meatloaf? Explore our favorite sides that complement this hearty entree and make your dinner complete. From classic favorites to unexpected pairings, we have a variety of delicious side dishes that will pair oh-so-well with meatloaf.

Explore a variety of great meatloaf side dishes beyond the usual rice and mashed potatoes!
Side Dishes For Meatloaf
Whether you prefer cornbread, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or refreshing salads, there are numerous side dishes that perfectly complement meatloaf. We want to share some of our personal favorite sides with you. Let's dive in and discover the perfect accompaniments for a scrumptious dining experience!
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an undeniable crowd-pleaser, especially during holiday gatherings. They often steal the spotlight at the dinner table, and this recipe is no exception. Prepare yourself for a delightful twist with Caramelized Shallot Mashed potatoes. This delectable side dish is so irresistible that it can be enjoyed with any meal, not just meatloaf.
Caramelized Shallot Mashed Potatoes
Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this caramelized shallot mashed potatoes recipe. Creamy, savory, and full of flavor, it's the perfect side dish for any meal!
2. Air Fryer Potato Skins
Elevate your meatloaf meal with a delicious side dish of air fryer potato skins. These crispy and flavorful potato skins are the perfect accompaniment to your main course. Loaded with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream, they add an extra layer of indulgence to your dining experience.
Air Fryer Potato Skins
These air fryer potato skins are incredibly crispy! They’re topped with bacon, green onions, and just the right amount of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese to make this an aromatic, beautiful snack.
3. Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
The creamy and rich flavors of the spinach complement the hearty and savory taste of the meatloaf. The smooth texture adds a luxurious touch to your meal, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether served as a side dish or as a topping for your meatloaf, it adds a delicious and nutritious element to your plate.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Ready to indulge in the decadence of Steakhouse Creamed Spinach? Treat yourself to a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite steak or roasted chicken.
4. Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern fried cabbage is a fantastic side dish for meatloaf. Its tender yet slightly crispy texture, combined with the flavorful seasonings, creates a delightful contrast to the savory meatloaf. The cabbage's natural sweetness adds a pleasant balance to the meal, making it a winning combination that will satisfy your taste buds. Don't miss out on this delicious duo!
Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern fried cabbage is such an underrated dish! It is incredibly delicious, low carb and keto. Once your family try it, they will ask you to make it again.
5. Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is an excellent choice as a side dish for meatloaf. It's incredibly simple to make! Just spread butter and cheese on your bread slices, then air fry them until the cheese melts.
The best part about garlic bread is its versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings. Give it a try and enjoy the flavorful combination.
Garlic Bread in Air Fryer
This air fryer garlic bread is super buttery and crisp. It is the perfect addition to any meal and will be on your table in minutes.
6. Steamed Broccoli
If you're craving something fresh and healthy, broccoli is the perfect choice. It's far from boring! This side dish is incredibly quick, and turns out perfectly tender every time! Once it's done, you can enhance its flavor by adding butter and your favorite seasonings. Don't miss out on this vibrant vegetable side dish that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf!
Steamed Broccoli
Tender-crisp Steamed broccoli with toasted garlic is a simple and healthy side dish. Crisp and vibrant green broccoli on the table every time in less than 15 min. Vegan. Gluten-Free.
7. Cheesy Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The combination of tender roasted Brussels sprouts, melted cheese, and savory garlic creates a delicious and flavorful accompaniment to the hearty meatloaf. It's a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will elevate your meal to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Cheesy Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Learn how to make the best cheesy garlic roasted Brussels sprouts with this foolproof recipe. They are deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them as a side dish or main meal.
8. Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
The tender asparagus spears are roasted to perfection, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and topped with melted cheese. The combination of the savory cheese, aromatic garlic, and the earthy taste of asparagus adds depth and deliciousness to your meal. It's a winning combination that will satisfy your taste buds and make your meatloaf dinner even more enjoyable!
Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Easy Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Mozzarella cheese is a perfect one sheet pan side dish. It is healthy, paleo, keto friendly and low carb and it tastes incredible. Your family is going to love this flavorful cheesy garlic roasted asparagus dish!
9. Cabbage Steaks
These thick slices of cabbage are roasted to perfection, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The outer layers become crispy and caramelized while the inner layers remain tender. The mild and slightly sweet taste of the cabbage pairs wonderfully with the savory meatloaf, providing a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
These Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a delight for your taste buds! They're tender, caramelized and irresistibly crispy on the outside. Plus, you can easily make them in the oven, air fryer, or on the grill for a crispy and delicious side dish or snack.
10. Roasted Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad
This vibrant and flavorful salad features roasted cauliflower as the star ingredient, which adds a delightful nutty and slightly caramelized taste. Combined with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, chickpeas, and tangy lemon dressing, the tabbouleh salad offers a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and hearty meatloaf.
Roasted Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad
This cauliflower tabouli is a light, refreshing Middle Eastern salad with enough lemony goodness to really lift your spirits.
11. Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad
This creamy and flavorful potato salad is made effortlessly using the Instant Pot, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender potatoes. The combination of creamy mayo, tangy mustard, and various seasonings makes a delightful dressing that complements the rich flavors of meatloaf.
Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad
Instant Pot Potato salad is easy, delicious and ready in less than 15 minutes. Cook Russet potatoes and eggs together and then mix with onion, fresh parsley, old-style Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. You don’t need a steamer basket to make this rich and addictive salad. It is budget-friendly that makes it perfect for potluck parties and barbecues.
12. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a nutritious and wholesome choice that adds a healthy element to your meal. It's a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to white rice. Whether served on the side or as a base for the meatloaf, brown rice adds depth and satisfaction to the overall dish.
Brown Rice in Instant Pot
Learn how to cook Brown Rice in Instant Pot in 15 min. The perfect fail-proof method to get fluffy, nutty and tender brown rice every time. A highly nutritious, gluten free and low in calories side dish in no time.
13. Marinated Mushrooms
Enhance your meatloaf feast with these delectable marinated mushrooms! Bursting with savory flavors, these tender and tangy mushrooms create the perfect side dish. Their earthy taste and succulent texture beautifully complement the richness of the meatloaf.
Best Marinated Mushrooms
Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer? Try this marinated mushrooms recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a flavorful and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion.
14. Mashed Cauliflower
Made with tender cauliflower florets, this creamy and fluffy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes is a healthier option that doesn't sacrifice flavor. This cauliflower mash pairs beautifully with the savory meatloaf, adding a touch of lightness and a burst of deliciousness to your plate.
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
This Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower is buttery and a great low carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Made of cauliflower, garlic, cumin powder, ground black pepper, sour cream and Parmesan cheese. A perfect and healthy side dish. Ready in 5 minutes. Keto friendly!
15. Buttery Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
These vibrant green beans are cooked until tender-crisp and then tossed in a luscious buttery sauce infused with aromatic garlic. The result is a medley of flavors that perfectly complements the savory goodness of meatloaf. With each bite, you'll experience a delightful crunch followed by a burst of garlic-infused buttery goodness. This simple yet elegant side dish adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste to your meatloaf dinner, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Buttery Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
What’s tasty, healthy, all natural, and ready within ten minutes? This buttery sauteed green beans recipe, of course!
16. Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
The earthy mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions create a harmonious blend that beautifully complements the rich flavors of meatloaf. With each bite, you'll savor the tender mushrooms and the sweet, slightly tangy notes of the onions. This side dish adds depth and a touch of elegance to your meatloaf feast, making it a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
Buttery sautéed mushrooms and onions are so good! It is a perfect side dish. Ready in less than 15 minutes. A great addition to steaks, burgers, soups or stews.
17. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
This simple yet satisfying salad combines crisp cucumber slices and juicy tomato wedges, tossed together with a light and tangy dressing. Each bite offers a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavors, perfectly complementing the heartiness of meatloaf. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this salad brings a refreshing balance to your meatloaf meal, making it a complete and well-rounded culinary experience.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing, light and healthy side dish. Made with garden tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, fresh aromatic herbs and tangy lemon vinaigrette. The easiest salad you’ll make!
18. Super Moist Cornbread Recipe
This classic Southern side dish is a perfect pairing for meatloaf, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to each bite. The cornbread is tender, fluffy, and irresistibly moist, thanks to the perfect blend of cornmeal, buttermilk, and a hint of sweetness. Its golden crust gives way to a buttery and rich interior that melts in your mouth. It's a side dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to every meatloaf meal, leaving you craving for more.
Super Moist Cornbread Recipe
This is seriously the BEST Cornbread recipe! Fill your house with the incredible smell of fresh homemade cornbread that is ready in 25 minutes. It is buttery, fluffy moist and so soft!
19. Naan Bread
This soft and pillowy bread is made with a combination of flour, yogurt, and yeast, resulting in a tender and slightly chewy texture. Pairing the warm naan bread with meatloaf creates a delectable fusion of flavors, as the savory and hearty meatloaf contrasts beautifully with the aromatic and slightly tangy naan. Tear off a piece of naan, scoop up a juicy bite of meatloaf, and savor the explosion of flavors in every mouthful.
Naan Bread
Are you looking for Soft, Airy with beautiful golden brown blisters flatbread ? This Naan Recipe is sure to be the ONE you need! Goes well with almost everything. It is super easy to make.
20. Focaccia Bread
The golden crust of the focaccia gives way to a light and airy interior, making it an ideal companion to complement the rich and savory flavors of meatloaf. Each bite of this delicious bread provides a harmonious combination of flavors and textures, as the meatloaf's juicy and tender goodness melds with the fragrant herbs and olive oil-infused Focaccia.
Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is a very popular and flavorful Italian Bread. Perfectly crisp on the outsides and soft inside. It is topped with rosemary and black olives.
😋 FANTASTIC MEATLOAF RECIPES
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe
Italian Meatloaf with Ricotta Cheese
Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
We hope you have a fantastic and flavorful meatloaf dinner with these delicious side dish ideas! Feel free to share your favorite sides in the comments and come back to let us know which ones you enjoyed the most. Bon appétit!

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