Meatloaf is a classic, hearty dish that brings comfort to the dinner table, but no meatloaf meal is complete without the perfect side dish. What’s good with meatloaf? Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes or you’re seeking something lighter, like a fresh salad, there are countless ways to complement your meatloaf. The right side dishes can elevate your meatloaf and bring balance to the meal. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sides to serve with meatloaf, answering the essential question: What’s good with meatloaf?
Classic Comfort Sides for Meatloaf:
When we think of what is good with meat loaf, classic comfort foods come to mind. These sides are hearty and satisfying, making them the perfect accompaniment to the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are arguably the ultimate side dish when it comes to pairing with meatloaf. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the hearty meat, creating a satisfying combination.
- How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Start by boiling potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For extra creaminess, add sour cream or cream cheese to the mix.
Mashed potatoes provide the perfect answer to what’s good with meatloaf for those who love classic comfort food.
Learn more about the ingredients behind classic meatloaf sauces here.
Roasted Vegetables: A Healthier Option for What’s Good with Meatloaf?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to classic comfort sides, roasted vegetables are a great option. What’s good with meatloaf that balances the meal without overwhelming it? Roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch that pairs beautifully with meatloaf.
Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
Roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts are the perfect side dishes for a well-rounded meal. Their natural sweetness and slight crispiness provide a refreshing contrast to the savory meatloaf.
- How to Roast Vegetables: Toss your vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven at 400°F until tender and caramelized. Roasting enhances the vegetables’ natural flavors while adding a slight crisp texture.
Roasted vegetables offer a lighter, healthier side when thinking about what’s good with meatloaf.
Explore more topping options for meatloaf in this guide.
Mac and Cheese: What’s Good with Meatloaf for a Cozy Meal?
For those seeking a cozy, indulgent pairing, mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. What’s good with meatloaf if you want a rich, cheesy side? Mac and cheese delivers a creamy, cheesy complement to the savory flavors of meatloaf.
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Boil elbow macaroni until al dente.
- In a separate pot, melt butter, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese blend until melted and smooth.
Mac and cheese is an excellent answer to what’s good with meatloaf when you’re craving an indulgent, creamy side dish.
To elevate your meatloaf even further, try these delicious glaze recipes that complement your side dishes.
Green Beans and Sautéed Greens: What’s Good with Meatloaf for a Fresh, Crisp Side?
Sometimes, a fresh and crisp vegetable side is the perfect way to round out a meal. What’s good with meatloaf that adds a refreshing element? Green beans and sautéed greens offer a lighter, more vibrant side dish to balance out the richness of meatloaf.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a classic side that adds both freshness and texture to your meal. Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide a subtle crunch and a burst of flavor.
- How to Make Green Beans Almondine: Blanch green beans in boiling water, then toss them in butter and garlic. Add toasted almonds for a nutty finish.
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is another fantastic option that brings a nutritious element to your meatloaf meal. Quick to prepare and packed with vitamins, spinach is an easy go-to side.
- How to Sauté Spinach: Sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil for a simple, yet flavorful side.
These fresh and healthy sides are the perfect solution for what’s good with meatloaf when you want to add a crisp, refreshing component to your plate.
Cornbread and Biscuits: Southern Favorites for What’s Good with Meatloaf?
If you’re seeking a side with Southern charm, cornbread and biscuits are wonderful choices. What’s good with meatloaf if you love Southern-style comfort food? Cornbread and biscuits add a buttery, crumbly texture that enhances the meal.
Cornbread
It is a slightly sweet, crumbly side that pairs well with the savory flavors of meatloaf.
- How to Make Cornbread: Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and milk. Bake until golden brown for a classic Southern treat.
Fluffy Biscuits
Biscuits are another Southern favorite that add a rich, buttery element to your meal.
- How to Make Fluffy Biscuits: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and butter to form a dough, then bake until golden brown and flaky.
Both cornbread and biscuits are perfect answers to what’s good with meatloaf, especially if you’re craving Southern comfort food.
Fresh Salad Options: What’s Good with Meatloaf for a Light and Healthy Side?
If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier side dish to pair with your meatloaf, salads are a great option. What’s good with meatloaf that’s fresh and light? A simple salad can bring balance to a heavier meatloaf meal.
Mixed Greens Salad
A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette is a simple, refreshing side that complements meatloaf without overwhelming it.
- How to Make a Simple Salad: Toss mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions for extra flavor.
Caesar Salad
For a bolder flavor, a Caesar salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan cheese, and croutons adds texture and tang to your plate.
- How to Make Caesar Salad: Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and homemade croutons for a quick, flavorful side.
Fresh salads provide a healthy and satisfying answer to what’s good with meatloaf, offering a lighter counterbalance to the rich main dish.
If you’re looking for more delicious, lighter meal ideas, check out the ingredients behind chicken tortilla soup.
Hearty Sides: Scalloped Potatoes and Rice Pilaf for What’s Good with Meatloaf?
If you’re looking for a more filling side, scalloped potatoes and rice pilaf are hearty dishes that pair wonderfully with meatloaf. What’s good with meatloaf when you want something substantial? These sides provide extra heartiness without being overly heavy.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish that offers a rich alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- How to Make Scalloped Potatoes: Layer thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish, then cover with a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Bake until golden brown.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, made with seasoned rice, vegetables, and broth, is a flavorful and lighter option that pairs beautifully with meatloaf.
- How to Make Rice Pilaf: Sauté rice with onions and garlic, then cook it in broth for added flavor. Stir in vegetables like peas or carrots for extra texture.
Scalloped potatoes and rice pilaf are excellent choices for what’s good with meatloaf when you’re looking for a side dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Bread Rolls and Garlic Bread:
When it comes to pairing meatloaf with bread, dinner rolls and garlic bread are classic choices that work well with any meal. What’s good with meatloaf if you’re looking for a simple, buttery side? Bread rolls and garlic bread add warmth and richness to the meal.
Soft Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any extra sauce from your meatloaf. They provide a simple, yet satisfying side.
- How to Make Dinner Rolls: Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and butter to form a dough, then bake until golden brown and fluffy.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread adds a flavorful, crunchy element to your meal, thanks to its garlicky, buttery coating.
- How to Make Garlic Bread: Spread a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs over slices of bread, then toast until crispy and golden.
These bread options are simple yet delicious answers to what’s good with meat loaf, rounding out your meal with a warm, comforting touch.
For a unique bread option, try this cottage cheese bread recipe, which adds a rich, moist texture to the meal.
More Side Dishes to Try with Meatloaf:
While we’ve covered some of the best side dishes, there are plenty more options to explore when deciding what’s good with meatloaf. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, these sides can add variety and balance to your meal.
Coleslaw: A Refreshing, Tangy Option
Coleslaw brings a refreshing, tangy element to the meal, offering a cool contrast to the warmth of meatloaf. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar or creamy dressing, coleslaw is a simple yet delicious side that balances the richness of the meatloaf.
- How to Make Classic Coleslaw: Shred cabbage and carrots, then mix them with a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar for sweetness. For extra flavor, add celery seeds or a splash of lemon juice.
Coleslaw is a perfect answer to what’s good with meatloaf when you’re looking for a side that adds crunch and freshness.
Baked Beans: A Sweet and Savory Pairing for Meatloaf
Baked beans are another comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with meat loaf. The sweet and savory flavors of baked beans, often enhanced with molasses or brown sugar, provide a delightful contrast to the savory meatloaf.
- How to Make Baked Beans: Simmer beans in a sauce made from tomato paste, molasses, mustard, and brown sugar. Add bacon or smoked sausage for extra depth of flavor.
If you’re wondering what’s good with meat loaf for a hearty, flavorful side, baked beans are a classic choice that adds richness and warmth to the meal.
Gravy as a Side Sauce for Meatloaf
While not a traditional side dish, gravy can serve as a flavorful accompaniment to meat loaf, enhancing both the main dish and any sides like mashed potatoes or rice. A rich, homemade gravy can tie together all the elements of the meal, adding extra moisture and flavor.
- How to Make Simple Gravy: Use pan drippings or broth, mix with flour and butter to make a roux, and slowly whisk in stock or milk for a smooth, rich gravy.
Gravy is a versatile option when deciding what’s good with meat loaf, as it can complement various sides while enhancing the overall meal.
Sweet Potatoes: A Healthier Twist on Traditional Potatoes
For those looking for a healthier alternative to classic mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes are an excellent option. Roasted or mashed, sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory richness of meatloaf.
- How to Roast Sweet Potatoes: Cube sweet potatoes, toss them in olive oil, and roast at 400°F until tender. Season with cinnamon or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Sweet potatoes are a satisfying and nutritious answer to what’s good with meatloaf, providing a flavorful and wholesome side dish.
Pasta Salad: A Light, Cold Side Dish for Warm Weather
If you’re making meatloaf during the warmer months, a light pasta salad can be the perfect side dish to keep things fresh. Pasta salads are easy to customize, and their cool, refreshing flavor complements the heartiness of meatloaf without being too heavy.
- How to Make Pasta Salad: Cook your favorite pasta, then toss it with vegetables, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette. For extra flavor, add feta cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Pasta salad is a versatile and light choice when thinking about what’s good with meat loaf, especially for summer meals.
Conclusion:
When it comes to what is good with meat loaf, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, or healthier options like roasted vegetables and fresh salads, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion. By mixing and matching these side dishes, you can create the perfect meal to complement your favorite meat loaf recipe.
So the next time you’re making meat loaf, try one of these delicious sides to enhance your meal. Whether it’s a traditional pairing or a new twist, these side dishes will make your meat loaf dinner even more satisfying and flavorful.