15 Sides Dishes to Serve with a Hearty Helping of Meatloaf

Traditional meatloaf is a hearty and nourishing meal that’s best served on cold, winter nights when you want to cozy up to a warm dinner. The thing is, the classic dish is more versatile than you might think. That means there are a ton of different side dishes you could serve along with it. From tried-and-true sides like mashed potatoes to out-of-the-box options like green bean oven fries, there’s no shortage to what you can serve with this family-friendly main. If you’re tired of serving the same old thing time after time, read on for some inspiration. These are our favorite side dishes to pair with meatloaf, starting with these upgraded spuds. Mashed potatoes are a must-have when you’re eating a hearty beef-based entrée. For a fun spin on the classic, try this version that uses goat cheese to add extra tangy flavor. Sour cream and milk help add creamy texture, while parmesan and garlic-and-herb goat cheese pack in bold, irresistible flavor.

These oven-baked green beans are crispy and crunchy, which makes them a great option to serve alongside rich and savory meatloaf. First, raw green beans get dredged in flour and egg then coated in a panko and crispy onion breading mixture, then baked in the oven. The result is a golden and crunch fry on the outside, with a tender and flavorful green bean on the inside.

Meatloaf is a hearty meal, and serving it with a hearty side dish is perfect for those cozy winter dinners. Whether you’re hosting a party or whipping up a weeknight meal, this is a fantastic side dish for any occasion. It’s ready in just under an hour and serves up to six people.

Baked beans are sweet, smoky and savory, so they’re perfect for pairing with meat. This recipe makes a delightful accompaniment to hearty meatloaf because it’s easy to make and simple to serve. The no-fuss side dish is perfect for cozy winter nights or summer barbecues alike, but we think it’s particularly delicious when ladled on top of a slice of savory meatloaf.

Honey glazed carrots are sweet and simple, and this easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to come together. It’s perfect for pairing with meatloaf—the earthiness of the carrots helps offset the richness of ground beef, and a touch of sweetness balances out the savory flavors in the meatloaf.

Tired of boiling water every time you want to make mashed potatoes? This fun recipe takes one step out of the process by baking the potatoes and feta cheese all together in one casserole dish. First combine the potatoes and cheese in a casserole dish with half and half, then bake until it’s bubbly. Simply mash everything together until combined, then add sour cream and season. Return to the oven for an extra 10 minutes and serve with chopped chives and pepper.

Creamed spinach is a fantastic side dish to serve with beef because it’s hearty, creamy and melts in your mouth. This recipe couldn’t get any easier; it takes just 16 minutes to prepare and requires less than 10 ingredients. Grated nutmeg adds a surprising pop of complex flavor.

Mac and cheese is such a versatile dish you can serve it as a side with a beef-based entrée or on its own as the main course. This recipe is so simple—it only uses five ingredients—and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. The best part? It all comes together in an instant pot, which means you’ll only have one dish to clean.

When serving any saucy dish, you’ll need some fresh rolls to help soak up all the extra gravy. These classic Parker House Rolls are just the ticket. They’re fresh and moist, and they’re the perfect accompaniment to hearty meatloaf. The best part? This recipe yields 24 rolls, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers to eat throughout the week.

Sometimes a simple, healthy side dish is the best thing to serve with a hearty meal. That’s why we love this sautéed asparagus with olives recipe. It’s easy to whip up and versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken or a savory meatloaf. The olives add just enough bright, acidic flavor to help offset the rich, fattiness of the meat.

Everybody knows that potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish to serve with meat, and this creamy, cheesy version is even more irresistible. The easy recipe yields 6-8 servings, which means it’s a great option to serve for a party or to bring to a potluck. Garnish with fresh chives and serve alongside your favorite meatloaf recipe.

If you’re opting for a lightened-up version of meatloaf and using turkey instead of beef, try serving a light and crisp salad on the side. This crunchy romaine salad gets its flavor from a tangy vinaigrette, making it a refreshing side dish to serve with hearty meatloaf. Shaved radishes add peppery flavor to every bite.

Dedicate just a little bit of your freezer space to this crowd-pleasing casserole and save yourself some time the next time you whip up a batch of meatloaf. The classic side dish makes a hearty accompaniment to weeknight meatloaf, and it makes the dish feel just a little bit more special. Make the green bean-and-mushroom favorite then freeze and forget it. To serve, just reheat and top with crunchy fried onions.

If you prefer your meatloaf on the saucy side, a heaping plate of pasta is a good way to put that extra sauce to good use. We love this orecchiette recipe because it’s simple and delicious, and you get a bit of fresh green veggies in every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, frozen peas, asparagus and freshly-grated Grano Padano cheese are the keys to extra flavor.