What to Serve with Meatloaf: 30+ Easy Sides and Desserts

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

The Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of the most beloved comfort foods in many homes, ours included! The smell of it baking brings back so many warm memories, and I love getting creative with 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, which makes 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 match for meatloaf, offering creamy, crispy, or roasted textures that balance the dish’s richness.

1. Smashed Potatoes Crispy, buttery, and a perfect match for meatloaf.
2. Roasted Diced Potatoes Crispy outside, fluffy inside.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes A lightly sweet, 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 Tender potato layers in a creamy sauce.
7. Cheesy Potatoes with Frozen Hash Browns A creamy, cheesy, irresistible potato side that’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with meatloaf.

Salads

A fresh salad adds a light, crisp contrast to a hearty meatloaf dinner.

1. Broccoli Salad A crunchy, slightly sweet salad with creamy dressing.
2. Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Light and refreshing.
3. Caesar Salad Crisp romaine, parmesan, and a tangy dressing.
4. Orange Fluff Salad A retro favorite with a touch of sweetness.
5. Corn Chip Salad Sweet corn, crunchy corn chips, and a creamy, tangy dressing make this a fun, crowd-pleasing side next to a slice of meatloaf.
6. Macaroni Pasta Salad A creamy, tangy, slightly sweet pasta salad packed with flavor, and a great make-ahead side for meatloaf dinners.
7. 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 add nutrition and color to a meatloaf dinner. Here are some tasty options:

1. Slow Cooker Baked Beans Slow-cooked with rich flavor, these baked beans are a hearty, delicious complement to meatloaf.
2. Roasted Carrots Lightly caramelized and naturally sweet.
3. Green Beans Almondine Fresh green beans sautéed with butter and almonds.
4. Harvard Beets A sweet, tangy old-fashioned side that pairs perfectly with classic meatloaf.
5. Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Butter A light, bright option.
6. Roasted Asparagus Simple, elegant, and delicious.

Breads & Rolls

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

1. Sourdough Bread Slightly tangy and chewy.
2. Bread Machine Dinner Rolls Easy homemade buns with a soft texture.
3. Cornbread A lightly sweet and savory option.
4. Dinner Rolls Classic, fluffy, and perfect for spreading with butter.
5. Garlic Bread Because garlic and butter make everything better!
6. Baking Powder Biscuits Light, fluffy, and quick to mix up.

What Desserts Go with Meatloaf?

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

1. Hot Fudge Pudding Cake A rich, gooey chocolate dessert.
2. Apple Crisp Warm, spiced apples under a crunchy oat topping.
3. Peach Crisp Sweet, juicy peaches under a buttery oat topping.
4. Lemon Bars A sweet and tart treat to balance the meal.
5. No-Bake Cheesecake A creamy, easy dessert.
6. Canned Cherry Pie Recipe A special, 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, savory flavor of 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 light next to a hearty slice of meatloaf.

Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Love

This easy meatloaf recipe with homemade glaze is a favorite with families and crowds!

This mini meatloaf recipe is made extra special with crispy bacon wrapped around. It’s a perfect dinner idea for guests or special occasions.

Onion Soup Mix Meatloaf is quick and easy to mix up, and a packet of onion soup mix gives it incredible flavor!

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 build a cozy, 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 all in one place.