An epic collection of the tastiest and most popular sides for meatloaf, from the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes to easy veggie side dishes.

The Best Meatloaf Side Dishes

So, meatloaf is definitely my thing. I have a few posts that will help you if you plan to make a perfect homemade meatloaf. Pull the ground beef out of the freezer and check these out:

• My Lipton meatloaf recipe 
• The ultimate meatloaf recipe: the one that will make you fall in love with meatloaf 
• Easy meatloaf glaze – 3 ingredients, guys, and the taste is perfect with meatloaf.
• For a traditional route, meatloaf with brown gravy.
• Here’s my meatloaf temperature guide to give you the best results.

Now that we have the base recipe covered, here’s my list of perfect meatloaf sides!

Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Here’s my out-of-this-world old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese recipe. 

Creamy, saucy, and topped with a crusty layer. This macaroni cheese is absolute perfection and a must alongside your meatloaf.

Cornbread Casserole 

While we are on the classics, add this cornbread casserole recipe to your list. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and cooks quietly as you prepare your other sides.

It’s the moist, tender, fluffy cousin to the denser, more crumbly regular cornbread.

Perfectly Fluffy, Creamy Mashed Potatoes

This mashed potato recipe for my light, fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes is the only recipe you’ll ever need. A great side dish for meatloaf.

I’ve included all the common mistakes made so if you want to up your mashed potato game, this is a great article for you.

Make it with half cauliflower for a lightened up cauliflower mash.

Simple Steamed Rice

Choose white rice, brown rice, steal my mother-in-law’s simple, foolproof basmati rice recipe, or try my Instant Pot mexican rice.

Rice is always a classic side dish that’s perfect for the family table.

Quick Pan-Fried Asparagus

I like making this easy asparagus on the stove as a side dish. It’s a lovely partner to meatloaf.

Pan fried asparagus is a crisp-tender, fresh and simple side dish I love.

Crispy Air Fry Eggplant

My crispy air fryer eggplant puffs are so good as a side to meatloaf. I love that they are lighter than regular fried or roasted eggplant but just as delicious.

Creamy Shortcut Scalloped Potatoes

This gluten free au gratin potatoes recipe is hearty and comforting yet doesn’t require making a roux (butter and flour paste) which means it is naturally free from gluten.

Also known as scalloped potatoes, this is a got-to-have side dish with your meatloaf – it has all the silky, soft goodness you’d expect from a scalloped potato recipe yet it’s also light.

Bonus? It’s all made in one skillet that goes from stovetop to oven. Top with a little more parmesan cheese for a delicious, golden crust.

The Ultimate Potato Salad  

I often get asked for my favorite creamy potato salad – and this is it!

You’ll love it for its creamy and tangy dressing and the rich inclusion of eggs. This is a great base for you to add other ingredients. 

Your New Favorite Macaroni Salad

Totally delicious – this is honestly the best macaroni salad.

My secret trips keep it from ever drying out, and it’s packed with mouth-watering savory flavor.  You’ve just got to try it.

Easy Couscous Salad

I love this as a side to meatloaf. My easy couscous salad with lemon dressing is bright and breezy – fruit, lemon, herbs, and nuts – it’s such a joy.

It’s the lemon dressing that really makes this couscous salad special.

Brown Gravy for Meatloaf

The luscious sauce that gets drizzled over thick slices of meatloaf is such a great recipe to have in your back pocket. 

Gotta try this Meatloaf with Brown Gravy recipe.

Skillet Cornbread

My skillet cornbread is buttery, fluffy and so easy to make. It has a rich corn flavor and is the perfect comfort food. 

You can easily add other ingredients like onions, peppers or mushrooms to it.

Candied Brussels Sprouts

I feel like brussels sprouts, crisp-roasted with bacon and maple syrup, are a must as a side dish to meatloaf and almost anything else.

Try this candied brussels sprouts recipe and find out why it’s a Foodess fan favorite.

Creamy Garlic Sauteed Mushrooms 

Creamy and garlic go hand in hand with meatloaf and Holiday feels. This recipe is a super quick, easy, and savory side dish by Salt and Lavender.

Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

This Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is a classic way to make green beans in the most delicious way.

The crunchy fried onion topping goes beautifully with the silky cream sauce and tender beans. 

Crispy Butternut Squash Fries

I love to serve baked butternut squash fries as an alternative to a regular white potato fries.

These ones turn out crispy every time.

Roasted Butternut Squash 

Since I’m sharing my love of squash, I have to give you another one.

I love how gorgeously this roasted butternut squash caramelizes in the oven. Make it with or without the yummy seasoning blend.

Either way, you must try this easy side dish recipe.

Duchess Potatoes

Get fancy with these Duchess potatoes – loaded with butter and fresh cream; don’t hold back. 

This is a great recipe from Momsdish to start with if you haven’t made them before. 

Fondant Potatoes 

These are also a touch fancy, and I love them alongside one of my homemade meatloaf recipes. As far as vegetables and potato dishes are concerned, this is a must-try side dish to meatloaf. 

I love this easy beginner recipe by Closet Cooking.  

Smashed Potatoes with Pesto 

This viral potato side dish is so simple, and yet, you’d find them in any good restaurant. 

I love this version with its pop of green pesto by Rasa Malaysia.

Hedgehog Roasted Potatoes

This is a great way to add visual interest and texture to simple potatoes. 

Serve these easy potatoes by Easy Weeknight Recipes.

Asparagus Gratin 

Pretty much any veggie done au gratin is a winner. I like to serve this with garlic bread to mop up the extra sauce. 

Try this recipe by The View From Great Island.  

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries 

This simple Crispy Sweet Potato Fries side dish adds color and creaminess to your table.

It’s also a healthy side dish, and it’s gluten-free.  Make these crispy sweet potatoes with or without the chipotle aioli.

Fluffy Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

This is another one of those side dishes that everyone just loves.

Check out this recipe for easy buttermilk drop biscuits. It’s the only biscuit recipe I make!

Light and Crispy Onion Rings

This is the perfect side dish if you’re trying to impress your friends. These onion rings with a light batter are crunchy and delicious and one of my best side dishes.

You’ve got to try this delicious side dish. 

More Easy Side Dishes

I’ll leave you with a few delicious sides that don’t even need a recipe.

• Steamed Broccoli
• Roasted, steamed or boiled carrots
• Simple steamed green beans
• Baked white or sweet potatoes with sour cream and cheddar cheese
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Simple green salad (with store bought or homemade classic vinaigrette)

Read This Next:

• Prefer some lighter options? Don’t miss my 35+ Amazing Healthy Sides for Meatloaf for lots of easy, delicious, nutrient-packed options.

FAQs About Meatloaf Sides

Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions about what to serve with meatloaf.

What is a good side for meatloaf?
A classic choice is mashed potatoes, but other great options include roasted vegetables, green beans, or a crisp salad.

What is the most popular side dish?
Among the most popular are creamy mashed potatoes, known for their versatility and comfort-food appeal.

What is a good side dish instead of potatoes?
For a change from potatoes, try serving meatloaf with rice, quinoa, cornbread, biscuits, or sweet potatoes.

Can I pair meatloaf with pasta?
Absolutely! A side of buttered noodles or a light pasta salad can complement meatloaf nicely.

What are some low-carb options for meatloaf sides?
Consider roasted cauliflower, steamed broccoli, or a mixed greens salad for low-carb alternatives.

Are there any quick and easy side dishes for meatloaf?
Steamed vegetables, simple tossed salads, or oven-baked fries are quick, easy, and delicious.