Who doesn’t like classic comforting meatloaf dinner? Sometimes the side dishes you serve with meatloaf are even more important than the actual main course! That’s what we’re going to discuss today – 18 best side dishes for an all-time favorite meatloaf meal. From vegetables, salads, potato and rice dishes and even Keto options, it’s time to get creative!

Picture, or better yet taste, this…creamy mac and cheese with meatloaf. What a dynamic duo!

How about Cajun French fries? Potato salad is a go-to as well, or maybe you’ll even want to try a BLT Salad!

What Goes with Meatloaf?

Homemade meatloaf is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. While you’re baking your meatloaf, there’s plenty of time to prepare a perfect side that complements this hearty dinner. Depending on the season and your preference, from vegetables, salads, potatoes, rice and noodle dishes…heck even Keto options, we’ll break them all down for you.

Start now!

Vegetable Sides that Goes Good with Meatloaf

1. Steamed Broccoli

You can’t go wrong with this quick, easy, healthy, and delicious steamed broccoli.

Broccoli is high in protein, believe it or not, and vitamin c, and also low in carbohydrates for those inclined to lean towards a Keto diet. Steaming is the best way to cook this vegetable.

2. Glazed Carrots

Only four ingredients, and less than 10 minutes to cook – where can I sign up? And these are brown sugar-glazed carrots. This easy side is a perfect match for meatloaf and your palate!

3. Air Fryer Asparagus

Crispy tips and tender stalks, and healthy! And it’s vegan, low-carb and Keto!! Try it in an air fryer, and you’ll never go back to a conventional or microwave oven.

4. Sous Vide Green Beans

This may not roll off your tongue easily, but its flavor will have your taste buds tingling!

It’s made with very few ingredients including garlic, and it’s an excellent source of fiber, folate and potassium.

Salad & Salsa Side Dishes

5. Fruit Salsa

Delicious and refreshing – a perfect mix with Meatloaf! And get this recipe comes with cinnamon chips!!

Choose what fruits you want to throw in the equation, but we suggest strawberries, pineapple, mango and kiwi.

6. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad might not sound overly delicious to start with but the way we bring it to life does just that! A few special ingredients: bacon, cheesy and creamy mayonnaise yogurt dressing put this Meatloaf side over the top! There is a non-dairy option as well.

7. Cucumber Salad

When it comes to non-conventionals salads, this may be my favorite. Cucumbers and vinegar were a pairing I always enjoyed with my grandparents growing up. This will take that to another level. Again, the dressing is the key here. Follow along.

8. BLT Salad

Ready in 15 minutes or less, think bacon, lettuce, tomato without the bread and a little pasta instead! Your family and friends will be asking for more of this!

Potato & Rice Sides

9. Microwave Mashed Potatoes

I don’t know about you but mashed potatoes and meatloaf have always been a great pairing in our family. Fluffy, creamy and smooth, these too can be ready in 15 minutes or less!

Don’t forget to use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best results!!

10. Fried Rice

You can truly customize this dish by adding your favorite meat and veggies. Quick. Easy. Full of flavor. It’s also an opportunity to use up all the leftovers in the fridge.

11. Potato Salad

How can you go wrong with a mother’s recipe? This is a must-try!

Don’t forget the variety of potatoes you use here is key, and there may be an ingredient or two here that will make you say Mmmm.

12. Boiled Potatoes

Answer this, and be honest. Did you know that there are not only different types of potatoes, but also different levels of starch? There are baking potatoes that are considered starchy. All-purpose potatoes that are medium-starched, and waxy potatoes that are low-starch. We’ll break down all of that and more with these recipes.

13. Cajun French Fries

We’re going to copy one of the favorite fast food stops with their cajun french fries – Popeyes! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and give that cajun kick…BOOM!!

Soaking the fries before frying, and double frying for an extra crispy finish are two tips that will take you through.

Keto Sides

14. Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts

Does anything not taste good with bacon? Even Brussel sprouts! And three simple ingredients is all you’ll need, and to think this is Keto friendly!!

Combine this with Meatloaf and once again your tummy will thank you!

15. Cauliflower Fried Rice

How about this interesting tidbit when it comes to cauliflower rice? It had 90-percent fewer calories, and triple the fiber of white rice. We’ll give you a few different options to kick up this cauliflower fried rice a little more!

16. Zucchini Noodles

Five minutes to make this interesting dish.

You will need a spiralizer, and this may take a little practice to make the perfect noodle, but the good news is that these work and can be had as leftovers as well.

Other Popular Side Dishes

17. Creamy Mac and Cheese

Not just creamy mac and cheese, but Trisha Yearwood Mac and Cheese!

Prep time is just 10 minutes for this creamy delicious dish that once again is a perfect match for Meatloaf!

18. Sweet Potato Fries

You won’t be able to keep these on the dinner table for too long!

Soft-centered, crispy-edged sweet potato fries. I’m salivating just thinking of them!!

For even crispier results try ghee rather than olive oil.

Is Meatloaf Good for You?

It certainly isn’t unhealthy for you.

Make sure you choose lean ground beef or ground turkey if you can. These numbers speak for themselves: A large slice has between 180 calories and 294 calories, 23 grams of protein and 27 grams of total fat.

How to Keep a Meatloaf from Falling Apart?

Simple. Add ingredients that will keep this delicious dish intact. Eggs and breadcrumbs are two options.

And don’t overcook it. Often people cook for too long, and that leads to crumbled meatloaf.

What Dessert Goes with Meatloaf?

Perhaps the proper question should be what dessert doesn’t go with meatloaf?

Pie, tarts, cakes, fruit…you name it, it’s a perfect match for your palate when combined with meatloaf! Apple pie, vanilla ice cream, or perhaps even a peach crumble.

Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm!