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    Recipes

    30 Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Aug 27, 2021 by Dee

    Wondering What to serve with Meatloaf? Check out our 30 BEST side dishes to serve with meatloaf that are delicious and easy to prepare! From simple mashed potatoes to savory green beans, these side dish recipes make dinnertime easy! via @meamel

    Wondering What to serve with Meatloaf? Check out our 30 BEST side dishes to serve with meatloaf that are delicious and easy to prepare! From simple mashed potatoes to savory green beans, these side dish recipes make dinnertime easy!

    collage of 30 side dishes to serve with meatloaf

    Homemade meatloaf is a classic dinner recipe that screams comfort food. It's one of our favorite ground beef recipes, and I serve meatloaf for dinner frequently because my whole family loves it! With a site name like Meatloaf and Melodrama, that makes sense, right?!

    I make my mom's meatloaf recipe -- Mom's Best Meatloaf with onion soup mix the most. This is truly the best classic meatloaf recipe with great flavor and simply melts in your mouth!

    Still, everyone loves meatloaf with tomato sauce and brown sugar (without onion soup mix) and cheesy barbecue meatloaf, too.

    Did you know you can make meatloaf in the Instant Pot? This is the ideal option when it's too hot to turn on the oven. You can also make cheddar cheese BBQ meatloaf muffins and Italian meatloaf muffins with Parmesan cheese. Kids love these!

    But, we're talking about simple side dishes that go with your best meatloaf recipes. You can't go wrong with fluffy mashed potatoes and savory green beans or green peas. Or, maybe you're craving something lighter? Never fear -- I have the ultimate guide here -- 30 of the best side dishes to serve with meatloaf!

    What to Serve with Meatloaf -- Easy Side Dishes

    We love these creamy Instant Pot mashed potatoes, and they pair perfectly with hearty meatloaf. Use baby potatoes, and you don't even have to peal them. We sometimes add a dash of garlic powder to jazz up this classic comfort food

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are smooth, creamy and perfect every time. Make the easiest, best mashed potatoes ever in your pressure cooker!
    Read More
    instant pot mashed potatoes with butter in a white bowl

    If you want something simpler, cook baked potatoes in your microwave. These microwave baked potatoes are one of our favorite potato recipes and take just minutes to make.

    Easy Microwave Baked Potato
    This Easy Microwave Baked Potato recipe is the best way to get the perfect baked potato in minutes. A quick side dish on busy nights when you don't have time to oven bake or air fry your spuds!
    Read More
    microwave baked potato with broccoli, sour cream, cheese and bacon on a plate

    If you cook meatloaf in your pressure cooker or air fryer, try this recipe for Instant Pot potato salad. This potato dish has a creamy texture with a little crunch, and it's the best way to make potato salad!

    Instant Pot Potato Salad
    This Instant Pot Potato Salad recipe lets you cook the potatoes and eggs together in your pressure cooker. It's an easy way to make this classic side dish!
    Read More
    instant pot potato salad with red potatoes in a bowl with hard cooked eggs and celery

    Here's another easy meatloaf side dish to make in your Instant Pot -- baby potatoes. These creamer potatoes take 10 minutes to cook, and you don't even have to cut them!

    Easy Instant Pot Baby Potatoes
    Instant Pot baby potatoes steamed in the pressure cooker until soft and fluffy are a delicious easy side dish that takes minutes to make. This simple potato recipe is one of the easiest Instant Pot recipes you'll ever make!
    Read More
    instant pot baby potatoes steamed until tender in a round white serving dish with parsley

    If you don't want to microwave potatoes, you can cook baked potatoes in the Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker. Top the spuds with butter, sour cream and cheddar cheese for a delicious addition to your meatloaf meal!

    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
    Make Instant Pot Baked Potatoes that are fluffy, creamy and perfectly cooked with this easy recipe. No need to turn on the oven for the best baked potatoes!
    Read More
    instant pot baked potatoes with sour cream cheddar cheese and bacon on a plate

    Have an air fryer? You can make crispy, seasoned air fryer roasted potatoes to go with the main course. This easy side dish recipe is a family favorite and super easy to make!

    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
    Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are the perfect easy side dish. Made with simple ingredients, these little potatoes are ready in minutes! Your whole family will love this easy air fryer recipe, and it goes with almost any main dish.
    Read More
    crispy air fryer baby potatoes with parmesan cheese and parsley in white serving bowl

    If you have an air fryer oven like the Instant Omni or Vortex or the Nina Foodi grill, you can make these cheesy potatoes au gratin. It's the perfect side dish for special occasions or Sunday dinner!

    Air Fryer Potatoes au Gratin
    Air Fryer Potatoes au Gratin, or cheesy scalloped potatoes, is a creamy easy side dish perfect for holiday dinners. Cooks super fast in the air fryer oven!
    Read More
    potatoes au gratin on a serving spoon

    For a healthier side dish, try mashed sweet potatoes. My kids are definitely in the sweet potato fan club and they love making sweet potatoes in the pressure cooker. For something different, add maple syrup for extra flavor!

    Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    Easy Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with maple syrup and brown sugar is a simple pressure cooker side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving or any dinner!
    Read More
    Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes in white bowl for thanksgiving

    You definitely need green veggies with your meatloaf dinner! Steam green beans in your microwave with salt, black pepper and garlic powder, and they're cooked to tender crisp perfection in a few minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!

    Microwave Green Beans
    Microwave Green Beans with butter, salt, pepper and garlic for a quick and healthy side dish. Learn how to steam fresh green beans the easy way in just a few minutes.
    Read More
    microwave green beans in white serving bowl

    Steamed broccoli is another quick and easy, delicious option that you can make in your microwave. Add a little water, and the broccoli is ready in minutes! Top it with cheese sauce if you like!

    Steam Broccoli in Microwave
    Learn How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave with this easy microwave broccoli recipe. You only need 2 ingredients for this healthy side dish that takes just minutes to make!
    Read More
    bowl of microwave broccoli with serving spoon

    You can whip up crispy Brussels sprouts in your air fryer while your meatloaf is cooking. Air fryer sprouts have the best texture! Add some Parmesan cheese and bacon for extra flavor.

    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfectly cooked in 12 minutes. Add Parmesan and bacon for an easy side dish for holidays or anytime!
    Read More
    bowl of Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and bacon cooked in the air fryer

    Don't want to use the microwave? Cook fresh green beans in a small skillet, and add some cooked bacon for flavor. So good!

    Easy Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon
    Easy Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon made with fresh green beans sauteed until tender and topped with bacon is a light, healthy side dish perfect for holiday dinners or every day! 
    Read More
    sauteed green with bacon and lemon on serving platter

    Steam some asparagus in the microwave when you want a delicious healthy vegetable to go with dinner. This is one of our favorite recipes, and we like to flavor it with lemon juice and Parm for added deliciousness!

    How to Microwave Asparagus
    Learn How to Microwave Asparagus in just 3 minutes with this easy recipe. Steamed asparagus is a quick, healthy side dish perfect for spring. It pairs beautifully with your favorite main dish and tastes absolutely delicious.
    Read More
    microwave asparagus on white platter with lemon slices and parmesan cheese

    Another one of our favorite side dishes is steamed carrots cooked in the microwave. This method is quick and super easy! Add butter and brown sugar, and these baby carrots taste simply amazing!

    Microwave Carrots
    Microwave Carrots with butter and brown sugar for a quick and easy side dish. It takes just 5 minutes to steam carrots in the microwave with this simple recipe.
    Read More
    microwave cooked carrots in white bowl

    Baby carrots with a tangy orange ginger glaze is another great idea. You'll love the different flavor combo here! Cook the carrots in the Instant Pot or on the stove.

    Instant Pot Orange Ginger Carrots
    Instant Pot Orange Ginger Carrots are quick and easy to make in the pressure cooker and lighter than the usual recipes for glazed carrots. It's a delicious side dish for holidays or everyday dinners!
    Read More
    instant pot orange ginger carrots on white platter

    Roast a mix of Brussel sprouts and other vegetables on a baking sheet with a little olive oil. Roasted vegetables is a great side dish that is keto friendly and low carb! You can mix up the perfect combination of veggies and use your favorites here.

    Easy Roasted Vegetables for Thanksgiving
    Easy Roasted Vegetables are the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. Root vegetables are easy to prepare and take 30 minutes to bake. This healthy side dish is a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table and simple enough for a weeknight meal.
    Read More
    bowl of roasted vegetables on Thanksgiving table

    Got apples? Make homemade applesauce in your Instant Pot. This simple recipe is incredibly easy and goes well with just about any main dish! It makes a lot, so you will have plenty of leftovers!

    Easy Instant Pot Applesauce
    Easy Instant Pot Applesauce uses just 4 ingredients and no sugar. Make the BEST homemade applesauce with peeled or unpeeled apples in your pressure cooker!
    Read More
    instant pot applesauce in white bowls

    Rice is a classic side dish for a meatloaf dinner, and it's very budget friendly. Our favorite way to make rice is in the Instant Pot with fragrant jasmine rice -- perfect every time!

    Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
    This easy Instant Pot Jasmine Rice recipe lets you make perfect jasmine rice in the electric pressure cooker in just a few minutes. Serve it as a quick side dish or as part of your main dish!
    Read More
    bowl of instant pot jasmine rice with parsley

    If you're not a fan of white rice, brown rice is a healthier version. It's super easy to make in your electric pressure cooker and has a rich, nutty flavor that goes well with ground beef.

    Instant Pot Brown Rice
    Make Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice every time with this easy brown rice recipe for the electric pressure cooker. Perfect for meal prep and a great way to get delicious fluffy brown rice without a rice cooker!
    Read More
    bowl of instant pot brown rice with parsley

    Steam cauliflower in the microwave for a healthy, low carb side dish. It's a tasty alternative to mashed potatoes and done in minutes! And, you can take this basic recipe and turn it into a tasty cauliflower mash!

    Microwave Cauliflower
    Microwave cauliflower with butter, salt, pepper and garlic for a healthy low carb side dish. Learn how to steam cauliflower in the microwave in just a few minutes with this easy recipe! It's fork tender and delicious!
    Read More
    microwave cauliflower in white serving bowl

    Baked acorn squash with maple syrup and brown sugar is the perfect side dish for fall. You can also cook acorn squash in your air fryer if you don't have room in the oven!

    Baked Acorn Squash
    This easy recipe for Baked Acorn Squash with maple syrup and brown sugar takes ordinary squash to an entirely different level and makes it special enough for a Thanksgiving side dish! 
    Read More
    baked acorn squash with brown sugar and maple syrup on plate

    Instant Pot corn on the cob is another family favorite! And, it takes just minutes to make in the pressure cooker!

    Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
    Tender, juicy Instant Pot corn on the cob with butter is quick and easy to make in the electric pressure cooker and makes a perfect summer side dish!
    Read More
    corn on the cob in hands

    Corn on the cob grilled in foil is another simple side dish that goes very well with meatloaf. It's made with ground meat, so it is kind of like a big hamburger, right?

    Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
    Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil is the best way to grill fresh corn and our favorite way to make it! Grilled corn in foil packets is an easy recipe for a delicious summer side dish that everyone loves and goes well with anything else you cook on the grill. You'll love the easy clean-up, too!
    Read More
    grilled corn on the cob in foil with parsley on platter

    Old fashioned cucumber salad with sour cream is the perfect choice when you want something nice and light. This simple salad is cool, creamy and so good!

    Creamy Cucumber Salad
    Creamy Cucumber Salad with sour cream is cool, crisp and takes minutes to make. This quick and easy summer salad recipe is a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything.
    Read More
    creamy cucumber salad with sour cream in a white serving bowl

    This easy coleslaw recipe is crunchy, creamy and a nice light side salad. If you have leftover meatloaf, you can make a meatloaf sandwich with coleslaw the next day!

    Mom's Best Coleslaw Recipe
    Mom's Best Coleslaw Recipe uses vinegar and mayonnaise for a classic homemade side dish or sandwich topper that's easy, creamy and delicious -- just like Mom used to make! Once you make coleslaw from scratch, you'll never go back to storebought again!
    Read More
    overhead bowl of coleslaw on the table

    Three bean salad with a tangy dressing is a lighter, vintage recipe that goes well with old fashioned meatloaf. Bean salad is a good side dish to make ahead of time, and it keeps well for several days in the refrigerator!

    Easy Three Bean Salad
    A classic recipe for old fashioned Three Bean Salad that combines canned green beans, wax beans and kidney beans with a tangy homemade dressing.
    Read More
    old fashioned three bean salad made with canned beans in white serving dish with handwritten recipe card next to it

    Here's another classic side dish -- Ambrosia salad. This retro recipe is more like a dessert, but it's a great accompaniment for vintage meat loaf!

    Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe
    Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe with sour cream, pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows and coconut is a classic dessert salad. This creamy fruit salad is perfect for family dinners and special occasions!
    Read More
    ambrosia fruit salad recipe with sour cream and mandarin oranges in white serving bowl

    Pistachio salad, or Watergate salad is another vintage side salad that doubles as dessert and pairs perfectly with old fashioned meatloaf. This is one of the kids' favorite recipes!

    Pistachio Salad
    Pistachio Salad is a creamy fruit salad made with Jello pudding mix, Cool Whip, crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows. An easy recipe and a family favorite dessert salad perfect for holidays and family gatherings.
    Read More
    bowl of pistachio salad with pineapple and maraschino cherry on top

    Corn casserole isn't just for holiday dinners. Jiffy corn pudding is easy to make in the Instant Pot, and perfect when you're craving comfort food! You can also make it in the oven or air fryer oven.

    Instant Pot Corn Casserole
    Instant Pot Corn Casserole is the classic Jiffy Corn Pudding Casserole made in the pressure cooker. An easy side dish perfect for the Thanksgiving holidays or any day!
    Read More
    instant pot corn casserole with cheese on a spoon

    Talk about comfort food -- this creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe is one of the best sides for meatloaf! With 3 different kinds of cheese, creamy mac is cheesy goodness at it's finest!

    Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
    Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes is made with a few simple ingredients and no evaporated milk! It takes just a few minutes to make homemade mac and cheese in the pressure cooker, and it's a quick and easy dinner or side dish that everyone loves. It's definitely kid approved!
    Read More
    creamy instant pot mac and cheese in white ramekins

    Here's a bonus recipe for you! You can make Kraft mac and cheese in your Instant Pot. Yes, you can make it on the stove, but this is a good idea when you want to make 2 or more boxes at once!

    Instant Pot Kraft Mac and Cheese
    Instant Pot Kraft Mac and Cheese Recipe is an easy way to make Kraft macaroni and cheese or any boxed mac and cheese in your pressure cooker. This easy recipe takes just a few minutes and is quicker than the stove top method.
    Read More
    Instant Pot Kraft Mac and cheese (boxed mac and cheese) in a white bowl

    Don't forget to pin these delicious recipes to your favorite Pinterest boards to save them. And, If you try these easy sides, be sure to rate them and leave a review!

    For more easy recipes and meal ideas, be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter!

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    1. Matt says

      September 05, 2021 at 2:20 pm

      Can make something new and tasty everyday for a month. Sounds like a challenge! Yummy!

      Reply

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

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