25 Best Sides For Meatloaf To Complete Your Dinner

Twenty-five easy sides for meatloaf, from creamy Boursin mashed potatoes to bright summer salads, so the most-requested dinner at our table feels right no matter the season.

A collage of eight different side dishes for meatloaf, including mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, guacamole, baked beans, Brussels sprouts, green beans, a tomato salad, and breaded zucchini, with text reading 25 Best Sides For Meatloaf in the center.

At our house, meatloaf shows up on the dinner table at least once a month. My favorite Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, Mini Meatloaf Recipe for lunch, and my lighter Mediterranean Turkey Meatloaf are all regulars around here. Not just in the depths of January either. We make it well into spring and through the summer, because the sides are what make it feel right for the season. Swap a heavy mashed potato situation for a bright fennel salad or a platter of honey-roasted carrots and the whole meal reads differently, even though the meatloaf didn't change.

So here are 25 of my favorite sides for meatloaf - the classics you already know and love, a few that might surprise you, and everything in between. Whether you're feeding the family on a Tuesday night or building a holiday spread around our Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, there's something on this list that belongs on your table.

Why You'll Love This List

Something for every season. A fresh chickpea salad in the summer, scalloped potatoes at the holidays, maple bacon Brussels sprouts whenever the craving hits - this list has meatloaf covered year-round.
All 25 recipes live on Front Range Fed. No sending you elsewhere. Every side here links to a full post with instructions, tips, and photos, so you can pull up any recipe right from this page.
A mix of quick and impressive. Some of these are on the table in 10 minutes. Others are worth making for a crowd. There's no shortage of options for either kind of night.
Built to mix and match. A potato side plus a light salad, two veggie dishes, or a hearty grain alongside roasted carrots - these all play nicely together.

Potato Sides

Ask most people what goes with meatloaf and mashed potatoes is the first answer. They're not wrong. But there's a lot of room to play in the potato category - creamy, crispy, baked, air fried - and this section covers all of it.

Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes

These are not your average mashed potatoes. Boursin's garlicky, herby flavor melts right in for something rich, creamy, and impossible to stop eating. If you're going to do the classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes pairing, this is the version worth making. It earns every compliment it gets.

Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes

A patterned bowl filled with golden-brown roasted potato halves and quarters, garnished with herbs, sits on a marble surface.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, perfectly tender in the center, and completely customizable with whatever herbs you have on hand. These come together in the oven or the air fryer with almost no effort, which puts them solidly in the reliable weeknight side dish category. Make them once and you'll have the method memorized.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Instant pot scalloped potatoes with panko breadcrumb topping.

Cheesy, Creamy Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes used to feel like a project. With the Instant Pot, they are not. This version has all the creamy cheese sauce and tender red potatoes you want, with a fraction of the hands-on time. A holiday table regular that's just as welcome on a regular Tuesday.

Creamy Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Crispy and Cheesy Fried Mashed Potato Balls

One of the best things you can do with leftover mashed potatoes, and a very good reason to make extra on purpose. Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy in the center - a surprising and satisfying spin on the classic potato side for meatloaf. Kids lose their minds for these.

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

air fryer sweet potato cubes in bowl on countertop.

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Simple, fast, and a solid option for kids. The air fryer takes these sweet potato cubes from raw to crispy on the outside and soft in the center in minutes. Naturally sweet, lighter than a heavy potato dish, and almost no prep. Good for nights when you want something on the table without any fuss.

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Vegetable Sides

From a quick pan of garlicky green beans to a full sheet pan of honey-roasted carrots, a good vegetable side is what rounds out a meatloaf dinner. These eight options cover everything from the classics to the ones that get people talking.

Garlic Green Beans

Pan-fried green beans with garlic and toasted almonds - simple enough for a weeknight, nice enough to put on the holiday table. The green beans get a little golden and tender, the almonds add crunch without making it fussy. A great side dish that works with basically any main.

Garlic Green Beans

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

A fun twist on roasted Brussels that brings a little heat and a little sweet. If anyone at your table still claims not to like Brussels sprouts, roast them until they're deeply golden and then hit them with this glaze. That usually changes things.

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

The classic go-to for Brussels sprouts in this house. Crispy bacon and maple syrup with pan-fried Brussels - salty, sweet, and caramelized in all the right places. Goes with almost anything and is always the first side to disappear.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots with a hot honey glaze - a slight kick that plays really nicely off the savory richness of meatloaf. Quick to prep and hands-off in the oven, so these are a great option for nights when you don't want to babysit anything on the stovetop.

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

perfectly steamed broccoli from the instant pot in serving bowl.

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

The most classic of classic vegetable sides, and ready in minutes with the Instant Pot. Top with melted cheddar cheese and it goes from simple to something the whole family actually wants on their plate. Quick, easy, low-carb, and endlessly reliable.

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

A metal tray filled with crispy breaded zucchini fries, served with a small cup of creamy dipping sauce, sits on a marble surface next to a folded pink towel.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

A summer favorite - all the satisfaction of fries, parmesan cheese in the coating for a savory crunch, and the air fryer makes the whole thing fast and easy. A great easy side dish option when zucchini is in season and arriving faster than you can use it.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

air fryer kale chip on platter on countertop.

5-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

Lightweight, addictive, and done in five minutes. Great when you want something on the table fast without adding any more heaviness to an already hearty meatloaf dinner. They also work as a starter or a snack while the rest of the meal comes together.

Air Fryer Kale Chips

Smoked Corn On The Cob

Nice for summer and early fall when you want a slightly smoky, barbecue feel to the meal. If the smoker is already going, this is an easy thing to add alongside. The smokiness pairs perfectly with savory meatloaf and makes the whole plate feel a little more summery.

Smoked Corn On The Cob

Salads

One of the best things you can do alongside a heavy, comfort-food main is add something bright and fresh. These six salads range from hearty grain situations to crisp vegetable options - and every one of them makes meatloaf feel like a complete, well-rounded meal rather than just a plate of brown food.

Homemade Crunchy Coleslaw

Crunchy, light, and finished with a creamy dressing - the contrast of something cool and tangy against warm, savory meatloaf is always a good idea. Also great if you end up making a meatloaf sandwich the next day. (Honestly, my fave!)

Homemade Crunchy Coleslaw

cucumber salad with chickpeas, feta, basil and cranberries.

Chickpea, Cucumber And Feta Salad

I've been making this one for at least 2 decades and it's always a winner. Feta cheese, chickpeas, cucumber, and cranberries - a hearty vegetable side that adds real crunch, a little protein, and a Mediterranean flavor profile to the plate. Interesting enough to feel intentional, easy enough to throw together in minutes.

Chickpea, Cucumber And Feta Salad

Roasted Fennel Salad With Orange Honey Dressing

This one is for the nights when you want the table to look a little special. Caramelized roasted fennel with a bright orange honey dressing. It's unique, flavorful, and genuinely gorgeous on the table. A fresh salad that earns its place next to a homemade meatloaf dinner.

Roasted Fennel Salad

mediterranean cucumber salad in serving bowl on countertop.

Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad With Tomato

Tomato, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a simple dressing make this a light and refreshing side with a Mediterranean flavor profile. Quick to make and a nice counterbalance to the rich, savory meatloaf on the plate next to it.

Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

arugula pear and goat cheese salad in bowl on countertop.

Pear, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad

A slightly sweet, elegant salad that pairs nicely with a hearty main. Peppery arugula and creamy goat cheese balance the sweetness of the pear, and the whole thing comes together in minutes. A good option when you want something that looks like you tried, even on a weeknight.

Pear, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad

chopped zucchini and herb salad with parmesan on plate.

Chopped Zucchini Salad With Parmesan And Herbs

Light and ideal for summer months when zucchini is everywhere. Fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and a simple dressing make this a bright, easy side that keeps the whole meal from feeling too heavy.

Chopped Zucchini Salad

Grains & Pasta

Sometimes the potato is already spoken for, or you just want something a little different on the side. These three options - an orzo, a farro salad, and a classic pasta salad - are hearty enough to satisfy without stealing the show.

creamy orzo with brown butter in bowl on serving board with parmesan and lemon sprinkled around it.

Creamy Orzo With Rosemary Brown Butter

A creamy, comforting alternative to mashed potatoes that's just as satisfying but a little more interesting. The rosemary brown butter adds a nutty, herby depth of flavor that makes this orzo feel genuinely special rather than just a quick pasta side.

Creamy Orzo With Rosemary Brown Butter

farro with blistered tomatoes and pesto on countertop.

Farro Salad With Blistered Tomatoes And Pesto

A hearty grain salad with Italian-inspired flavor - blistered tomatoes, pesto, and nutty farro. Filling enough to stand on its own, and it doesn't overshadow the main dish. A great option when you're feeding people who want something more substantial than a green salad.

Farro Salad With Blistered Tomatoes And Pesto

4-ingredient pesto pasta salad in serving bowl on countertop with basil sprinkled on top.

4-Ingredient Pasta Salad

You really can't go wrong with a classic pasta salad, and this one is exactly as easy as the name suggests. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, works for any season and any crowd size. A reliable side dish that belongs in every regular dinner rotation.

4-Ingredient Pasta Salad

Beans and Slow Cooker Sides

For nights when you want something that essentially takes care of itself, both of these slow cooker sides deliver big, satisfying flavor with almost no hands-on effort.

crockpot pinto beans in serving bowl with cilantro and jalapeno slices on top.

Easy Crockpot Pinto Beans

No-soak crockpot pinto beans with bacon and sautéed vegetables - easy to make, deeply flavorful, and a really satisfying pairing with meatloaf alongside a lighter vegetable side. Set them in the morning and come home to something that smells incredible.

Easy Crockpot Pinto Beans

close up of apple pie baked beans with bacon and jalapeno in dish on counter.

Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans

A personal favorite for fall and through BBQ season. Apple and brown sugar give these baked beans a slightly sweet, deeply savory flavor that tastes great alongside meatloaf - especially when you want a little something unexpected on the table. A crowd-pleaser every time.

Apple Pie Baked Beans

Holiday and Special Occasion Sides

Some sides just belong on the big table - the holiday spread, the Sunday supper, the "everyone's coming over" night. This one earns its place every time.

Sweet Potato Casserole

One of the all-time favorites in this house, and genuinely great at the holidays. The brown sugar topping, the warm spiced sweet potatoes - it's rich and sweet in a way that plays beautifully against savory meatloaf. Make it ahead and reheat before serving. It holds beautifully.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular side dish for meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, and it's not really a contest. At our house they're basically required. The glaze soaks right in and the whole plate just works. My Boursin cheese mashed potatoes are the version I make most often, and they get requested constantly. Green beans, roasted carrots, and mac and cheese are the other classics that come up most at meatloaf dinners.

What vegetables go well with meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a heavy dish, so I always lean toward adding something lighter on the side. Green beans, roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, zucchini, and corn are all great options. My move is to roast whatever vegetable I have at high heat. It concentrates the flavor and adds a little caramelization that plays well against the savory richness of the meatloaf. The hot honey roasted carrots and the maple bacon Brussels sprouts get made at our house more than anything else on this list.

What do you serve with meatloaf besides mashed potatoes?

More than you'd think. At our house, it depends on the season. Winter usually means creamy orzo or scalloped potatoes; summer is a fresh salad or zucchini fries. The chickpea cucumber feta salad is one I've been making for decades and it belongs next to meatloaf. If you want that same comfort food feel as mashed potatoes without the mashed potatoes, the creamy orzo with rosemary brown butter is the one to try.

Can you make sides for meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, and I do it often. The scalloped potatoes and sweet potato casserole both reheat fabulously, so making them the day before means less chaos at dinnertime (especially if you're cooking for the holidays). The slow cooker baked beans and pinto beans basically make themselves if you start them in the morning. The coleslaw and Mediterranean cucumber salad actually taste better after a few hours in the fridge, so those are make-ahead friendly too.

What is a good light side dish for meatloaf?

A fresh salad is my answer almost every time. The roasted fennel salad with orange honey dressing is the one I make when I want the table to look a little bougie. For something quick, the pear arugula goat cheese salad comes together in minutes and adds a freshness that makes the whole meal feel more balanced. Air fryer kale chips are also a favorite in this house. Done in five minutes and they keep the plate from feeling too heavy (if they're not all eaten before the meatloaf is served that is!)

What salad goes well with meatloaf?

Anything with a little acidity and freshness works really well. My personal go-to is the chickpea cucumber feta salad. I've been making it for over 20 years and it never misses. Coleslaw is also a great call, especially if you're planning on a meatloaf sandwich the next day. For something a little more elegant, the pear arugula goat cheese salad or the roasted fennel salad with orange honey dressing both look beautiful on the table.

I hope this list makes your next meatloaf night a little easier, or at least gives you something new to try alongside the classic. If you land on a favorite combination, drop a comment below and let me know. I genuinely love hearing what's working at your table.