Introduction
Meatloaf is one of those timeless dishes that conjures up memories of family dinners, cozy kitchens, and comfort food at its finest. It’s a dish that’s been around for centuries, with each generation adding its own twist to the recipe. Whether you’re making it with ground beef, turkey, or a mix of meats, the versatility of meatloaf means that there’s no one “right” way to prepare it. However, one thing that’s universally true is that the right side dishes can elevate it from simple to sensational.
When thinking about what goes well with meatloaf, it’s important to consider a balance of flavors and textures. It’s rich, savory, and often dense, so pairing it with the right sides can add contrast, lighten up the meal, or even enhance its flavors. This article will explore a variety of side dishes, ranging from traditional options to more innovative pairings, ensuring that your next meatloaf dinner is a complete and satisfying experience.
Why Side Dishes Matter
Pairing your meatloaf with the perfect side dish is more than just a culinary tradition; it’s about creating a harmonious meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite. Side dishes add variety, balance, and nutritional value to the meal. Whether you’re looking to complement the richness of the meatloaf or add a fresh, crunchy contrast, the right side dish can make all the difference.
For those who are new to this, resources like The Kitchn’s Guide provide an extensive list of ideas that can inspire you to try something new and exciting.
To broaden your options, consider checking out Food Network’s Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf, which offers a variety of ideas that range from comfort food classics to healthier alternatives. This resource can inspire you to try new and exciting combinations.
What goes well with meatloaf?
When it comes to meatloaf, traditional side dishes are a natural choice. These classics are beloved for their ability to complement the savory flavors of the dish perfectly. They’re often comforting, familiar, and satisfying, making them the go-to options for many families.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are arguably the most popular side dish for it, and for good reason. The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the dense, rich flavor of meatloaf. They act as a neutral base that soaks up the savory juices and sauces, creating a perfect bite every time.
To make the best mashed potatoes, use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. The russets give the mash a fluffy texture, while the Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor. Be sure to add plenty of butter, cream, and seasoning to create the ultimate comfort food side dish.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are another classic pairing with meatloaf. The caramelized sweetness of the vegetables provides a delicious contrast to the savory meatloaf, while the roasted, slightly crisp texture adds a delightful crunch to the meal.
Carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips are all excellent choices. Simply toss them in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and roast them in the oven until they’re golden and tender. The result is a side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful, perfectly complementing the meatloaf.
Green Beans
Green beans are a fresh and light side dish that pairs well with the richness of meatloaf. Whether you steam them, sauté them with garlic and butter, or roast them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, green beans add a crisp texture that balances the meal. They’re also quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs beautifully with meatloaf. Its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture make it a perfect contrast to the savory, dense meatloaf. Whether you serve it plain or with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey, cornbread adds a comforting, homey touch to the meal.
Gravy
No meatloaf dinner is complete without a rich, flavorful gravy. Gravy adds moisture and depth to the meatloaf, enhancing its savory flavors and tying the meal together. You can make a traditional brown gravy from the pan drippings or try something different, like a mushroom gravy or a tangy tomato-based sauce.
For more ideas on traditional side dishes, you might find Food Network’s Recommendations quite helpful.
Comfort Food Classics
When you think of comfort food, meatloaf is often at the top of the list. To make the meal even more comforting, consider pairing it with other classic comfort foods. These sides are rich, indulgent, and satisfying, making them the perfect companions to a hearty meatloaf.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Rich, creamy, and cheesy, it’s the perfect side dish for meatloaf. The gooey texture and indulgent flavor of mac and cheese complement the savory meatloaf, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
To elevate your mac and cheese, try adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping, mixing in some smoked Gouda for a deeper flavor, or stirring in some steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
Buttered Corn
Sweet, tender corn is a simple yet satisfying side dish that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf. Whether you serve it on the cob or as kernels, buttered corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances the rich flavors of the meatloaf. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of chili powder or a squeeze of lime juice.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the meal. The rich, thick sauce of the baked beans pairs perfectly with the meatloaf, creating a deliciously comforting combination. Baked beans are also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great choice for busy weeknights.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s the perfect complement to meatloaf. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, butter, and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a rich, indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf. Whether you prefer a creamy mayonnaise-based slaw or a tangy vinegar-based slaw, coleslaw provides a bright, crisp texture that balances the meal. It’s also a great way to add some extra veggies to your plate.
Healthier Side Options
For those looking to keep their meal on the lighter side, healthier side dishes are a great choice. These options allow you to enjoy it without feeling weighed down, and they add a fresh, nutritious element to the meal.
Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower mash is a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that’s just as creamy and delicious. Made by steaming cauliflower and blending it with butter, cream, and seasoning, cauliflower mash is a light and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with it. It’s also a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a light, refreshing side dish that adds a nutritious boost to your meatloaf dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, quinoa salad is a great way to balance the richness of the meatloaf. You can customize your quinoa salad with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus is a simple, elegant side dish that adds a fresh, crisp texture to your meatloaf dinner. Asparagus is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to the meal. For added flavor, try tossing the asparagus with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of meatloaf, and their crispy, caramelized edges add a delightful texture to the meal. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a quick and easy side dish that adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your meatloaf dinner. Spinach is packed with nutrients, and its mild flavor pairs well with the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf. For added flavor, try sautéing the spinach with garlic and a splash of lemon juice.
Innovative and Unique Pairings
If you’re in the mood to try something different, why not pair your meatloaf with a side dish that brings international flavors to the table? These innovative sides can turn a traditional meatloaf dinner into an exciting culinary adventure.
Mediterranean Couscous
Mediterranean couscous is a light and fluffy side dish that adds an exotic twist to your meal. Made from tiny pearls of semolina, couscous is quick and easy to prepare, and it’s a great canvas for a variety of flavors. Toss it with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil for a side dish that complements the savory meatloaf beautifully.
Japanese-Inspired Slaw
Japanese-inspired slaw is a fresh, tangy, and crunchy side dish that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this slaw adds a unique flavor profile to the meal. The bright, acidic dressing cuts through the richness of the meatloaf, while the crunchy vegetables add a satisfying texture.
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that adds a fun twist to your meatloaf dinner. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder, then sprinkled with crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro. The result is a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
Indian-Spiced Lentils
Indian-spiced lentils are a hearty and flavorful side dish that adds a burst of spice to your meatloaf dinner. Lentils are simmered with a blend of Indian spices, tomatoes, and onions, creating a rich and aromatic dish that complements the meatloaf beautifully. Lentils are also a great source of protein and fiber, making this a nutritious and satisfying side dish.
Moroccan Carrot Salad
Moroccan carrot salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and spice to your meatloaf dinner. Shredded carrots are tossed with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and cinnamon, then sprinkled with fresh herbs and toasted almonds. The result is a refreshing and unique side dish that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of meatloaf.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with meatloaf, whether it’s a traditional recipe or a plant-based version.
Lentil Salad
Lentil salad is a protein-packed side dish that adds a hearty element to your meatloaf meal. Lentils are cooked until tender, then tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette. The nutty flavor of the lentils pairs well with the savory meatloaf, while the fresh vegetables add a crisp, refreshing texture.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are an earthy and slightly bitter side dish that provides a flavor contrast to the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until they’re golden and crispy. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a smoky and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf. Zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms are all excellent choices for grilling. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then grill them until they’re tender and slightly charred. The smoky flavor of the grilled vegetables complements the meatloaf beautifully.
Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
Vegan macaroni and cheese is a plant-based twist on the classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. Made with a creamy, cheesy sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk, this vegan mac and cheese is rich, indulgent, and satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food side dish for a vegan or vegetarian meatloaf.
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
Quinoa-stuffed peppers are a colorful and nutritious side dish that pairs beautifully with meatloaf. Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, then baked until tender. The result is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that adds a pop of color and nutrition to your meal.
FAQs About What goes well with meatloaf
What Vegetables Go Best with Meatloaf?
Vegetables like green beans, roasted carrots, and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices to pair with meatloaf. They add color, texture, and freshness to the meal, balancing the richness of the meatloaf with a lighter, more vibrant element.
Can Meatloaf Be Served with a Salad?
Yes, meatloaf pairs well with a variety of salads. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the meatloaf, while a more robust salad, such as a quinoa or lentil salad, can add additional flavors and textures. For a unique twist, try serving your meatloaf with a Japanese-inspired slaw.
What Sauces Pair Well with Meatloaf?
Classic sauces like ketchup, gravy, or a tangy BBQ sauce are popular choices. For a gourmet twist, consider a red wine reduction or a mushroom sauce. For more ideas, check out our ultimate guide to meatloaf sauce recipes.
How to Pair Drinks with Meatloaf?
Red wines, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, pair well with meatloaf. For non-alcoholic options, consider iced tea or a sparkling water with a hint of citrus to cleanse the palate between bites.
Can Meatloaf Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the meatloaf ahead of time and reheat it before serving. For tips on baking meatloaf, check out our guide on whether to cover meatloaf when baking.
Conclusion About What goes well with meatloaf
Pairing meatloaf with the right side dishes can transform a simple dinner into a culinary experience. Whether you stick to traditional favorites, explore healthier options, or try something new and innovative, the right sides will elevate your meal to new heights. So next time you make meatloaf, don’t just settle for the usual—experiment with these delicious pairings and discover your new favorite combination!