Are you trying to figure out what to serve with meatloaf to turn into a delicious, nutritious dinner? I’ve got you covered! These are the best healthy meatloaf sides – from roasted veggies to creamy gratins to low-carb cauliflower mash. There’s something for everyone.
We eat meatloaf quite a bit! Just about every week, we have meatloaf on our meal plan. It’s quick and easy, healthy, and super tasty.
Now, I wasn’t always a fan of this American classic. Nope, I used to dread meatloaf night when I was younger. But over the years, I created healthy meatloaf recipes and meatloaf sides that have turned all of us into raving fans.
This Italian Meatloaf is the one I make most often; it tastes like a giant meatball. Cheeseburger meatloaf comes in as a close second; the flavors are outstanding.
Turkey meatloaf is a leaner, healthier alternative to classic beef meatloaf that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor or heartiness. This versatile main dish is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner. But what should you serve alongside it to round out the meal? After analyzing many popular recipes and food blogs, here are my top 20 recommendations for delicious sides that perfectly complement turkey meatloaf.
Mashed Potatoes
Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes are a no-brainer pairing for meatloaf. For an extra flavor boost, consider making garlic mashed potatoes by roasting garlic cloves and mixing them into the potatoes. Sour cream and milk also help achieve an ultra-smooth, rich texture. Flavorful additions like parmesan, cheddar, or goat cheese can take basic mashed potatoes to the next level.
Green Bean Oven Fries
Transform fresh green beans into crispy, crunchy “fries” by dredging them in flour and egg, coating with panko breadcrumbs, and baking until golden brown. These oven-baked green beans have a satisfying, crisp exterior and a tender, bright green bean inside. The fries pair perfectly with the savory flavors of meatloaf.
Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Making it from scratch is easier than you think, and so much tastier than boxed Elbow macaroni baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crispy panko topping is irresistible alongside a slice of turkey meatloaf.
Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and savory baked beans are a classic partner for meatloaf. Their rich, molasses-based sauce provides the ideal counterpoint. Make them quickly in a slow cooker or oven-bake them for maximum flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting is a simple way to transform vegetables into the perfect meatloaf side Try roasting Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, or broccoli. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at a high temperature until caramelized and crisp-tender
Creamed Spinach
For an indulgent, rich pairing make creamed spinach. Cooked spinach is combined with a creamy sauce of butter, cream and nutmeg. Often, Parmesan cheese and sautéed onion or garlic are added as well. This classic dish stands up well next to a slice of meatloaf.
Broccoli Casserole
Another irresistible creamy, cheesy side is broccoli casserole. Blanched broccoli gets folded into a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. The combination of tender broccoli, gooey cheese, and crunchy onions is sure to be a hit.
Scalloped Potatoes
For ultimate creaminess and comfort, scalloped potatoes are the way to go. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, cheese, and seasonings, then baked until the potatoes are perfectly tender. The creamy sauce soaks into every layer for delicious bites with each forkful.
Quinoa Salad
For a lighter, gluten-free side, try making a quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and a lemony vinaigrette. Quinoa offers a satisfying texture contrast to the soft meatloaf. The bright, fresh flavors balance the richness of the entree.
Pasta Salad
Cool, crunchy pasta salad is a great meatloaf pairing for spring and summer. Toss small pasta like farfalle or rotini with diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, Italian dressing, and Parmesan. Chill before serving for maximum flavor.
Coleslaw
Creamy coconutty coleslaw is a yummy way to get some veggies alongside your meatloaf. Thinly shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed in a vegan mayo-based dressing and chilled. The crunchy texture and tangy flavor complement the meatloaf perfectly.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan, croutons, and a zippy garlicky dressing is always a crowd-pleaser. Grilled chicken can be added to turn it into a light main course option as well.
Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are great for sopping up the delicious pan juices and gravy left behind after eating meatloaf. Brush the rolls with melted butter and garlic or sprinkle them with Parmesan for extra flavor. Store-bought rolls simply heated up work well too.
Garlic Bread
What’s better than plain dinner rolls? Garlic bread, of course! Slices of crusty bread brushed with melted butter and minced garlic, then toasted to perfection are irresistible. Garlic bread is the ideal accompaniment for any savory entree like meatloaf.
Corn on the Cob
Don’t forget simple boiled or grilled corn on the cob. Sweet, tender corn is the perfect summer veggie side for meatloaf. Roll the hot cooked ears in butter, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor. Grilled corn gets deliciously caramelized and smokey.
Brown Rice Pilaf
Nutty, chewy brown rice pilaf is a hearty side that provides a tasty base for the meatloaf to sit upon. Cook the rice with broth and sautéed veggies like onion, carrots, peas, and garlic. Then simply fluff with a fork before serving.
Wild Rice Pilaf
For a unique twist, make wild rice pilaf. Wild rice has more texture and nuttiness than brown rice. Cook it with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs for a delicious earthy side dish.
Root Vegetable Mash
For alternative to basic mashed potatoes, try a root vegetable mash using a combo of potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and celery root. Boil, drain, and mash with butter, cream, and seasoning. The natural sweetness pairs nicely with savory meatloaf.
Butternut Squash Pasta
Here’s another fun twist on a pasta side. Butternut squash and spinach are sautéed with garlic, then tossed with penne, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. The combo of veggies gives the pasta dish great texture and fall flavors.
With so many wonderful options, from hearty potatoes and pasta, to fresh salads and crunchy roasted veggies, you could enjoy turkey meatloaf with a different side dish every week and never get bored! I recommend picking a few recipes that are easy for you to make on busy weeknights. And don’t be afraid to get the kids involved in the kitchen too. Whatever you choose, these delicious sides are guaranteed to perfectly complement and round out your next turkey meatloaf dinner.
Reasons to Eat More Meatloaf
- Super easy to make. All you need to do is mix the ingredients, form them into a loaf, and cook in the oven.
- Healthy. I use ground turkey in all of my meatloaf recipes. This creates a low fat, low calorie, and high-protein recipe. It fills you up without feeling full and bloated.
- Flavorful and versatile. Meatloaf has come a long way since the classic recipe of ketchup and breadcrumbs. It can absorb all the flavors you add. If you can dream it, then you can turn it into a healthy meatloaf recipe.
- Meal prep champion. Meatloaf reheats perfectly, making it perfect for preparing on Sunday to eat during the week for meals. You can also assemble the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them for a couple of days to make dinner during the week. You can also freeze meatloaf (cooked and raw) to have ready for meals later on.
Of course, choosing meatloaf sides is just as important as the recipe itself. A good side dish can transform boring meatloaf into an unforgettable meal.
Chef Millie Peartree Makes Her Famous Southern Turkey Meatloaf | Delish
FAQ
What does Ina Garten serve with meatloaf?
Why is my turkey meatloaf mushy?