What to Serve With Meatloaf

Looking for side dishes to go with meatloaf? If you are undecided about what to serve meatloaf, find everything from healthy, easy, and comforting sides plus vegetables here, along with expert storing, freezing, and reheating tips!

A meatloaf recipe comes in a variety of savory flavors, tastes and textures, such as turkey meatloaf, pork meatloaf, and even gluten-free meatloaf, all which go great with the classic side dish – mashed potatoes.

Other recipes, such as Italian meatloaf, may be served with butter and parmesan cheese pasta, while stuffed cheddar cheese Mexican meatloaf goes well with rice and sour cream. Some recipes, like instant pot meatloaf cooks the mashed potato side right in the same pot!

Besides carb-heavy dishes, like potatoes, garlic bread, or rice, you may be wondering what other sides go with meatloaf. Below are the most popular choices, including easy vegetables, salads, and unique sides.

Since leftovers make the best meatloaf sandwich, storing, freezing, and reheating tips are also included with a huge range of side dishes to serve with it!

Best sides to go with meatloaf

Since meatloaf is a filling meal, finding the perfect sides can be just as tricky as figuring out what to serve with lasagna or sides to go with mac and cheese.

Of course mashed potatoes makes a classic side dish to go with meatloaf (and always popular with kids!), but there are many other great side dish options, such as veggies and salads. Below are the most popular sides to go with meatloaf, while further down find easy side dish recipes.

1. Mashed potatoes
2. Crispy Oven French Fries
3. Coleslaw
4. Applesauce
5. Vegetables (see full list below)
6. Rice
7. Baked Potatoes
8. Cornbread
9. Fruit Salad
10. Rolls
11. Velveeta Mac and Cheese
12. Sautéed Apples
13. Risotto
14. Roasted potato wedges
15. Sweet Potatoes – mashed, roasted, or sweet potato fries
16. Jello Salad

Vegetable sides for meatloaf

Generally meatloaf is served with some sort of starch, such as potatoes, rolls, or garlic bread, but it’s nice to serve veggies along with it to balance the meal out. Below are the best vegetables to go with meatloaf, as well as many healthy side dish options.

1. Zucchini
2. Broccoli
3. Roasted Squash
4. Peas
5. Green Salads
6. Steamed corn
7. Green Beans
8. Carrots
9. Creamed spinach
10. Cauliflower
11. Corn on the Cob
12. Brussels Sprouts

Storing and freezing tips 

A classic meatloaf recipe is the perfect freezer-meal or make-ahead comfort food dish. If you’d rather not assemble, bake, and serve immediately, refrigerate it or freeze it baked or unbaked.

To store unbaked meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. If freezing, protect the ground beef against freezer burn by wrapping foil over the plastic wrap. Freeze up to three months.

When ready to bake, it’s best let it thaw overnight first. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to take some of the chill off.

I prefer to freeze the glaze separate from the meatloaf in a ziplock freezer bag. It makes storage easier, and the sauce can be thawed and brushed on right before baking.

Best way to reheat meatloaf 

For oven reheating, place leftovers in an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with a touch of water or broth to keep it tender, and cover with foil. Bake in a 250ºF oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

To microwave, I recommend reheating slices instead of an unsliced loaf. Reheat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, or until almost heated through. Finish at full power until hot.

Alternatively, place a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the pan and heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

More easy meatloaf sides 

Looking for the perfect side dish recipes? Find many vegetables, starches, salads to fit a variety of tastes and flavor!

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