These easy meat loaf sides, from creamy potatoes and pasta to crisp veggies, turn classic comfort food into a complete meal.
1/29
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Tired of the same old side dish, I whipped up this new family favorite. We can't get enough of these loaded mashed potatoes at our house. Often, I'll prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate it. Then I bake it just before serving. —Dawn Reuter, Oxford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 307 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
2/29
Air-Fryer Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/29
Freeze-and-Bake Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade rolls are fancy enough for a feast but handy enough for almost any occasion. —Jayne Duce, Raymond, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 120 calories, 1g fat, 1mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate, 3g protein.
4/29
Homemade Baked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty homemade baked beans are a super side dish for a casual meal. The ingredients blend perfectly for a wonderful from-scratch taste. The old-fashioned flavor will have people standing in line for more. —Jesse and Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 154 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein.
5/29
Dill & Chive Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/29
Honey-Glazed Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used sugar in this side for meat loaf, but a local man who keeps bees on our farm shares honey with us so I use that instead to make honey-glazed carrots. —Julie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 124 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
7/29
Amish Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
These are the best buttered noodles ever! They are easy to make and kid-friendly, and they pair nicely with lots of main dishes. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 352 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 902mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
8/29
Easy Caesar Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Fans of Caesar salad will find the dressing used in this tasty version one of the best. My sister, Jan, developed this Caesar salad recipe and was nice enough to share her secret with me.—Dianne Nash, Kaslo, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/29
Creamed Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
I can still taste these wonderful creamed peas in Mama’s delicious white sauce. Our food was pretty plain during the week, so I thought this white sauce made the peas “extra fancy” and fitting for a Sunday meal.
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 110 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
10/29
Grandpa's Party Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandpa, who gave me this recipe, liked the way the cream cheese and onion dip created a wonderful velvety texture. I often assemble these potatoes the night before, then pop them in the oven the next day. —Mary Kay Elert, St. Paul Park, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 181 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
11/29
Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want something new to try for your Thanksgiving menu, toss this salad together. Fresh spinach leaves are tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries and drizzled with poppy seed dressing. It's likely to become a holiday tradition at your house, too. —Michelle Krzmarzick Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 121 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
12/29
Skillet Potatoes with Red Pepper and Whole Garlic Cloves
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised that a skillet potato recipe this simple has so much flavor. I love how the whole garlic cloves turn sweet after being caramelized. Yum! —Anita Osborne, Thomasburg, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
13/29
Herb-Buttered Baby Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
The herb butter can be used for everything from vegetables to roast chicken, turkey, game hens—let your imagination be your guide. —Sandra Corey, Caldwell, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 143 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
14/29
Potato Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 106 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/29
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
From the Recipe Creator:
Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 87 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
16/29
Grandma’s Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma’s favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don’t tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 280 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
17/29
Lemon Rice Pilaf
From the Recipe Creator:
No need to buy premade pilaf mix when you can easily make your own in 20 minutes. The lemon zest adds a welcome burst of tang. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 155 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 454mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
18/29
Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 378 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
19/29
Broccoli Parmesan Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I began making this creamy side dish years ago as a way to get my kids to eat broccoli. They have since grown up but still request this satisfying casserole. It's truly a family favorite. —Barbara Uhl, Wesley Chapel, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
20/29
Crescent Dinner Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These light, golden rolls have a heavenly homemade flavor and aroma. Mom never hesitates to whip up a batch of these from-scratch rolls, since they're a delightful way to round out a meal. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 161 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
21/29
Skillet Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
22/29
Apple Feta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out.
-Marlene Clark
Apple Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
23/29
Brown Sugar-Glazed Baby Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious glazed carrots are the best side for meat loaf. They cook while I prepare the other dishes, and the slow-cooker simmering saves me precious oven space. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 144 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
24/29
Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick casserole is called "cheesy" for a reason. Stir in any kind you've got. —Jean Williams, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 312 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
25/29
Sauteed Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was young, my family grew our own cabbages. It was fun to put the cabbage to use in the kitchen, just as I did with this comforting side. With potatoes, deviled eggs and cornbread, fried cabbage tastes like home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 59 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/29
Boston Baked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
27/29
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
28/29
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
29/29
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
From the Recipe Creator:
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 255 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Meat Loaf Sides FAQ
What are classic side dishes to serve with meat loaf?
Classic meat loaf side dishes include vegetables, like glazed carrots and green beans, mashed potato recipes and homemade rolls. You can leave the mashed potatoes simply seasoned with butter, salt and pepper, or mix in sharp cheddar, fresh herbs or a spoonful of prepared horseradish. For other vegetable options, try roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed asparagus or crispy air-fryer broccoli. Make a few vegetarian side dish casseroles for the non-meat eaters at the table.
What vegetables pair well with meat loaf?
Meat loaf pairs well with most vegetables, from hearty root vegetables like potatoes and turnips to lighter, crisp vegetables like shaved cabbage and sugar snap peas. Instead of mashed potatoes, try mixed roasted root vegetables, with different colors and a blend of peppery and sweet flavors. For lighter vegetable sides, fresh slaws with vinegar-based dressings or one of our top salad recipes balance the richness of the meat loaf.
What are gluten-free options for sides with meat loaf?
If you need gluten-free sides to serve with meat loaf, focus on vegetables, rice and grains without gluten. Sauteed spinach with garlic and creamy polenta pair well and don’t need substitutions to be gluten-free. Instead of bread, cook quinoa, millet or rice and season with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. You can even enjoy comfort food classics with a few adjustments, like in this gluten-free mac and cheese recipe, so that you won’t miss out.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
