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 the perfect hearty yet healthy main dish for a cozy dinner at home. Made with lean ground turkey instead of beef, it’s lower in fat and calories while still being satisfying and flavorful. But a good turkey meatloaf needs some delicious sides to make it a complete meal.
So what are the best side dishes to serve with turkey meatloaf? After researching many popular recipes and food blogs I’ve compiled this list of my top 20 recommendations. There’s something for everyone – from hearty potatoes and rice to fresh salads and crunchy roasted veggies.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong pairing turkey meatloaf with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. For extra richness, stir in sour cream, cream cheese, or milk. Go the extra mile by roasting garlic and mixing it in or add cheese like cheddar, parmesan or goat.
Oven “Fried” Green Beans
Give green beans a fun new twist by oven “frying” them. Just coat fresh green beans in flour, egg and panko breadcrumbs. Bake until crispy and golden brown. They have a great contrasting crunch alongside the tender meatloaf.
Mac and Cheese
What’s more comforting than mac and cheese? Making it from scratch is worth the extra effort. Cook elbow pasta and make a creamy cheese sauce, then combine and bake until bubbly and crispy on top.
Baked Beans
Savory baked beans flavored with molasses and bacon are a longtime favorite partner for meatloaf. Slow cook them on the stove or bake for maximum depth of flavor
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies are easy to make and delicious. Toss Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli or cauliflower in olive oil and roast at high heat until caramelized. The sweet, intense flavor is perfect with meatloaf.
Creamed Spinach
For a rich, indulgent side, make creamed spinach. Cooked spinach is combined with a creamy sauce containing butter, cream, nutmeg and parmesan. Onion and garlic add even more flavor.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This cheesy casserole starts with blanched broccoli folded into a creamy cheese sauce, then topped with crispy fried onions. It’s irresistible alongside meatloaf.
Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, cheese and seasonings, then baked until tender make delicious scalloped potatoes. The creamy sauce seeps into each layer for fork-tender bites.
Quinoa Salad
For a lighter side, make a quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley and a lemony vinaigrette. Quinoa offers a nice contrasting texture to the soft meatloaf.
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad with vegetables is perfect for spring and summer. Toss small pasta shapes with bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, italian dressing and parmesan.
Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy dressing is a classic barbecue side. The crunch pairs well with soft, savory meatloaf.
Caesar Salad
Crunchy romaine, parmesan cheese, croutons and a zippy garlicky caesar dressing make a crisp, refreshing salad. Chicken can be added to turn it into a lighter main course.
Dinner Rolls
No meatloaf dinner is complete without warm, fluffy dinner rolls for sopping up the delicious gravy. Brush them with garlic butter or sprinkle parmesan for extra flavor.
Garlic Bread
Take those dinner rolls up a notch by turning them into garlic bread. Spread slices of crusty bread with garlic butter and toast until crisp and golden.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet summer corn is an easy veggie pairing for meatloaf. Boil or grill it, then slather in butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grilled corn gets a delicious char.
Brown Rice Pilaf
Nutty brown rice pilaf makes a satisfying base for meatloaf. Cook it in broth with sauteed veggies like onion, carrots and peas. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Wild Rice Pilaf
For a twist, make wild rice pilaf. Wild rice has more texture and nuttiness than brown rice. Cook with mushrooms, onions and herbs for an earthy side dish.
Root Vegetable Mash
Instead of regular mashed potatoes, try a colorful root veggie mash with potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips and celery root. Boil, drain and mash with butter and cream.
Butternut Squash Pasta
Sauteed butternut squash and spinach are tossed with penne, olive oil, parmesan and seasonings for a fun fall-flavored pasta dish.
Glazed Carrots
Finally, simple glazed carrots are a fast, easy veggie pairing. Just cook and drain carrots, then toss in butter, brown sugar and maple syrup. The sweet glaze enhances the natural sweetness of carrots.
With so many fantastic options, from hearty potatoes, rice and pasta to fresh, crunchy salads and colorful roasted vegetables, you’ll never get bored choosing side dishes for your turkey meatloaf. Try picking a few easy go-to recipes and get creative mixing up the rest. These delicious sides are guaranteed to perfectly complement and round out your next homemade 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 pairs with turkey meatloaf?
- 1 / 26. Roasted Broccoli. …
- 2 / 26. Glazed Carrots. …
- 3 / 26. Roasted Asparagus. …
- 4 / 26. Oven-Roasted Corn. …
- 5 / 26. Sautéed Mushrooms. …
- 6 / 26. Sautéed Green Beans. …
- 7 / 26. …
- 8 / 26.
What are good sides for meatloaf?
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Classic comfort food:Mashed potatoes are a traditional and popular choice due to their creamy texture that balances the meatloaf’s richness.
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Veggies with added richness:Consider creamed spinach, glazed carrots, or roasted broccoli for a healthy side with some creaminess.
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Starchy options:Scalloped potatoes or sweet potato fries can add a different texture and sweetness to the plate.
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Lower carb alternatives:Mashed cauliflower can be a good substitute for mashed potatoes if you’re looking for a lower-carb option.
What do Americans eat meatloaf with?
Barbecue sauce, tomato ketchup, or a mixture of ketchup and prepared mustard may also be used. This style of meatloaf may be topped with a “meatloaf sauce” consisting of ketchup and brown sugar.
Is turkey meatloaf healthy?
- Protein: Turkey is a great source of lean protein, which can help build and repair muscles.
- Vitamins and minerals: Turkey is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins.
- Low in fat: Turkey is generally lower in fat and saturated fat than beef.