Meatballs are a tasty and versatile dish loved by many. They can be enjoyed on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level.
The best side dishes for meatballs complement their flavors and textures while adding variety to your plate.
From classic options like pasta and rice to creative vegetable dishes, there are many choices to explore.
This article will introduce you to 14 delicious sides that go great with meatballs.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect match for meatballs. They’re creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor.
The rich garlic taste complements the savory meatballs beautifully.
You can make them easily at home. Just add roasted garlic to your regular mashed potato recipe.
The result is a side dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
These potatoes are great for scooping up extra sauce from your meatballs. They also add a nice texture contrast to the meal. Try them next time you serve meatballs for a tasty combination.
2. Crispy Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is a perfect side for meatballs. Its crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the soft meatballs.
To make it, spread garlic butter on sliced bread and bake until golden brown. The outside gets crispy while the inside stays soft.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some cheese on top before baking. Parmesan or mozzarella work well.
Garlic bread soaks up extra sauce from the meatballs, adding more taste to each bite. It’s an easy side that complements the main dish without overpowering it.
3. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a great choice to serve with meatballs. Its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory meatballs.
The crunchy croutons in the salad give an extra texture that complements the soft meatballs.
You can easily make this salad at home or buy a pre-made version from the store.
For a complete meal, pair your meatballs and Caesar salad with some garlic bread. This combo offers a nice mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds.
4. Steamed Green Beans
Steamed green beans make a great side dish for meatballs. They’re quick to prepare and add a fresh, crisp element to your meal.
To steam green beans, trim the ends and place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
Season your steamed green beans with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
You can also toss them with a bit of butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
Green beans provide vitamins and fiber to balance out your meatball dinner. Their mild taste won’t overpower the main dish but still adds variety to your plate.
5. Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with meatballs. They’re simple to make and offer a mild flavor that complements the savory taste of meatballs.
You can use any type of pasta you like, from egg noodles to fettuccine.
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then toss them with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt.
For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Buttered noodles provide a comforting base that lets the meatballs shine as the star of the meal.
6. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for meatballs. They’re easy to prepare and full of flavor.
To make them, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.
Roast the sprouts in a hot oven until they’re tender and crispy on the edges. The high heat brings out their natural sweetness.
These little green veggies add a nice crunch and earthy taste to your meatball meal. They also bring color and nutrients to your plate.
7. Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta makes a perfect side dish for meatballs. This smooth, comforting corn-based dish complements the savory flavors of the meatballs beautifully.
To prepare it, you’ll simmer cornmeal in water or broth until it thickens. Then, stir in butter and cheese for extra richness.
The soft texture of polenta contrasts nicely with the meatballs. It also soaks up any sauce, making each bite more flavorful.
You can customize your polenta by adding herbs or different cheeses.
Serve it hot and creamy, or let it cool and slice it for a firmer side dish.
8. Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles offer a light and healthy alternative to pasta when serving meatballs. You can easily make them at home with a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.
These low-carb noodles complement the richness of meatballs while adding a fresh, veggie boost to your meal. Their mild flavor won’t overpower your main dish.
To prepare, sauté the zucchini noodles briefly in olive oil with garlic. Don’t overcook them – they should retain some crunch.
Serve your meatballs and sauce over the zoodles for a colorful, nutritious plate.
9. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus makes a tasty side dish for meatballs. It’s quick and easy to prepare on the grill.
Choose thick asparagus spears for best results. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.
Grill the asparagus for about 4-5 minutes per side. They’re done when slightly charred and tender-crisp.
For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled asparagus. You can also sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese.
Grilled asparagus pairs well with both beef and chicken meatballs. Its smoky flavor complements the savory meatballs nicely.
10. Herb Couscous
Herb couscous makes a great side for Moroccan meatballs. This light and fluffy grain soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
To make it, cook couscous according to package directions. Then fluff it with a fork and mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. The bright herbs complement the warm spices in the meatballs nicely.
You can serve the couscous on the side or use it as a bed for the meatballs. Either way, it’s a tasty pairing that brings out the best in both dishes.
11. Parmesan Risotto
Parmesan risotto makes a delicious side dish for meatballs. This creamy rice dish combines Arborio rice with rich, savory flavors.
To make it, you’ll sauté onions and garlic in butter, then add rice and white wine. Slowly stir in warm broth until the rice is tender and creamy.
Finish your risotto by mixing in grated Parmesan cheese and a pat of butter.
Serve the meatballs on top of or alongside the risotto. The cheese in the dish complements the meat nicely. This pairing creates a satisfying and filling meal.
12. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a fresh and tasty side dish for meatballs. It’s made with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
You can drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad for extra flavor. The bright colors and simple ingredients make it look nice on your plate.
This salad adds a light touch to your meal. Its flavors go well with the richness of meatballs. You can make it quickly, which is great when you’re short on time.
13. Cheesy broccoli casserole
Cheesy broccoli casserole is a comforting side dish that pairs well with meatballs. You can make it by combining steamed broccoli florets with a creamy cheese sauce.
Mix in some cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream for extra richness. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and black pepper for flavor.
Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
This casserole offers a nice balance of vegetables and indulgence to round out your meal.
14. Steamed Rice
Steamed rice is a simple yet perfect side for meatballs. Its mild flavor lets the meatballs shine while soaking up their tasty sauces.
White rice is a classic choice, but you can also try brown or jasmine rice for different textures and flavors.
To make it, rinse the rice, add water, and cook until fluffy.
For extra taste, cook the rice in broth instead of water. You can also mix in herbs or butter after cooking for more flavor.
Steamed rice is easy to make and goes well with many types of meatballs.
Pairing Principles
Choosing the right sides for meatballs can make or break your meal. Consider flavor balance and texture contrast when picking side dishes.
Balancing Flavors
When pairing sides with meatballs, think about complementary tastes.
If your meatballs are rich and savory, add a bright, acidic side like a tomato salad or pickled vegetables. This cuts through the heaviness.
For spicy meatballs, cool sides like cucumber salad or tzatziki work well. They help tame the heat.
Sweet and tangy glazed meatballs pair nicely with neutral sides like rice or mashed potatoes. These allow the meatball flavor to shine.
Don’t forget herbs! Fresh basil or parsley can add a pop of flavor to both meatballs and sides.
Texture Contrast
Mix up textures for a more interesting meal.
Pair soft, tender meatballs with crunchy sides like roasted vegetables or crisp salads.
For saucy meatballs, try crusty bread or crispy polenta as a base. These soak up extra sauce while adding a satisfying crunch.
If serving meatballs over pasta, add a crisp side like garlic bread or a raw vegetable platter. This gives your palate a break from soft textures.
Consider temperature too. Hot meatballs with a cool pasta salad or chilled cucumber slices create a nice contrast.
Nutritional Considerations
When picking sides for meatballs, think about your health goals and dietary needs. The right choices can help you stay on track while still enjoying a tasty meal.
Caloric Balance
Meatballs are often high in calories. Pick sides that balance out your plate.
Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are low in calories but fill you up. A small serving of whole grain pasta or brown rice adds fiber without too many extra calories.
For a lighter meal, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These veggie-based sides are very low in calories. They let you eat a bigger portion without overdoing it.
If you’re trying to gain weight, go for more calorie-dense sides. Mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered noodles can help you meet your calorie goals.
Dietary Preferences
Your diet type matters when picking meatball sides.
For low-carb diets, focus on non-starchy veggies. Roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or a crisp salad are good picks.
Vegetarians can enjoy many meatball sides as their main dish.
Try a hearty Greek salad, roasted vegetable medley, or quinoa pilaf.
For gluten-free eaters, avoid wheat-based pastas and breads.
Instead, try rice, potatoes, or gluten-free grains like quinoa.
Vegan? Serve your plant-based meatballs with dairy-free sides.
Think roasted veggies, lentil salad, or vegan garlic bread.