Get some meal inspiration for what to serve with meatballs from this list of the best side dishes for meatballs, featuring salads, veggies, and more!
Mamma mia!
That’s-a one spicy meatball!
That single line said out loud in an exaggerated Italian accent, brings back so many memories!
From Mario of Nintendo videogame fame to Jim Carrey’s The Mask, the meatball line has already been immortalized in the annals of contemporary pop culture.
Immortality?
Yes, for the meatball line.
But what about meatballs, the food item?
How does that stack up in comparison?
If you drew a blank, then you wouldn’t be alone.
It’s time to change that.
So if you were a meatball and you think that you were only born to be served along with a plate of pasta and tomato sauce, then it’s time you rethink your life’s purpose!
There’s a whole lot of meatball world out there, and it’s way bigger than just topping it on your pasta.
It’s a finger food that has so much to offer.
It’s scrumptious and pretty addicting!
With the right side items, you’ll turn this simple appetizer into something your whole family can agree on.
But what to serve with meatballs?
Don’t stress out!
Today, I’ll share this compilation featuring sides that can boost the flavor profile and texture of your favorite meatball dishes.
Here are my favorite meatball side dishes you must unlock and include in your recipe box.
The crispy and starchy texture of these red roasted potatoes is the reason they’re a fantastic partner to your meatballs, especially the creamy ones.
That natural potato flavor, together with its perfectly golden color, makes this recipe a delight to everyone.
Though it takes a few minutes to put together, it’s well worth the wait!
Apart from meatballs, these potatoes also work well with meatloaf.
2. Egg Noodles
If you haven’t tried Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce with egg noodles, then you’re missing out on something truly divine!
Packed with simple yet crucial ingredients, this comfort food is your key to achieve that hearty meatball feast you always wanted.
Combine the flour, milk, and salt, then cut the dough into noodles.
Cook it in boiling water for up to seven minutes.
It’s also perfect alongside beef stroganoff and chicken noodle soup.
You don’t need to be fancy to have a hearty and satisfying meatball feast.
A bowl of simple yet delectable cilantro lime rice should do the trick!
It features a bright and zesty flavor coming from cilantro and lime.
Add a little more flavor to the rice by sauteing it with onion and garlic.
This dish is perfect when accompanied by cream-based meatballs and Hawaiian, fruit-glazed meatballs.
Are greens boring?
Well, certainly not with meatballs!
My very own sauteed green beans work like a charm along with Asian-inspired meatballs, especially the sweet and sour ones.
The crunchiness and tenderness of the beans are enough to harmonize the texture of the meatballs.
Plus, sauteing them doesn’t take long after all. If you cook them on medium-high heat, they should be ready in 10 minutes or less.
A delicious, creamy, and fluffy mashed potato is delicious on its own, but pairing with Swedish or Salisbury meatballs creates an exciting combination of flavors in your mouth.
My mashed potatoes take a bit of care, love, and effort to create, but the result is truly worthwhile!
If you prefer saucy meatballs, then partner them with cranberry or barbecue meatballs.
Another way to bring out your meatballs’ best flavors is to serve them along with spinach salad.
You heard it right!
This salad features essential ingredients such as bacon, mushrooms, eggs, and bacon vinaigrette–all of which can complement the meatballs’ flavors.
If you still have time, prepare a rotisserie chicken to jazz things up!
7. Udon
Spaghetti and meatballs?
Boring!
You should give a shot pairing udon noodles with Asian meatballs at your next meal!
Creating this udon recipe requires two key components: the noodles and the sauce.
Prepare the honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, herbs, spices, and sesame oil for the sauce.
And don’t forget to secure udon noodles, carrots, scallions, and sesame seeds for toppings.
This recipe isn’t your typical stuffed bell peppers.
Traditionally, stuffed peppers are filled with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and rice.
What’s unique about this version is its Italian touch and absence of rice.
So it’s a perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for stuffed bell peppers while you’re on a low-carb diet program.
The best part?
It goes well with your Italian meatballs!
This sauteed broccoli is one of the easiest recipes to make in this collection.
It’s also downright flavorful and takes only 15 minutes to put together.
You can try mixing two different flavors, such as chili peppers and lemon juice.
Or include sauteed garlic for a richer flavor and aroma.
Pair it with Hawaiian meatballs, and your dinner is all set!
10. Cauliflower Rice
If you aren’t in the mood for rice, then this recipe is perfect for you!
An ideal substitute for rice, this dish features a mild taste that easily pairs up with other flavors and recipes, especially your meatballs.
Making cauliflower rice is pretty straightforward.
Plus, you can jazz up the dish with herbs, spices, and ingredients of your choice.
11. Greek Salad
If you’re still puzzled about what to serve with meatballs, make this Greek Salad.
The fresh and vibrant flavor of the salad, as well as its crunchy texture, offset the savory taste of the meatballs; each bite is heavenly!
The amazing part is the special Greek dressing comes together easily, too.
Roasted asparagus is an incredibly versatile dish that’s sweet, snappy, and irresistible.
Expect a party in your mouth when you combine this crunchy veggie with some rich and creamy Swedish meatballs.
What I love about roasting asparagus is it allows to caramelize the veggie’s skin, adding a delectable taste and texture.
Salt and pepper are the default seasoning for it, but if you feel adventurous, go with red pepper flakes, smoked salt, and cayenne.
Or sprinkle grated parmesan and drizzle balsamic vinegar for a cheesy flavor.
13. Corn On The Cob
A summer get-together isn’t complete without the smell of beautifully charred, golden yellow corn on the cobs.
It’s an addicting dish that is a favorite of kids and adults alike.
It goes with many recipes, including barbecue meatballs too!
I tried pairing the corn with barbecue meatballs, and I couldn’t stop consuming this combo.
Serve it at your family and watch your loved ones go crazy with it!
14. Sauteed Zucchini
This quick and easy recipe for sauteed zucchini is perfect for busy evenings when you need a simple yet delicious meatball side dish.
From start to finish, you can have a heavenly side in less than 15 minutes.
Quick and easy!
Sauteed zucchini is more delicious with parmesan on top and served with meatballs.
15. Caesar Salad
A bowl of caesar salad is all you need to transform your meatball dish into something extraordinary.
It has a mixture of creamy and tangy flavor profiles, so it’s great with buffalo meatballs.
This version of caesar salad, however, doesn’t include egg and anchovy.
But the flavor is still topnotch!
Also, it has endless possibilities when it comes to variations.
Up your game on Caesar salad by adding chopped crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken chunks, and radishes.
Imagine having roasted brussels sprouts and barbecue meatballs for dinner. Oh-la-la!
Once you tried this combo, you won’t ever go back to that bland spaghetti-meatball mix.
The veggie also tastes fantastic with traditional flavors such as Salisbury and Swedish meatballs.
17. Glazed Carrots
There are many side dishes I love having around with my meatballs.
One of my favorites is this glazed carrots recipe. It’s versatile, sweet, and uber-tender!
This is an excellent recipe, especially for those times when you’re busy, and you simply have no time to prep and cook complex recipes.
So if you already consume much time cooking your meatballs, picking this side dish is a must!
18. Ratatouille
This simple ratatouille recipe consists of eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, grape tomatoes, fresh herbs, white wine, and red pepper flakes.
You’ll be impressed how this easy dish partners well with your Italian meatballs and crusty baguette.
It’s hearty and bursting with exciting flavors, making it my go-to dish during summertime!
19. Broccoli Salad
If you love pairing your meatballs with salad, then you should include this recipe in your next meal.
Broccoli salad is ultimately simple to put together, and concocting it in advance is possible.
It has a bunch of recipe variations too!
Incorporate almond slices, dried cranberries, carrots, red grapes, or Greek yogurt if you want it even creamier.
People sometimes mistake couscous for a type of grain, such as rice.
It’s actually a type of pasta!
Served with sliced tomatoes and tossed with the sauce, it offers a burst of flavor that will complement your meatballs well!
Ingredients include: Israeli couscous, olive oil, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, and lime juice
Bolognese sauce or Ragu Alla Bolognese is traditionally made from fresh ingredients and is cooked low and slow.
It takes time, but it is so worth it!
Stay true to the tradition by serving with egg tagliatelle and meatballs.
Ingredients include: Tomato puree, olive oil, carrots, ground meats, and red wine.
22. Penne Alla Vodka
If you’ve never tried deglazing with vodka before, then this a good recipe to try it out with!
The vodka simply infuses the other ingredients with a burst of flavor that once it’s gone, results in a dish that is truly restaurant quality!
Serve with meatballs and Italian seasoning for the best meal ever!
Ingredients include: prosciutto, tomato paste, garlic, vodka, and parmesan cheese
23. Garlic Bread
One could never go wrong with a basketful of fresh garlic bread!
This venerable side dish has been gracing dinner tables everywhere since time immemorial.
Try serving them with your meatballs and a bowl of bolognese sauce for an epic dinner!
Ingredients include: French bread, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning
How To Reheat Garlic Bread (As Tasty As Day One!)
Here we have yet another time-tested finger food, side dish, and an appetizer: Deviled Eggs!
One could hardly ever imagine a cocktail party without the tasty little morsels being served!
Presented here is Cookingchew’s very own version of this iconic dish.
Ingredients include: eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and seasoning
Broccoli Cheese Casserole features a cheesy inside topped with crackers.
It’s super easy to make!
So if you’re looking for something delicious that’s a doozy to whip up that everyone will love, look no further.
Ingredients include: broccoli, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and crackers
Earthy and mildly spicy, mushroom rice is a dish that will absolutely go with anything!
Your meatballs will taste especially well with this alongside it.
Be sure to make extra because everyone will be fighting over the leftovers!
Ingredients include: white rice, mushrooms, butter, marsala wine, and jalapenos
Super quick, easy, and tasty, the classic TV dinner is perfect for a midweek dinner with your meatballs!
It’ll even do well to serve for guests with just little more preparation; just follow the recipe for the best results.
Ingredients include: macaroni, Velveeta cheese, cheddar, cheese, malt, and seasoning
28. Tater Tots
When it comes to tater tots and one is just looking for a snack, they usually go to the store.
But if you’re looking to impress your family and friends, homemade is the way to go!
Not only will it look better, but it’ll also taste better.
Ingredients include: hash browns, parmesan cheese, flour, oil, and seasoning
Legend has it that this was conceived when a chef spied upon Venus, the goddess of love.
Whether that’s true or not, what is true is that this is delicious and has been a staple of many an Italian household during Christmas.
Now you can have it on your table with meatballs too!
Ingredients include: beef, chicken, pasta dough, pork, and eggs
Creamy polenta makes for a wonderful comfort food but has always been a little underappreciated, with appearances made only as a side with sautees in most Italian restaurants.
This recipe will be showing you how to bring out the best in it!
Ingredients include: polenta, kosher salt, butter, pecorino-Romano cheese, and black pepper
The culinary harmony between Steamed Cauliflower and meatballs is a palatable delight that every food lover should experience.
The nature of this delicious combo originates from the contrasting yet complementary flavors and textures that interplay impeccably to create a sumptuous meal.
Succulent meatballs provide a savory richness, while steamed cauliflower serves as a sublime companion, offering a delicate, earthy, fresh note that balances the robust taste of the meat.
Ingredients include: Cauliflower, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
32. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a refreshingly flavorful dish that compliments meatballs really well.
This creamy, Greek yogurt-based sauce has fresh cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and just a touch of olive oil.
The tangy and cooling combination of flavors helps cut through the rich and savory taste of the meatballs.
Ingredients include: Cucumber, garlic, olive oil, plain Greek yogurt, and dill.
Imagine biting into a juicy, tender meatball bursting with flavor, followed by a mouthful of creamy and cheesy Baked Zucchini Squash Casserole.
This delectable combination brings together hearty meatballs with the refreshing crunch of zucchini, blending seamlessly into a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients include: Zucchini, yellow squash, butter, red pepper flakes, and cream.
34. Fried Cabbage
The marriage of savory meatballs and tender, caramelized Fried Cabbage is a culinary match that tantalizes the taste buds of many avid foodies.
This divine duo combines the satisfying, rich flavors found in lovingly prepared meatballs with the complementary tastes and textures of Fried Cabbage with bacon.
Ingredients include: Bacon, cabbage, onion, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Imagine savoring the burst of herby, zesty pesto flavor combined with the tender, creamy texture of potatoes as a delightful contrast to the rich, succulent taste of savory meatballs.
This duo strikes an impeccable balance between the earthy note of the potato salad and the savory taste of meatballs, making it a rewarding flavor combination to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients include: Potato, basil, pine nuts, garlic clove, and vegan parmesan.
Our Easy Yukon Gold Potato Salad Recipe
There is a certain charm in the simplicity of a classic Spaghetti With Garlic and Olive Oil that makes it the ideal partner to meatballs.
The blend of aromatic garlic and rich olive oil elevates the noodles into their own realm of savory goodness.
When twirled together with succulent, tender meatballs on your fork, the result is flavors that complement one another.
Ingredients include: Spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, Italian parsley, and red pepper flakes.
37. Zesty Ranch Rice
The tangy notes of the ranch dressing fuse with the aromatic spices in the meatballs, creating a blissful explosion of taste in every bite.
The rice offers a satisfying base that soaks up the juicy meatballs, elevating the overall dining experience.
Ingredients include: Rice, butter, water, and dry ranch seasoning.
38. Orzo Salad
Orzo Salad is made with orzo pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
The combination of these ingredients provides an enlivening and zesty flavor that pairs well with the hearty and piquant meatballs.
The orzo pasta also adds a pleasant texture to the meal, making it satisfying and filling.
Ingredients include: Orzo pasta, olive oil, butter, lemon juice, red onion, and broth.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a tasty partner to succulent meatballs, elevating every bite to an unforgettable experience.
As you twirl your fork in those luscious strands, you’ll be instantly enticed by the irresistibly tangy flavors of lemon and the piquant aroma of garlic.
These all blended harmoniously with the rich notes of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients include: Spaghetti, garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley, butter, and lemon juice.
With this Lebanese Tomato Salad, the tomatoes do their job well to simmer down the spices that are often used to create the piquant meatballs.
Meanwhile, the dressing in the salad, which is primarily made with garlic as its base, complements the juicy meatballs, so you end up with a memorable experience you’d like to savor over and over again.
Ingredients include: Tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, sumac, and smoked paprika.
41. Romaine Salad
Romaine Salad is a classic dish that pairs seamlessly with various dishes.
That long list includes the cherished meatballs.
This is because the fresh lettuce balances out the entrée.
The vibrant green hue of the romaine also gives the experience more color and pizzazz.
Ingredients include: Romaine, cilantro, avocado, English cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
42. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish that features fresh vegetables in a light and creamy sauce.
This vibrant meal is a true testament to spring, which is why pairing it with meatballs heightens the overall satisfaction of the dish.
The savory nature of meatballs adds a layer of depth to the Pasta Primavera, providing a lip-smacking counterbalance to the delicate vegetables.
Ingredients include: Penne pasta, asparagus, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and olive oil.
43. Turmeric Rice
Turmeric Rice is an ideal partner to meatballs because it brings a delightful and complementary explosion of flavors to the table.
The friendly yellow hue of Turmeric Rice, infused with a mild, earthy aroma, adds a vibrant touch to the plate while enhancing the savory taste of the meatballs.
The slightly nutty and peppery undertones in the rice also work wonders to cut through the rich flavor of the meat, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
Ingredients include: Jasmine rice, olive oil, turmeric, chicken broth, and garlic.
This duo brings together light, fluffy couscous with juicy meatballs, resulting in a balance of flavors and textures that will effortlessly dance across your palate.
The earthy notes of the grains woven amongst the colorful rainbow of fresh, crisp veggies create an invigorating base that simply sings when united with the robust, savory character of those well-seasoned meatballs.
Ingredients include: Israeli couscous, broth, salt, and olive oil.
The combination not only creates a sublime fusion of flavors but also provides a delightful texture that keeps your palate entertained.
Tomato sauce with garlic embodies the right blend of sweet tanginess and savory spiciness that complements the juicy, tender meatballs so well.
Ingredients include: Garlic, olive oil, butter, dried oregano, and penne pasta.
There’s just something about the rich flavor of roasted tomatoes that brings out the best in tender, juicy meatballs.
The thick, satisfying strands of Bucatini noodles provide a foundation for these bold flavors to intertwine, making every bite an indulgent experience.
Ingredients include: Bucatini, grape tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
The peppery, slightly bitter taste of the rocket creates a delightful contrast to the rich, succulent flavors encapsulated in that scrumptious meatball.
The juicy, slightly sweet pear slices balance out the equation, harmonizing with both the rocket and the meatball and serving as the bridge between these two diverse components.
Toss in a tangy, zesty dressing or crumbled feta cheese for an extra punch, and each bote becomes a symphony of well-rounded flavors and textures.
Ingredients include: Rocket arugula, pears, pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and parmesan.
The bottom line
There’s no specific rule to follow when you’re choosing side items for your meatballs–as long as they won’t overpower their flavor and texture, they should also complement the overall taste of the dish!
So the next time you’re planning to have a gathering, take out spaghetti off your list and pick some of these meatballs’ sides instead.
Trust me; they should make a HUGE difference!
More About Meatballs
- How To Reheat Meatballs
- Meatball Dinner Ideas
- Meatball Appetizers
- What To Serve With Swedish Meatballs
- Leftover Meatball Recipes
- Sauces For Meatballs
- What To Serve With BBQ Meatballs
- Easy Appetizer Recipes: Grape Jelly Meatballs
What To Serve With Meatballs (47 Best Side Dishes)
Get some meal inspiration for what to serve with meatballs from this list of the best side dishes for meatballs, featuring salads, veggies, and more!
Ingredients
- Red Roasted Potatoes
- Egg Noodles
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Sauteed Green Beans
- Mashed Potatoes
- Spinach Salad
- Udon
- No-Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Sauteed Broccoli
- Cauliflower Rice
- Roasted Asparagus
- Greek Salad
- Corn on the Cob
- Sauteed Zucchini
- Caesar Salad
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Glazed Carrots
- Ratatouille
- Broccoli Salad
- Israeli Couscous With Tomatoes
- Authentic Bolognese Sauce
- Penne Alla Vodka
- Garlic Bread
- Bacon Deviled Eggs
- Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Spicy Mushroom Rice
- Crock Pot Mac And Cheese
- Tater Tots
- Tortellini En Brodo
- Creamy Parmesan Polenta
- Steamed Cauliflower
- Tzatziki
- Baked Zucchini Squash Casserole
- Fried Cabbage
- Pesto Potato Salad
- Spaghetti With Garlic And Olive Oil
- Zesty Ranch Rice
- Orzo Salad
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Lebanese Tomato Salad
- Romaine Salad
- Pasta Primavera
- Turmeric Rice
- Summer Couscous Salad
- Tomato And Garlic Pasta
- Roasted Tomato Bucatini
- Rocket And Pear Salad
Instructions
- Wondering What To Serve With Meatballs?
- Choose the ingredients that sound good.
- Create a new favorite side dish you'll make again and again!
- Love it? Leave us a message or share on your socials!
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g