Wondering what to serve with meatballs for dinner? This handy guide covers all of the best sides for meatballs – from veggies, to potatoes, and more!
I’m sharing 25+ of the most popular and best side dishes for meatballs. Creamy mashed potatoes, salads, and the most delicious veggies.
These side dishes pair with all your favorite meatball recipes, from simple sauteed meatballs, to Curry Meatballs, Turkey Swedish Meatballs, Mexican Meatballs, and more!
Be sure to check out these 30+ yummy sauces for meatballs too!
What to Eat with Meatballs
Italian Sunday Gravy
This Authentic Italian Sunday Gravy is what I grew up eating every week. Nana’s tomato meat sauce holds a fond place in my heart, and her recipe lives on to this day in my recipe box. It’s my most requested recipe and today I’m sharing it with you.
Sunday Gravy
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
These Easy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream are especially delicious with Swedish Meatballs. They're light, creamy, buttery and tangy and easy to make with the help of your stand mixer – No hand mashing required!
Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
Pesto Couscous
This Pesto Couscous Recipe combines fluffy and chewy Israeli couscous with basil pesto to give you an easy yet sophisticated side dish or light main course. You’ll love its addictive Italian flavors!
Pesto Couscous
Butter Roasted Tomato Sauce
This Butter Roasted Tomato Sauce comes together easily, with no chopping or constant stove monitoring. Just pop it in the oven and let the roasting process intensify the flavor of canned tomatoes.
Butter Roasted Tomato Sauce
Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower
If you love cacio e pepe, this lightened-up Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower is for you! It puts a low-carb and gluten-free twist on the classic pasta dish but still has the same rich, cheesy, and peppery flavors you love.
Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower
Parmesan Polenta
This Creamy Polenta recipe makes a delicious side dish. Irresistibly delicious with parmesan cheese, but simple to make with just 5-ingredients: polenta, parmesan, milk, chicken broth and butter. It's delicious with Meatballs in Marinara Sauce!
Creamy Polenta
Homemade Vodka Sauce
This Pasta Alla Vodka recipe will be a definite keeper. Pasta is tossed in a tomato vodka sauce that’s deliciously creamy and kicked up with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.
Pasta Alla Vodka
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
Save on valuable time and oven space with this easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash recipe! It’s a convenient way of cooking this delicious and versatile winter squash, with no babysitting required. Use it as a holiday side dish, in a casserole, or as a healthy alternative to regular pasta noodles.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto
Instant Pot Risotto is hands-down the best way to make risotto! It has the signature creamy, rich goodness you expect without all the stirring and fuss of making it on the stove. Plus there are 6 add-in options to make your risotto extra flavorful.
Instant Pot Risotto
Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction & Cranberries make a simple and elegant side dish that both kids and adults love!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
Braised Fennel
This Braised Fennel Recipe is an elegant side dish for roast chicken, fish, vegetarian meals, and more. The low and slow braising process leaves you with mouthwatering caramelized fennel infused with thyme, garlic, lemon, and honey. You’ll love this versatile veggie!
Braised Fennel
Parmesan Delicata Squash
This easy recipe for Parmesan Delicata Squash roasts Italian-seasoned and parmesan-coated squash slices in the oven until they’re cheesy and tender. Enjoy it as a simple but addictive side dish with any fall or winter meal.
Parmesan Delicata Squash
Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed Cauliflower is a delicious, low carb & keto friendly side dish. With 5 flavor variations and instructions for making Stovetop Mashed Cauliflower or Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower.
Mashed Cauliflower
Garlic Bread
This restaurant-quality Garlic Bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and slathered with homemade garlic butter and melted parmesan. It’s the perfect pairing for your pasta dinner!
Garlic Bread
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
These copycat Din Tai Fung Green Beans are deliciously crispy and coated with lots of savory garlic and a spicy chili crisp. It’s the best umami-forward side dish to pair with all of your takeout-inspired favorites!
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Italian Wedding Soup
This Italian Wedding Soup marries delicious Italian flavors together in one pot! Made with homemade meatballs, vegetables, kale, and pasta, this classic soup is easy to make in less than an hour on the stove top.
Italian Wedding Soup
Garlic Rice
Ordinary white rice is transformed into the best savory side dish in this Garlic Rice recipe! Super fluffy and loaded with garlic and butter, one taste and you’ll never settle for blah rice again.
Garlic Rice
Instant Pot Rice
With these tips you’ll see it's simple to learn how to cook perfect rice using the Instant Pot rice setting. The result is fluffy & flavorful rice that’s easy to prepare with minimal measuring.
Instant Pot Rice
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Recipe
Add a healthy boost of nutrients to your dinner with this easy Sauteed Spinach. Baby spinach is added to a skillet along with garlic and olive oil, then sauteed gently to create a simple side dish that pairs with any meal!
Sauteed Spinach
Tortellini en Brodo
Tortellini en Brodo is an incredibly simple yet super satisfying appetizer made by simmering cheese-filled tortellini in rich chicken broth. The recipe puts a semi-homemade spin on a traditional Italian soup.
Tortellini en Brodo
Sauteed Zucchini and Squash
You can serve Sauteed Zucchini and Squash with practically anything! It’s a simple side dish that showcases sliced and seared summer squash and savory Italian flavors.
Sauteed Zucchini and Squash
Spinach Rice
This quick and easy Spinach Rice recipe is a tasty way to sneak more greens onto your plate! A green spinach paste is stirred into fluffy and flavorful white rice, instantly upgrading this simple side dish with deliciously savory flavors.
Spinach Rice
Pearl Couscous with Tomatoes
Tomato Couscous is an amazing side dish full of flavor. Toasted pearl couscous is tossed with a burst tomato sauce and finished with a squeeze of lime for a delightful tang. Yum!
Tomato Couscous
Vegetarian Kale Caesar Salad
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
Kale Caesar Salad
Caprese Risotto
This creamy risotto caprese features all the flavors of your favorite caprese salad. Fresh tomatoes, basil and melty mozzarella cheese combine with the creamy risotto. Finished off with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
Tomato Risotto
Kale White Bean Salad
This copycat Erewhon Kale White Bean Salad tosses kale, avocado, cannellini beans, and seeds in a lemony tahini dressing. A must-try healthy lunch, light dinner, and satisfying side dish!
Kale White Bean Salad
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
This Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce would make my Nana Lamancuso proud. It’s silky and luscious with super tender meat and so much flavor. Crockpot bolognese is where it’s at!
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Fattoush Salad
This Lebanese-inspired fattoush salad tosses vibrant vegetables and homemade pita chips in a tangy-sweet dressing. Enjoy it as an ultra-refreshing side dish with your favorite Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meals!
Fattoush Salad
Udon Noodle Soup
Add some meatballs to Udon Soup (Kake Udon). It’s a traditional Japanese appetizer made with tender udon noodles and a rich, dashi-based broth. This classic soup is warm, cozy, and the perfect umami-forward canvas for flavorful toppings.
Udon Soup
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is the vegetarian version of a classic Italian dish. Crispy breaded eggplant is quickly cooked in the air fryer before being topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella. It’s crispy, cheesy, and delicious over pasta or rice!
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious!
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Simple Arugula Salad Dressing
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
Arugula Salad
Sheet Pan Mushroom Parmigiana
Sheet Pan Portobello Mushroom Parmigiana is a must-try for Meatless Monday. Portobello mushrooms are stuffed with marinara and mozzarella cheese before being roasted in the oven with grape tomatoes. Top each mushroom with a scoop of garlicky breadcrumbs for an exceptional crunch!
Sheet Pan Mushroom Parmigiana
Sous Vide Asparagus
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
Asparagus
Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Spaghetti Squash Casserole made with tomatoes, Italian spices, creamy ricotta cheese and parmesan is a delicious and hearty vegetarian-friendly dinner option or delicious side dish.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Grilled Broccolini with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch. It’s a perfect side dish for autumnal menus or Thanksgiving.
Grilled Broccolini
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
This Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is made with shaved brussels sprouts, homemade Caesar dressing, and baked croutons, offering a fresh and extra-crunchy take on a classic. Easy to make ahead of time and it pairs well with everything!
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these meatball side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Side Dish Recipes
Favorite Meatball Recipes
Did you Make Any of These Meatball Side Dishes?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with meatballs. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
What to Serve with Meatballs: 35+ Sides
Wondering what to serve with meatballs for dinner? This handy guide covers all of the best sides – veggies, pasta, potatoes & more! Try this Authentic Italian Sunday Gravy. A rich, tomato meat sauce that's served with your favorite pasta.
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Serves 8 people
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb. pork spareribs
- 1 lb. beef stew meat
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ( spicy or mild, based on personal preference)
- 6 cloves garlic (peeled and left whole)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 3 28-oz. cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 8 leaves fresh basil (torn into small pieces)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste )
- 1 Tablespoon sugar (more or less based on the flavor of your tomatoes)
- Parmesan (shaved, for topping)
- Pasta
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
- Pat the pork dry and put the pieces in the pot.
- Cook turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until nicely browned on all sides.
- Transfer pork to a plate.
- Brown the beef in the same way and add it to the plate.
- Place the sausages in the pot and brown on all sides.
- Set the sausages aside with the pork and beef.
- Drain off most of the fat from the pot.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes or until golden.
- Remove and discard the garlic.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes to the pot.
- Add the water; season with a pinch salt and pepper.
- Return the pork, beef, and sausages to the pot and bring sauce to a simmer.
- Partially cover the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for at least 2 hours.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water.
- At the end, add sugar, to taste, and adjust your seasonings one more time with salt and pepper. Add basil leaves and serve over your favorite pasta, topped with shaved Parmesan.
Nutrition
Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 502mg | Potassium: 361mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 3.6mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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