Go Back
–+ servings
What Goes With Meatballs? 15 Best Side Dishes

What Goes With Meatballs? 15 Best Side Dishes

No ratings yet
We provide a list of 15 sides that complement meatballs by adding creamy starches, bright vegetables, and tangy sauces. These options offer a variety of textures, temperatures, and prep times to help create a balanced and complete meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes creamy
  • Oven-Roasted Italian Herb Vegetables smoky
  • Crisp Mixed Green Salad crisp
  • Garlic-Parmesan Crusty Bread Loaf crunchy
  • Zesty Lemon Roasted Potatoes bright
  • Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter tender
  • Creamy Polenta with Parmesan creamy
  • Tangy Apple Cider Slaw tangy
  • Sautéed Garlic Green Beans crisp
  • Classic Spaghetti with Marinara soft
  • Roasted Garlic Butter Naan Bread soft
  • Cauliflower Mash with Chives creamy
  • Spicy Arrabbiata Tomato Sauce spicy
  • Herbed Couscous with Lemon Zest fluffy
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze crunchy

Equipment

  • Sheet pan For roasting vegetables and potatoes
  • Mixing bowl For salads and slaws
  • Cutting board For chopping vegetables and herbs
  • Skillet For sautéed green beans

Method
 

  1. Assess what the main dish already provides—if it has starch, focus on vegetables and fresh sides.
  2. Choose 2-3 sides that fill different gaps: one vegetable, one starch or bread, one sauce or dip.
  3. Start the longest-cooking side first. Prep quick items like salads while the oven works.
  4. Balance temperatures—pair hot roasted vegetables with a cold slaw or chilled dip.
  5. Plate the main dish with sides arranged around it. Drizzle sauce or add garnish last.

Notes

Add a crisp salad or bright vegetable and keep it chilled or freshly roasted. This prevents the plate from feeling too heavy or one-dimensional when served with rich meatballs.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!