Have you ever wanted to make the perfect dinner for your family or special someone with something as classic and comforting as meatballs?
It sounds like an easy enough task—all you need is some ground beef, spices, bread crumbs, and maybe some eggs!
But once the main entrée is all set, what sides do you serve alongside it to complete your meal?
Today we’re here to solve that perplexing problem with 15 delicious recipes for side dishes that are sure to perfectly pair with any type of meatball.
Whether its Italian-style (like stuffed mushrooms), traditional American varieties (mashed potatoes anyone?), or vegetarian options (roasted veggies!), this roundup has something for everyone.
Serve up these stellar sides dishes tonight and leave your guests wondering what other culinary wonders could be served at a simple gathering!
What to Serve with Meatballs? 15 CLASSIC & DELICIOUS Side Dishes
1. Spaghetti Bolognese
There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of spaghetti Bolognese.
This classic dish is made with a delicious tomato and beef sauce, and it’s the perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s night.
The best part about spaghetti Bolognese is that it’s so versatile – you can easily add in your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
When it comes to the taste and texture of spaghetti Bolognese, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the sauce should be rich and flavorful, with a deep red color.
The meat should be cooked until it’s tender and falling apart, and the pasta should be cooked al dente.
To elevate this dish, try adding in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta on top.
You could also garnish with some fresh parsley or basil leaves.
2. Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of mashed potatoes.
This classic dish is loved by people of all ages and can be easily dressed up or down to suit any occasion.
Mashed potatoes are usually made with boiled potatoes that are then mashed with some butter, milk and salt to taste.
The great thing about mashed potatoes is that they can be easily customized to suit your taste.
If you like your mashed potatoes on the creamier side, simply add more milk or cream.
For a richer flavor, try adding some shredded cheese, green onions or garlic.
And for a bit of texture, consider stirring in some chopped bacon or crumbled sausage.
No matter how you like your mashed potatoes, there are a few things you can do to take them from good to great.
First, make sure you use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds – these varieties will give you the best texture.
Second, don’t overboil your potatoes – this will make them waterlogged and difficult to mash.
Finally, don’t be afraid to really mash those potatoes until they’re nice and smooth.
3. Garlic Bread
There’s nothing quite like a warm, crusty piece of garlic bread to round out a meal.
This classic side dish is the perfect complement to a variety of main courses, from hearty pasta dishes to grilled meats.
And while it’s easy to find pre-made garlic bread at your local grocery store, there’s nothing like homemade.
When done right, garlic bread should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The key to achieving this perfect balance is in the cooking method.
For the best results, bake your garlic bread in a hot oven until the loaf is golden brown and crusty.
To really take your garlic bread up a notch, try adding some cheese to the recipe.
A sprinkling of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese will give the bread a delicious cheesy flavor that everyone will love.
You can also add other herbs and spices to taste, such as oregano, basil or thyme.
4. Summer Salad
This summer salad is the perfect side dish to any meal.
It is light and refreshing, with a great mix of textures and flavors.
The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado are a perfect combination.
And the best part is that it is so easy to make.
The key to a great summer salad is using fresh ingredients.
Make sure to use ripe tomatoes and avocados, and crisp lettuce.
For an extra bit of flavor, add in some shredded cheese or diced onions.
And if you want a bit more of a crunch, try adding croutons or chopped nuts.
A great summer salad should be light and refreshing, with a great mix of textures and flavors.
The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado are a perfect combination.
5. Spring Mix Salad
Looking for a simple, yet tasty side dish to serve with your next meal? Look no further than this spring mix salad.
This salad is packed with flavor and has a great crunch thanks to the fresh vegetables.
Plus, it’s super easy to make – all you need is a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.
When it comes to taste, this salad is hard to beat.
The mix of fresh greens, crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing is simply delicious.
And, the textures in this salad are also amazing.
The crispiness of the veggies pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing and soft greens.
If you want to elevate this dish even further, try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.
The protein will make the salad more filling and satisfying.
Looking for an even heartier option? Try serving the salad over a bed of quinoa or rice.
Either way, you’re sure to enjoy this tasty side dish.
6. Roasted Vegetables
There’s something about roasted vegetables that just makes them taste so much better than when they’re cooked any other way.
Maybe it’s the fact that they get all nice and crispy on the outside while still being soft and juicy on the inside.
Or maybe it’s the fact that roasting brings out all of their natural flavors.
Whatever the reason, roasted vegetables are definitely a winner in our book.
One of the best things about roasted vegetables is that they can be paired with just about anything.
Meat, pasta, rice, salad, you name it, roasted veggies go with it.
And since they’re so versatile, they make a great side dish for just about any meal.
- Try roasting different kinds of vegetables together. This will give you a variety of flavors and textures to work with.
- Add some herbs or spices to your vegetables before roasti.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a delicious and easy way to elevate your side dish game.
They are versatile and can be enjoyed both sweet and savory.
Here are some tips on how to make the perfect sweet potato fry:
The key to making the perfect sweet potato fry is all in the technique.
First, you want to make sure that you cut the sweet potatoes into even slices.
This will ensure that they cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
Second, you want to coat them in a light layer of oil before cooking.
This will help to seal in the moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Finally, you want to bake them in a hot oven until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
There are endless ways to customize sweet potato fries.
You can season them with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices that you like.
You can also top them with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or anything else that you think would be delicious.
8. Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are a type of pasta made with eggs, flour, and water.
They are usually sold in dried form and need to be cooked before eating.
Egg noodles have a slightly chewy texture and can be used in a variety of dishes.
If you’re looking for ways to elevate your egg noodle dish, consider adding some fresh herbs or spices.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
You could also try sauteing the noodles in some butter or olive oil before adding them to your dish.
Another option is to add some protein, like chicken or shrimp.
For a vegetarian option, you could add some tofu or vegetables.
9. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French dish that is typically made with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
It’s a great vegetarian option that is full of flavor and can be served as a main dish or side.
The key to making a good ratatouille is to cook the vegetables properly.
They should be soft but not mushy, and each vegetable should retain its own shape and flavor.
One way to achieve this is to cook the vegetables separately before adding them all into one pot.
This ensures that each vegetable is cooked perfectly.
There are endless ways to elevate this dish.
One option is to add in some fresh herbs like Basil or thyme.
Another option is to top it with some crumbled goat cheese or Parmesan cheese.
Ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your own taste buds.
10. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
Sautéed green beans are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with any type of main course.
The beans are cooked in olive oil and garlic, giving them a delicious flavor and a slightly crispy texture.
One of the best things about this dish is that it is so versatile.
You can easily add other ingredients to elevate the flavor, such as lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
If you want a heartier side dish, you can also add chopped bacon or pancetta.
11. Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
These sauteed mushrooms and onions are the perfect side dish to any meal, but especially go well with meatballs.
They are so simple to make and only require a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Plus, they can be made in under 15 minutes.
The mushrooms and onions are cooked in a bit of olive oil and garlic, so they have a lot of flavor.
The mushrooms are nice and tender, while the onions are slightly crispy.
Together, they make a delicious side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
If you want to elevate this dish, you could try adding some other vegetables to the mix.
Some good options would be bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach.
Just saute them all together in the olive oil and garlic until they are cooked to your liking.
You could also top the dish with some shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
12. Grilled Corn on The Cob
This summertime classic is a must-have at any cookout or barbecue.
And for good reason – grilled corn on the cob is delicious.
The sweet kernels of corn are perfectly complemented by the smoky, char-grilled flavor of the cob.
Just throw some ears of corn on the grill and you’re good to go.
If you’re looking to elevate your grilled corn game, there are a few things you can do.
First, try brushing the ears of corn with some olive oil or butter before grilling.
This will help them to brown evenly and also prevent them from drying out.
For even more flavor, season the corn with salt, pepper, and/or your favorite herbs or spices before grilling.
Another great way to add flavor is to grill the corn in husks.
This will steam the kernels and give them a wonderfully tender texture.
Simply soak the husks in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
13. Zucchini Squash Casserole
This Zucchini Squash Casserole is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer squash without all the work.
This casserole has a light and fluffy texture, with a hint of sweetness from the squash.
It’s perfect for a potluck or picnic, and can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
To make this casserole even more special, try adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or chives.
You could also stir in some crumbled cooked bacon or sausage.
For a vegetarian option, leave out the meat and add extra vegetables, such as sauteed mushrooms or onions.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch and enjoy it all summer long.
14. Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the perfect side dish to any meal.
They are so simple to make and only require a few ingredients, but they are packed with flavor.
The carrots are first cooked in a little bit of oil until they are nice and tender.
Then, a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and spices is added to the pan and cooked until it forms a glaze.
These carrots are so sweet and savory, and they go great with just about anything.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is so versatile.
You can easily change up the spices to suit your taste, or add in some other vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts.
And if you want to make it a little more indulgent, you could even top it with some crumbled bacon or shredded cheese.
15. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Looking for a new side dish to go with your meatballs? Why not try roasted brussel sprouts.
These little green vegetables are surprisingly delicious, and they’re packed with nutrients.
Plus, they’re super easy to make.
Roasted brussel sprouts have a unique taste and texture that is both savory and slightly sweet.
They’re also incredibly versatile – you can add them to just about any dish.
Here are some tips on how to make the perfect roasted brussel sprout:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut your brussel sprouts in half, or into quarters if they’re particularly large.
- Toss the sprouts with olive oil and sea salt.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking.
Conclusion
After reading through this article, you should have a good idea of what to serve with meatballs.
There are a variety of side dishes that go great with meatballs, so choose whichever ones sound the best to you.
I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for your next meal.
Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Facebook if you try out any of these recipes.
What to Serve with Meatballs? 15 CLASSIC u0026#038; DELICIOUS Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Spaghetti Bolognese
- 2. Mashed Potatoes
- 3. Garlic Bread
- 4. Summer Salad
- 5. Spring Mix Salad
- 6. Roasted Vegetables
- 7. Sweet Potato Fries
- 8. Egg Noodles
- 9. Ratatouille
- 10. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
- 11. Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
- 12. Grilled Corn on The Cob
- 13. Zucchini Squash Casserole
- 14. Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- 15. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!