What to Serve with Meatballs
Meatballs are a firm family favourite in our house. They’re simple to make, taste delicious, and they can be served with a whole range of different side dishes. We’ll often go for the classic dish of spaghetti and meatballs, but sometimes we’ll switch it up a little too.
From savoury rice dishes and hearty mashed potatoes to fresh salads and flavourful vegetable sides, there is something for everyone when it comes to deciding what to serve with meatballs.
So, whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, these side dish suggestions will make serving meatballs a delightful experience.
Classic Side Dishes
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that goes perfectly with a side of garlic bread. To prepare this dish, cook spaghetti until al dente, then toss it with a hearty marinara sauce. Serve it alongside meatballs for a filling, comforting meal.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed potatoes and gravy is a delicious side dish to serve with meatballs. Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for rich gravy and tender meatballs. To make it special, you can add cheese or herbs to the mashed potatoes, creating a mouthwatering meal.
Rice and Veggies
Rice is a versatile side to complement meatballs, and it can be served with a variety of vegetables. You can choose from different types of rice, such as jasmine, basmati, or brown rice. Toss steamed or grilled vegetables, like carrots or broccoli, with the rice for added colour and nutrition. Top the dish with a sauce, like soy or garlic, to enhance the flavours even more.
Green Beans with Bacon
A delicious side of green beans with bacon adds a wonderful contrast to any meatball dish. To make this side, cook fresh green beans until tender-crisp and sauté with crispy bacon pieces. The smoky flavour of bacon combines excellently with the fresh green beans, creating a satisfying accompaniment to meatballs.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are another pasta alternative to serve with meatballs. They have a more tender texture than spaghetti, providing a different mouthfeel but still maintaining a classic Italian vibe. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, and then toss with a little butter or sauce before serving.
Garlic Bread
A warm side of garlic bread is an ideal accompaniment to meatballs, offering a crunchy contrast to the tender texture of the meat. Buttered bread slices topped with garlic and herbs are toasted to crispy perfection, making it a popular choice to round out a meatball meal.
Vegetable Sides
Roasted Asparagus and Bell Peppers
Roasted asparagus and bell peppers make a colourful and nutritious side dish to serve with meatballs. Simply toss the asparagus and chopped bell peppers in a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 180°C (Gas Mark 4) for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. The natural sweetness of the bell peppers complements the earthy flavour of the asparagus, creating a delicious and appetising addition to your meatball meal.
Cauliflower Rice and Peperonata
Cauliflower rice is a light and healthy alternative to traditional rice, and when paired with Italian-style peperonata, it becomes an appealing side dish. To make the cauliflower rice, just grate or blitz cauliflower florets in a food processor, then sauté in a hot pan until tender. For the peperonata, gently cook sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil, then add tomato sauce and cook until the vegetables are soft. Season to taste and serve the peperonata on top of the cauliflower rice for a scrumptious combination alongside your meatballs.
Courgette Noodles
Courgette or zucchini noodles add a fresh and low-carb option to your meatball meal. Simply spiralize courgette and cook in a pan with a little olive oil for a few minutes, until tender but still slightly firm. Courgette noodles can be paired with your favourite sauce—such as marinara or Alfredo – or served simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This versatile vegetable side is a tasty way to enjoy the flavours of your meatballs without adding too many additional carbs.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese Bake
A broccoli and cauliflower cheese bake is a comforting and delicious side that works well with meatballs. First, blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets in boiling water for a few minutes, then transfer to a baking dish. Prepare a cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk until smooth. Stir in grated cheddar or Gruyère cheese and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and cauliflower, top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and more grated cheese, then bake in a preheated 180°C/Gas Mark 4 oven for approximately 25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. This side dish offers a warm, creamy balance to the savoury taste of meatballs.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Garlic
For an irresistible combination of flavours and textures, try serving Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon and garlic alongside your meatballs. Start by cooking diced bacon in a pan until crispy, then remove and set aside. Add sliced Brussels sprouts to the same pan and sauté in the rendered bacon fat for a few minutes before stirring in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sprouts are tender, then toss with the cooked bacon, and serve. This tasty vegetable side dish provides a great contrast to the tender meatballs and adds an extra layer of indulgence to your meal.
Salads and Cold Side Dishes
When serving meatballs, salads and cold side dishes can complement the main dish perfectly, bringing a fresh and lighter side to the meal. I often serve salad with meatballs in the Summer when I really don’t want to be boiling a pan of water for pasta.
Classic Caesar Salad
A Classic Caesar Salad is a simple yet flavourful option that works wonderfully with meatballs. To prepare it, mix together chopped Romaine lettuce, bite-sized croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and a tasty Caesar dressing. Add grilled chicken or bacon bits for an extra touch of protein if desired. This dish not only adds a refreshing contrast to the richer meatballs, but also provides a delightful crunch that enhances the overall dining experience.
Pasta Salad with Veggies
For a more substantial side dish, a Pasta Salad with Veggies is an excellent choice. To make this colourful and nutritious dish, cook your choice of pasta (such as fusilli, penne or farfalle), and toss with a variety of fresh, chopped vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Add crumbled feta cheese and black olives for extra flavour. Finish by drizzling with your favourite vinaigrette and seasoning with salt and pepper. This pasta salad is versatile and ideal for serving alongside any type of meatball, be it Italian-style, Swedish or Asian-inspired.
Potato Salad with Bacon and Eggs
A hearty Potato Salad with Bacon and Eggs is another delicious and satisfying cold side dish that complements meatballs particularly well. To make this dish, boil potatoes until tender, then mix in crispy bacon bits, chopped hard-boiled eggs, finely sliced spring onions, and your preferred combination of mayonnaise, mustard and/or sour cream for the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika. This creamy, flavour-packed potato salad offers a warm and comforting contrast to the main dish, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and special occasions alike.
Meatball Variations and Sauces
Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce
Swedish meatballs are a classic dish, typically made with a mix of beef and pork mince. The creamy sauce that accompanies them is made with beef stock, heavy cream, and sour cream, resulting in a rich, savoury delight. Often served with a side of mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, this is a filling and satisfying meal.
If you ever get a chance, try the Swedish Meatballs on offer in Ikea, you really can’t beat them – it’s one of my favourite reasons for going!
Barbecue Meatball Sliders
For a fun and tasty twist on traditional meatballs, try creating some barbecue meatball sliders. Made with either beef or turkey meatballs, they are smothered in barbecue sauce and served on mini buns. Add some coleslaw or cheese to make it even more delicious. These sliders may be served as appetisers or as a main dish.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs over Jasmine Rice
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious fusion of Asian-inspired flavours. Usually made with beef or pork mince, these meatballs are cooked in a sauce that combines pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce and vinegar. Served over a bed of jasmine rice, this tangy and sweet dish is perfect for those who enjoy something a little different.
Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
For a leaner and healthier meatball option, try turkey meatballs. They retain a moist and tender texture, while still providing a great source of protein. Serve these meatballs with a tangy tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. This dish can be enjoyed over pasta or as a standalone main course.
Hawaiian Meatballs and Pineapple
Bring a taste of the tropics to your table with Hawaiian meatballs. Made with a mixture of beef or pork mince, these meatballs are simmered in a fruity sauce made from pineapple, soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar. The addition of pineapple chunks provides a delightful contrast of textures. This dish can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sub
Fans of spicy buffalo chicken wings should give the buffalo chicken meatball sub a try. Made with chicken mince, these meatballs are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and melted butter. Topped with blue cheese, the meatballs are served in a soft sub roll. A great option for lunch.
Italian Meatballs with Marinara and Cheese
Traditional Italian meatballs are made with a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, breadcrumbs and Italian herbs. These meatballs are best served with a classic marinara sauce made from crushed tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Top the dish with melted mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to bring the dish together. Delicious with pasta or as a hearty appetiser with crusty bread.
International Flavours
Udon Noodles with Teriyaki Meatballs
Udon noodles, a popular Japanese cuisine, make for an excellent side to serve with teriyaki meatballs. Thick and chewy, these noodles highlight the rich flavours of the teriyaki sauce, which is typically made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger. To make this dish even more enticing, add some colourful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli
Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
The sweetness of the cranberry sauce combined with the savoury meatballs create a delightful balance that can be enjoyed as an appetiser or main course. To make this extra special, consider placing the glazed meatballs on a bed of fresh, crisp salad leaves, or serving them alongside a medley of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and roasted potatoes.
Angel Hair Pasta
Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is a thin and delicate pasta that pairs well with a variety of meatball dishes. Its fine strands readily soak up the flavours of sauces, ensuring each mouthful is rich and satisfying. To create a mouthwatering side dish, toss the cooked pasta with a light lemon garlic butter sauce or a fragrant tomato basil sauce, and serve next to your meatballs. This simple yet tasty combination is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables go well with meatballs?
There are several vegetables that pair well with meatballs. Some favourites include roasted red potatoes, a toss of sautéed vegetables, or steamed green beans. You might also consider serving a refreshing salad, such as a Greek salad or a simple leafy green salad with a light dressing.
Which sauces complement meatballs?
Meatballs can be served with a variety of sauces. Among the popular options are marinara or other tomato-based sauces, creamy alfredo sauces, or rich mushroom gravies. Barbecue sauce is another crowd-pleaser, especially when it comes to game-day events.
What are some healthy side dishes for meatballs?
There are many healthy sides that can complement meatballs. Give wholegrain or vegetable-based pasta options a try, such as spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. You can also go for steamed or roasted vegetables, a wholesome pilaf made with brown rice or quinoa, or a simple salad made with mixed greens and a vinaigrette.
What appetisers can be served alongside meatballs?
Keep the appetisers light, such as bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, a Mediterranean-inspired hummus and veggie platter, or a classic Italian antipasto platter that includes cured meats, marinated olives, and assorted cheeses. These options complement the main course without being too heavy.
How can I enjoy meatballs without pasta?
Meatballs can be incorporated into various dishes without relying on pasta. Try serving them with rice, mashed potatoes, risotto, or even inside a sandwich for a filling and satisfying option. Another possibility is to create a meatball bowl, featuring a base of rice or quinoa and topped with vegetables and a sauce of your choice.
What are some alternatives to tomato sauce for meatballs?
Not a fan of tomato sauce? No problem. You can try a Swedish meatball-style sauce, which is typically a creamy sauce made with beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream. Alternatively, try a mushroom or cream-based sauce, or mix it up with a tangy Thai-inspired sauce with ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, and ginger.
What to serve with Swedish meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or boiled potatoes. Other accompaniments could include pickled cucumbers, lingonberry sauce, or a delicate green salad. You could also serve a side of sautéed vegetables for added colour and nutrition.