What to Serve with Meatballs: 17 Best Side Dishes

If you're wondering what to serve with meatballs, try one of these easy side dish recipes to complete your meal.

Meatballs are a classic comfort food that people of all ages can enjoy. They are versatile and can be made in many different ways and served with many different side dishes.

When choosing a side dish to serve with meatballs, consider the flavors of the meatballs. If they're BBQ meatballs or meatballs in tomato sauce or a tangy sauce, you may want to choose a side dish that is not too acidic, such as mashed potatoes. If the meatballs are in a creamy sauce, you may want to choose a side dish that is more flavorful, such as roasted vegetables. 

Don't be afraid to experiment with different sides to find the perfect combination for your taste.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pasta and Rice

Pasta is always a great side dish. Try mac and cheese for barbecue meatballs, parmesan orzo for lamb meatballs, goat cheese pasta for ground beef meatballs or chicken meatballs, or jasmine rice for teriyaki meatballs, Hawaiian meatballs, or sweet and sour meatballs.

No-Boil Mac and Cheese

This no-bake mac and cheese recipe is extra-cheesy and super creamy, made with Velveeta, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Perfect as a side dish for BBQ meatballs

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is cooked slowly in vegetable broth and finished off with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a meal to remember.

Lemon Parmesan Orzo

Lemon parmesan orzo is an easy side dish made with orzo pasta, parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, basil, and chicken broth in one saucepan.

Baked Goat Cheese Pasta with Spinach

Baked goat cheese pasta with spinach and mushrooms is incredible. This is a recipe for pasta with goat cheese and spinach that is so easy.

4-Ingredient Mac and Cheese

This 4-ingredient mac and cheese is a simple stovetop recipe made with macaroni elbows, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and American cheese.

Instant Pot Jasmine Rice

Instant Pot jasmine rice is fast and easy to make. This rice to water ratio will make perfect fluffy rice every single time.

Veggies

Veggies make the best side dishes. Try one of these colorful salads. This copycat Olive Garden salad is perfect for Italian-style meatballs, and the cucumber salads are great for lamb meatballs.

Homemade Olive Garden Salad

This homemade Olive Garden Salad recipe is a copycat of the famous restaurant chain, quickly prepared with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunch croutons, olives, peppers, parmesan, and onion, all tossed with its signature creamy Italian dressing.

Cucumber Tzatziki Salad

This twist on the traditional creamy cucumber salad takes on all the tangy flavors of Greek tzatziki sauce. Serve it at your next potluck, as a cool relief to a spicy dish, or as a healthy side.

Air Fryer Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These air fryer mashed potatoes skip the boiling water for a great depth of flavor- plus garlic roasted along with the spuds.

Steakhouse Style Wedge Salad

A steakhouse style wedge salad is a classic side dish, that is so simple to make at home. This salad comes together in under 15 minutes.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Asparagus Fries

These Crispy Baked Parmesan Asparagus Fries are the perfect flavorful finger food when you need a healthy snack or healthy side dish.

Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad

Make this creamy cucumber salad. It’s a refreshing side dish recipe for your next summer barbecue or potluck with a light, tangy dressing.

Green Onion Salad with Lemon Ginger Vinaigrette

Green Onion Salad with cucumber and bell pepper then tossed in a lemon ginger vinaigrette is a healthy and easy vegan side dish.

Bread

Bread is the perfect side dish for almost any meal.

Rosemary Focaccia

Rosemary focaccia is soft and fluffy on the inside, crusty on the outside with sprigs of rosemary and flakey salt sprinkled all over. It is a perfect versatile starter or side to any main course.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

This air fryer garlic bread recipe is not only incredibly simple (it’s ready in just 15 minutes) but it also tastes amazing. The combination of fresh herbs, buttery garlic, and crisp toast creates an irresistible flavor and a delicious crunch.

Sauce

Italian meatballs are always great with a savory sauce. Skip the side dishes altogether and make a meatball sub with your saucy meatballs!

Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce

A delicious, creamy tomato and mascarpone sauce perfect for meatballs, pasta, veggie noodles, chicken parm, and more.

Hearty Marinara Sauce

This hearty marinara sauce is a delicious, homemade tomato sauce with garlic, onion, olive oil, basil, and Italian spices.

Simple Sides

If you're looking for a super simple side dish, try a side of garlic bread or soft bread, white rice or cauliflower rice (or a 50/50 blend), zucchini noodles, buttered angel hair pasta, egg noodles (perfect for Swedish meatballs), fresh or frozen green beans, Caesar salad, honey butter baby carrots, or a premade potato salad from the deli at the grocery store.

FAQ

Related

If you need an easy meatball recipe, look no further. Try one of my Instant Pot or slow cooker recipes featuring frozen meatballs, or try my homemade turkey meatballs. What's your favorite meatball recipe?