Wondering what to serve with meatballs to turn them into a complete protein-packed dinner? Whether you're making classic Italian meatballs in red sauce or something more creative like our chimichurri meatballs, the right side dish makes all the difference!

We've put together over 30 of our absolute favorite side dishes - from creamy mac and cheese to crispy roasted potatoes to fresh salads - that pair perfectly with any type of meatball. Most are ready in 30 minutes or less, and all of them are packed with protein.

Jump to:

• Our Favorite Meatball Recipes
• Quick Guide for What to Serve With Meatballs
• What to Serve with Meatballs: Pasta & Gnocchi
• What to Serve with Meatballs Instead of Pasta
• Potato Side Dishes that Pair Perfectly with Meatballs
• Vegetable Side Dishes for Meatballs
• Salads that Taste Better with Meatballs
• Soups and Casseroles
• Bread
• Sauce to Drizzle on Meatballs
• Frequently Asked Questions

Our Favorite Meatball Recipes

Before we get to the sides, here are the meatball recipes we make on repeat! Any of the side dishes below pair beautifully with these:

Cottage Cheese Meatballs

Our most popular meatball recipe - ground beef (or bison) mixed with cottage cheese, parmesan, panko, and Italian seasonings, then baked and finished with marinara sauce and a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping. Each serving has 33g of protein, and this recipe makes 16-20 meatballs, perfect for meal prep or family dinner.

The Best Chimichurri Meatballs

These chimichurri meatballs are quick, easy, and packed with fresh herb flavor. Instead of adding lots of seasonings to the meat, we use the chimichurri sauce to flavor the meatballs - saving on ingredients and time!

Chicken Pork Breakfast Meatballs

Made with just 6 ingredients, these breakfast meatballs are a fun twist that works for any meal of the day. They're perfect for meal prepping and taste great with everything from eggs or pasta to a simple side salad.

Quick Guide for What to Serve With Meatballs

Scan our table below to help determine what sounds good to you!

What to Serve with Meatballs: Pasta & Gnocchi

Starting with some classic pasta and meatball pairings. These are heavily Italian-inspired because most people first consider meatballs Italian with red sauce. Here are some of our tried and true pasta side dishes to serve with meatballs.

1. Bone Broth Mac and Cheese

Made in one pot and ready in 20 minutes, this mac and cheese uses bone broth for 33g of protein per serving. It's creamy, cheesy, and the kind of comfort food that makes meatballs feel like a holiday meal. Kids and adults alike go crazy for this one!

2. One-Pot Skillet Protein Pasta

This one-pot pasta cooks right in the bone broth, so every noodle is infused with flavor. It's luscious, lemony, and loaded with kale and parmesan. Just plate it up and drop your meatballs right on top - no separate sauce needed.

3. Bone Broth Pasta

Another one-pot wonder - this pasta absorbs all the bone broth as it cooks, creating a rich, savory sauce without straining. Finished with arugula, lemon, and crispy breadcrumbs, it's a lighter pasta option that still feels satisfying alongside hearty meatballs.

4. Lemon Ricotta Pasta

If your meatballs are bold and savory, this bright and creamy lemon ricotta pasta is the perfect contrast. It's fresh, a little tangy, and comes together quickly. A great choice with lighter chicken or turkey meatballs.

5. Feta Gnocchi Tomato Bake

This supremely easy side dish is all baked and mixed in one pot. The creamy, tangy feta sauce coats soft gnocchi perfectly - and it's the ideal base for your favorite meatballs. Frozen meatballs work great here, too!

6. Lemon Gnocchi with Peas

If you have lighter meatballs like chicken or turkey, try them with lemon gnocchi. It's refreshing with a pop of sweetness from petite peas. And if you're unsure how long to cook it, check out our post on how long to cook gnocchi.

7. Cottage Cheese Lasagna Pasta

All the flavors of a classic lasagna but made in one skillet in under 30 minutes. The cottage cheese melts into a creamy sauce with 32g of protein per serving. Drop meatballs right into this or serve them alongside - either way, it's an incredible combo.

8. Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta

A copycat version of one of our favorite restaurant pastas! The fresh tomato basil sauce is the perfect companion for Italian meatballs. Instead of grilled chicken like the original, swap in your meatballs for a fun twist.

What to Serve with Meatballs Instead of Pasta

Not in the mood for noodles? These options turn your meatballs into a delicious complete meal without a single strand of spaghetti.

9. Cilantro Lime Rice

Made in the Instant Pot with bone broth for extra protein, this fluffy cilantro lime rice is the perfect base for meatballs. Spoon your meatballs and sauce right on top for a simple bowl-style dinner that the whole family will love.

10. Homemade Cheese Wraps

Roll your meatballs inside these high-protein cheese wraps for a fun, handheld dinner. They're crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside - think of it as a meatball sub, but better and way higher in protein and low carb!

11. Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

Use leftover meatballs as a pizza topping! Crumble or slice your meatballs over this high-protein cottage cheese pizza crust, add some mozzarella and marinara, and you've got a completely different dinner from the same batch of meatballs.

12. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

If you love the pizza idea but want something even faster, this pizza bowl lets you skip the crust entirely. Add crumbled meatballs as a filling for an easy, protein-packed meal.

13. Shakshuka with Beans

This one might surprise you - but dropping meatballs into a simmering pot of shakshuka is incredible. The spiced tomato sauce, runny eggs, and beans create a hearty meal that's completely different from typical meatball dinners. A great way to use leftover meatballs!

Potato Side Dishes that Pair Perfectly with Meatballs

We love to enjoy potatoes alongside plain or creamy meatballs like Swedish meatballs, and we hope you do, too!

14. Crispy Parboiled Potatoes

These insanely crispy potatoes use a neat trick for that crunchy skin - baking soda and parboiling! This means boiling the potatoes first and then baking them. It's a little more work, but it is totally worth it!

15. Gratin Potatoes

Skip the cream with these layered gratin potatoes, which are made with just a margarine-based roux. Of course, you can use butter too! These are topped with cheese, but if you're looking for one without that - try our scalloped potatoes!

16. Scalloped Potatoes

These thinly sliced potatoes are layered twice with a flavorful sauce, thyme brown butter, and caramelized onions. Basically, it's the best side dish you'll ever have!

17. Mashed Potato Squash

Elevate your mashed potatoes with a touch of butternut squash for a hint of sweetness. This creamy side is especially delicious with turkey meatballs or any meatball with a savory gravy.

Vegetable Side Dishes for Meatballs

Every meatball dinner needs something green on the plate! These are easy, flavorful vegetable sides that balance out the richness of meatballs.

18. Crack Green Beans

If you've never tried "crack" green beans, you're in for a treat. They're roasted until slightly caramelized and are absolutely addictive - the kind of side where you make a full sheet pan and it disappears before dinner is served. A classic meatball pairing.

19. Crispy Spinach

These crispy, salty spinach chips are ready in about 10 minutes and make the perfect light side to balance a saucy meatball dinner. They're unexpectedly crunchy and fun to eat - great for getting kids to eat their greens, too!

20. Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

As a sweet and spicy combo, this salad is delicious with teriyaki meatballs. I prefer them with turkey or chicken meatballs, but any plain ones will work! You can also break up the meatballs and use them in place of the bacon.

Salads that Taste Better with Meatballs

A fresh salad rounds out a hearty meatball dinner perfectly. These are our favorites - they all hold up well for meal prep, too.

21. High-Protein Green Goddess Salad

Packed with quinoa, chickpeas, goat cheese, and a bright herb dressing, this salad brings protein AND freshness to the table. It's substantial enough to make meatballs + salad a complete meal without needing pasta or bread.

22. Lemon Kale Bean Salad

This hearty salad combines massaged kale, white beans, and a zippy lemon dressing. It's sturdy enough to last all week in the fridge, making it a perfect meal prep companion alongside a batch of meatballs.

23. High-Protein Baked Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted brussels sprouts tossed with other high-protein ingredients make this warm salad hearty and satisfying. It's a great option when you want something that feels lighter than pasta but still filling.

24. Italian Butter Bean Salad

Keep the Italian vibes flowing by serving this no-cook bean salad alongside classic beef meatballs in red sauce. It's packed with fresh herbs, pepperoncini, and mozzarella, and it comes together in 15 minutes with zero cooking.

25. Red Pesto Pasta Salad

Easy and bursting with color, this pasta salad is the perfect summer side for meatballs. Serve it cold at cookouts or alongside grilled meatballs for an easy outdoor dinner.

26. Hot Honey Salad

After testing this recipe dozens of times - I'm confident it has the best tangy, spicy, and sweet dressing and layers of ingredients. Just swap the crisp chicken for chicken meatballs.

Soups and Casseroles

For those cozy nights when you want a warm, comforting side alongside your meatballs.

27. Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Soup

Creamy, cozy, and secretly high in protein thanks to cottage cheese. This soup makes a wonderful starter course before a meatball dinner, or serve it alongside for a soup-and-meatball combo that's perfect on cold nights.

28. White Bean Casserole

This hearty casserole is loaded with white beans and baked until bubbly. It's a rustic, comforting side that pairs naturally with Italian meatballs - think of it as a Tuscan-inspired companion that adds fiber and protein to the meal.

Bread

29. Protein Biscuits

Described as the "best biscuits they've ever had" by a reader - don't be fooled by the protein name. These use collagen to keep the protein high and the layers perfectly flaky. Tear one open and use it to soak up all that meatball sauce.

30. Cheesy Potato Bread

There's a reason these have thousands of views on social media! Made with biscuit dough, they're simple enough for the kids to help with. Stuff, wrap, and bake - then serve warm alongside a big pot of meatballs.

Sauce to Drizzle on Meatballs

Already have your side dish picked out? Level up your meatballs themselves with one of these sauces.

31. High-Protein Pesto

Skip the marinara and drizzle this high-protein pesto over your meatballs for a completely different flavor profile. It's bright, herby, and adds even more protein to the meal.

32. Red Pesto

A sun-dried tomato twist on classic pesto that's slightly sweeter and pairs beautifully with Italian-style meatballs. Drizzle it on top or mix it right into the sauce.

33. Mushroom Steak Sauce

This rich, savory mushroom sauce (made without cream!) is an incredible alternative to traditional marinara. Pour it over beef meatballs and serve with mashed potatoes for a steakhouse-inspired dinner.

34. Blender Tzatziki Sauce

Made in the blender in just minutes, this cool and creamy tzatziki is the perfect match for lamb, chicken, or Mediterranean-spiced meatballs. It brings a refreshing contrast to warm, savory meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes well with meatballs besides pasta?

Rice, roasted potatoes, crusty bread, and salads are all excellent options! For rice, our cilantro lime rice is a family favorite. For potatoes, try our crispy parboiled roasted potatoes. And for a lighter option, the Italian butter bean salad requires zero cooking and comes together in 15 minutes.

What vegetables go with meatballs?

Green beans, roasted brussels sprouts, and crispy spinach are our top picks. Our crack green beans are especially popular - they're roasted until slightly caramelized and are completely addictive. Honey sriracha brussels sprouts work great with Asian or teriyaki-flavored meatballs.

Can you serve meatballs as a main dish without any sides?

Absolutely! In Italy, meatballs are traditionally served on their own as the main course - not over pasta. Our cottage cheese meatballs have 33g of protein per serving, so they're filling enough on their own with just some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

What are the best sauces for meatballs besides marinara?

Try our mushroom steak sauce for a rich, savory option, high-protein pesto for something bright and herby, or blender tzatziki for Mediterranean-style meatballs. Each one completely transforms the flavor of your meatball dinner.

And that's the list! We hope you found the perfect side dish to go with your next batch of meatballs. If you try any of these combinations, leave a comment and let us know your favorite pairing - happy cooking!