What to Serve with Meatballs

A collection of delicious ideas for what to serve with meatballs! From classic dinners to simple sides and more. These recipes are quick, easy, and budget friendly.

Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish or an easy appetizer. If you're wondering what to serve with meatballs instead of pasta, I've got you covered!

Whether it's savory meatballs or swedish meatballs, here are the perfect sides to complete your dish. There are plenty of options that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Check out these simple yet flavorful accompaniments!

Best serving suggestions

You're sure to love these meatball pairing ideas! They're all dairy free, egg free, and kid friendly.

Spaghetti and meatballs

It's a classic and for good reason! Try my dairy free meatballs on top of your favorite noodles with marinara.

Mashed potatoes

Make homemade mashed potatoes for a delicious comfort food meal! My dairy free mashed potatoes with olive oil are soft, fluffy, and pair perfectly with juicy, tender meatballs.

Meatballs in marinara sauce

Serve meatballs and marinara sauce as a finger food at parties and potlucks. Try making homemade marinara sauce, it's easier than you may think!

Meatballs and rice

Surprisingly juicy meatballs and steamed rice are a match made in heaven! Especially when served with a creamy sauce. Add my meatballs and rice recipe to your dinner rotation. It's an instant family favorite! Also try with cauliflower rice.

Meatball sub sandwich

Picture this: Flavorful meatballs stuffed inside thick, crispy bread, covered in plenty of marinara sauce. Are you drooling? It takes pairing meatballs with garlic bread to the next level. Try my dairy free meatball subs. If you're serving greek meatballs, wrap in soft pita bread instead!

Baked potatoes

Make a loaded baked potato topped with tasty meatballs for a fun and filling dinner.

Zucchini noodles

Zoodles and meatballs use zucchini in place of pasta. Smothered in marinara sauce, this makes the perfect weeknight dinner.

Cranberry BBQ meatballs

This Cranberry BBQ Meatballs recipe comes together in the slow cooker! It's perfect served as a holiday appetizer, party food, or for any occasion.

Green beans

This simple side dish is full of flavor and budget friendly. Steam them, roast them in the oven, or air fry green beans for a veggie side that's crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Brussels sprouts

Another great veggie side dish! Air fryer brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You could also try crispy baked zucchini and squash, asparagus or broccoli.

Side salad

A simple side salad is great to serve with a meatball dinner! My kale caesar salad includes crispy chickpeas, fluffy quinoa, and a bright dressing.

Corn on the cob

Learn how to cook corn on the cob in the air fryer. It's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Great for summer barbeques.

You can see there are many options to serve with meatballs. Whether you're looking for something classic like spaghetti and meatballs, something light like a side salad, or unexpected like rice, there's something for everyone.

Best ways to prepare meatballs

Now that you have all these tasty pairing ideas, it's time to get cooking! You can cook meatballs in a variety of way. Try these methods and let me know which one is your favorite!

• Baked meatballs: Baking meatballs in the oven is my go-to! It's quick, easy, and allows me to prepare other food at the same time. Plus cleanup is a breeze! Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Stovetop meatballs: For meatballs with a crunchy exterior, cooking them in a skillet meatballs on the stovetop is the way to go. Cook meatballs in oil, rotating them until browned and cooked through.
• Simmer meatballs in sauce: If you're looking for tender meatballs, skip the browning, and simmer in sauce instead. Bring marinara sauce to a simmer then stir meatballs right in. Cover the pan and let cook for 20-25 minutes.
• Slow cooker meatballs: Crockpot meatballs are super easy to make and always flavorful! Throw sauce and meatballs in the slow cooker and cook on high for about 6 hours.
• Instant pot meatballs: Using a pressure cooker is a speedy way to get dinner on the table in just minutes! Add sauce and bring to a simmer, drop in meatballs, close the lid, and cook on high for 8 minutes. Let the pressure cooker naturally release for about 5 minutes then enjoy!
• Air fryer meatballs: Cook meatballs in the air fryer for a fast and convenient meal. Air fry at 375°F for 13-15 minutes.
• Store bought frozen meatballs: Purchase a bag of frozen meatballs and cook according to package instructions!

FAQ about Meatballs