10 Side Dishes to Pair With Meatballs Besides Spaghetti (2024)

Spaghetti and meatballs make for a fail-proof weeknight dinner that everyone will love. But it can get boring after a while. Change things next time you serve meatballs with these side dishes. Whether you're going for classic Italian-style or Swedish meatballs or even barbeque meatballs, there's a side on this list for you. Looking for a meatball main to go with one of these sides? Each side dish is paired with a recommended meatball dish for the perfect meatball dinner. Meatball night will never be boring or predictable again! Read on for our best side dishes to pair with meatballs.

1. Jen's Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

"These potatoes are full of creamy sour cream, cream cheese, and buttery goodness contrasted with rich roast garlic. The texture is as delightful as the flavor combination," says recipe creator jenmannaz. Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for meatballs, like these Grape Jelly Meatballs.

2. Tasty Spicy Rice Pilaf

For a change from the usual plain rice or noodles, give this rice pilaf a try on the side of some Lamb Meatballs and Sauce. "On the surface it doesn't seem like this would be anything special...but it was. Not too boldly flavored, but not too plain or wimpy either. Just perfect in my mind...and I loved the additions of the red pepper and mushrooms," says reviewer naples34102.

3. Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles

This simple recipe is a different way to enjoy egg noodles with Chef John's Swedish Meatballs. "This is a German recipe from my Grandmother. It's cabbage that is lightly browned in butter and mixed with egg noodles and browned lightly for a wonderful, hearty, and fast dish," says recipe creator judi.

4. Peperonata

For a meatball meal that still has Italian flair, this Italian stew is a great side dish for some Italian Turkey Meatballs. Recipe creator SpiceBazaar says, "This recipe is a fabulous Italian stew. I love it because it is easy and fun to make, and you can have your kids help you with the chopping!"

5. Peanut Butter Noodles

"I was so happy to find this recipe! It's nearly identical to one which was served in a restaurant where I used to work. The dish was called Thai Chicken," says reviewer COOKIECHICK. Udon noodles are tossed in a creamy peanut butter sauce, making a great side dish that's best served with Thai Chicken Balls for flavorsome Thai cuisine at home.

6. Tasty BBQ Corn on the Cob

This top-rated corn on the cob recipe is seasoned with spices and butter and then grilled for an easy, flavorful side. Along with some BBQ Meatballs, this is the perfect addition to any tailgate or backyard cookout.

7. Disney's Ratatouille

This ratatouille is an amazing veggie companion to Chef John's Italian Meatballs. It's loaded with eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and mascarpone cheese. "I have 10 picky kids and trying to get them to try something new is sometimes a chore in itself...ones that refuse to eat vegetables were asking for seconds," says reviewer chris.

8. 'Chinese Buffet' Green Beans

"Every time my family and I go to a Chinese buffet we make a beeline for the green beans! This is a simple and tasty re-creation of that much loved side dish, goes well with any Asian meal," says recipe creator roweena. For a truly Asian-inspired dinner, serve it with Sweet and Sour Meatballs II.

9. Roasted Potatoes with Greens

Reviewer KAITCH says, "Any previous potato recipe that I have rated 5 stars has now become 3. WOW!" Potatoes are a go to starchy side for any meat main, and now you can get your greens in with them too! Give this popular side dish a try with Giant Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs.

10. Easy Lemon and Garlic Broccoli

Reviewer Jillian says, "This is so easy to prepare and yet so good. The lemon and garlic paired together really make this broccoli side dish stand out. It's delicious all by itself and makes a great side dish. Before serving I topped it with a little lemon zest. YUM!" When paired with these Hawaiian Meatballs, you'll have a tangy and vibrant dinner that will take you somewhere tropical (at least in your mind).