Meatloaf and Sides That Redefine Comfort Food

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Meatloaf might just be the ultimate comfort food, and in this slideshow, we’re taking it to the next level with Meatloaf 5 Ways and a heap of mouthwatering sides to match. Whether you’re craving a classic Wagyu Meatloaf, a BBQ Turkey Sweet Potato Meatloaf stuffed with sharp cheddar, or a Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf packed with protein, there’s something here to satisfy every taste. Pair it with irresistible sides like Green Beans with Brown Butter and Hazelnuts, a creamy Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, or a cozy, velvety Creamed Spinach. These combinations make for a hearty, fulfilling dinner that’ll become your new go-to comfort meal. Prepare to elevate your meatloaf game with these incredible variations and perfect sides!

Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

A plate of sliced meatloaf garnished with herbs, served with mashed potatoes and creamy mushroom sauce. The meatloaf is seasoned with visible sprigs of rosemary and thyme, presented on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

If you’re yearning for a classic Homemade Meatloaf that brings warmth and nostalgia, this recipe is a must-try. The dish not only stands out with its tender, flavorful loaf but also features a sweet and savory glaze with apple butter at its heart. To top it off, it’s paired with a luxuriously creamy onion gravy that’ll make you question why canned gravy was ever an option.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

How To Make the Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

A meatloaf sliced on a wooden platter next to a bowl of sautéed green vegetables. A colorful striped cloth is placed in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Wagyu Meatloaf recipe delivers an elevated take on a classic, producing a perfectly seasoned 2-pound loaf that highlights the rich, buttery flavor of American Wagyu beef. With minimal seasonings required to enhance its natural quality, the meatloaf shines hot out of the oven as a main course and holds its own as a cold slice in a sandwich the next day. This dish celebrates the exceptional quality of Wagyu, making it a standout addition to any dinner table.

Get the Recipe: How to Make the Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

Pepper Jack Stuffed Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf with Awesome Sauce

A baked meatloaf on parchment paper, partially sliced, with a shiny, red glaze on top, displayed on a baking tray.
Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This recipe features a wholesome, low-carb Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf that takes things to the next level with a gooey pepper jack cheese filling. It’s topped with a flavor-packed sauce that might just steal the show. A nutritious and satisfying option that doesn’t skimp on indulgence, it’s perfect for those looking for a lighter take on comfort food.

Get the Recipe: Pepper Jack Stuffed Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf with Awesome Sauce

A Healthier Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze

A sliced meatloaf garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate. A fork and knife are placed beside it.
Image Credit: Foodie Crush

This healthier twist on classic Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze combines ground turkey and beef for a balanced flavor profile while keeping things light with a few clever ingredient swaps. The best part? It maintains all the comforting, nostalgic flavors you love, so no one will ever suspect it’s a more waistline-friendly version of the traditional dish. Perfect for those seeking a wholesome yet satisfying option.

Get the Recipe: A Healthier Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze

Cheddar-Stuffed Sweet Potato BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

A perfectly baked meatloaf with a golden crust, partially sliced to reveal melted cheese inside. Garnished with fresh parsley, it rests on a dark baking sheet with a serving spatula nearby.
Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Sweet Potato BBQ Turkey Meatloaf is a flavor-packed twist on the classic dish. Featuring a hearty blend of tender turkey, sweet potato, and bold BBQ sauce, it’s stuffed with sharp cheddar for an irresistibly gooey center. High in protein and low in carbs, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and pairs well with your favorite sides for a meal you’ll return to again and again!

Get the Recipe: Cheddar-Stuffed Sweet Potato BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with chives and drizzled with brown gravy, set on a striped cloth.
Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

Who needs gravy when you can elevate your Mashed Potatoes with a drizzle of garlic brown butter? Just the thought of “brown butter” on a menu makes my heart skip a beat. It’s such a simple addition, but it transforms an ordinary dish into something extraordinary. The nutty richness of browned butter, combined with the aromatic punch of garlic, takes your mashed potatoes from good to unforgettable with minimal effort.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans with Brown Butter, Crispy Shallots, and Hazelnuts

A bowl of fresh green beans topped with caramelized onions and chopped hazelnuts. The dish is arranged neatly, showcasing the vibrant green color of the beans and the golden-brown onions, with scattered hazelnuts adding a crunchy texture.
Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

Green Beans get a gourmet upgrade with brown butter, crispy shallots, and hazelnuts in this easy side dish. It’s a perfect pairing for any meal, but it truly shines on meatloaf night. The nutty richness of the butter, the crunch of hazelnuts, and the savory shallots create a combination that transforms simple green beans into something special. This recipe is sure to become a go-to for weeknight dinners and holiday spreads alike!

Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Brown Butter, Crispy Shallots, and Hazelnuts

Stewed Tomatoes

A bowl of chunky tomato soup with visible pieces of tomato, celery, and spices. A ladle rests inside the bowl. Ingredients like fresh tomatoes, green bell pepper, and bread are nearby. The background is a textured gray surface.
Image Credit: Spend with Pennies

Stewed Tomatoes are a wonderfully versatile side dish, perfect for pairing with comfort foods like mac and cheese, hamburger steaks, and, of course, homemade meatloaf. This simple recipe combines tender, simmered tomatoes with just the right seasonings to bring warmth and flavor to your plate. Despite its straightforward preparation, this dish has a way of tying a meal together, making dinnertime feel complete with minimal effort.

Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes

Brussels Sprout Salad

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad, featuring shredded greens, nuts, and microgreens, is accompanied by a wooden serving spoon. The salad is set on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Feasting at Home

This shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is a bright and refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with the hearty flavors of meatloaf. Its crunch and zesty dressing provide a perfect contrast to the richness of the meatloaf, making it an ideal companion on your dinner table. Easy to prepare in advance, this winter salad is a standout for weeknight meals, fall gatherings, or even holiday spreads. It’s a fresh, nourishing way to round out your meal while keeping things festive and delicious!

Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprout Salad

Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese in a white bowl, garnished with crispy bacon bits and herbs. A silver spoon is partially submerged in the cheesy pasta.
Image Credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

This creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, loaded with extra cheese, crispy bacon, and garlicky spinach, is the perfect sidekick to your homemade meatloaf. The richness of the mac and cheese complements the savory, hearty flavors of meatloaf, while the bacon and spinach add a depth of flavor that elevates the entire meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this mac and cheese will make the perfect pairing, bringing comfort and satisfaction to your plate.

Get the Recipe: Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese

Homemade Sweet Cornbread

Close-up of freshly baked cornbread cut into squares, showcasing a golden-brown crust and a soft, moist texture. The cornbread pieces are neatly stacked, highlighting their fluffy appearance and inviting aroma.
Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This incredibly moist and tender Sweet Cornbread is the perfect side dish or breakfast treat. With just the right balance of sweetness, it’s irresistible from the first bite. The combination of soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness makes it a versatile choice for pairing with savory dishes like meatloaf or enjoying on its own with a warm cup of coffee. Once you take a slice, it’s hard to stop—this cornbread will quickly become a favorite for any meal or occasion.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Sweet Cornbread

The Best Creamed Spinach

A bowl filled with creamy spinach dip, featuring a swirled mix of green spinach and white creamy sauce, placed on a marble countertop.
Image Credit: Salt & Lavender

This easy Creamed Spinach recipe can be made with either frozen or fresh spinach, making it incredibly convenient while still offering that rich, restaurant-quality flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a cozy, creamy side dish that pairs well with everything from roasted meats to pasta dishes. The smooth, velvety texture and flavorful seasoning will make this creamed spinach a favorite at your dinner table.

Get the Recipe: The Best Creamed Spinach

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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