What To Serve With Meatballs Instead of Pasta (14 BEST Ideas!)

Need some inspiration for what to serve with meatballs besides pasta? 

You’ve landed in the best place! 

Maybe you’ve just realised that you’ve ran out of your favourite kind of pasta, or perhaps you just feel like you’ve eaten a lot of it recently and you fancy trying something new.

Either way, you’re about to discover plenty of ideas for side dishes that’ll make your meatball feast one to remember. 

What to serve with meatballs instead of pasta 

Short on time, and just need to grab some quick ideas and run? 

Not a problem! 

Some of the most delicious sides for meatballs that aren’t pasta include creamy mashed potatoes, sub sandwich rolls, Italian style rice salad, zoodles, garlic bread, roasties, couscous, quinoa, Greek salad, and baked potatoes. 

Let’s take a look at the best way to prepare these dishes, plus some extra bonus ideas that you might want to try tonight… 

1. Creamy mashed potatoes

You might think that pasta or spaghetti is the most obvious choice of side dish for meatballs, but in many cuisines, mashed potatoes is actually the more traditional option.

If you’ve ever enjoyed Swedish meatballs, for example, you may well have enjoyed them with mash and gravy or a cranberry sauce. 

Meatballs and mash is a pairing that’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. 

You can stick with a traditional tomato sauce, or get more creative. 

Want to shake things up a little bit? Experiment with different flavours by adding pesto or roasted garlic to your mash. 

2. Sub sandwich rolls 

If you’ve ever had a meatball sub sandwich, you’ll know just how delicious they are!

Typically made by stuffing seasoned beef meatballs into a white sub roll, pouring with rich tomato sauce, and then topping with American style cheese before grilling so it all turns melty and delicious, these sandwiches are substantial enough to be served for dinner alongside a green side salad. 

If you like, you can add extra such as shredded lettuce and jalapeños. 

3. Italian style rice salad 

If you want a healthy side dish for meatballs that’s packed with goodness and colourful veggies, I highly recommend trying this Italian style rice salad. 

You’ll add chopped salad vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and sweetcorn to cooked rice, and pour over your own homemade dressing made with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs.

It’s super refreshing and light yet satisfying, and it’s the perfect alternative to pasta at lunchtime, or during the warmer summer months. 

4. Zoodles 

Zoodles are a super popular option amongst those who love pasta but are trying to avoid carbs!

They’re also colourful and pretty tasty, as long as you take a little care during the preparation and cooking process.

Be sure to pat dry your shredded courgette before cooking to remove excess water and avoid your dish from becoming soggy, and don’t be scared to add some extra flavour.

I like to cook the zoodles in a good quality olive oil and a generous amount of finely chopped garlic! 

Of course, you’re not just limited to courgette here.

Other popular choices include butternut squash, sweet potato, and even beetroot. 

5. Cauliflower rice 

If you want a light and healthy option for what to serve with meatballs instead of pasta, cauliflower rice is definitely something for you to consider. 

You’ll finely chop your cauliflower – either by hand or in a food processor – until it resembles grains.

You’ll then add it to a microwavable bowl, cover in cling film, pierce, and microwave for around 7 minutes. 

Add a knob of butter if you like, or drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil. 

6. Broccoli rice 

Cauliflower rice is certainly more popular, but have you thought about trying broccoli rice?

It’s a great way to use up the broccoli stalk and cut down on food waste, and it’s also pretty delicious, as well as bringing a splash of vibrant colour to the plate when served with meatballs. 

For extra vibrancy, add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.

The acidity really helps all the flavours of your main course and your side dishes to shine. 

7. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is another great alternative to pasta to serve with meatballs.

If you need a quick midweek dinner without any fuss, it’s always a good idea to keep a couple of frozen garlic breads in your freezer that you can just pop in the oven when you’re pushed for time. 

Served with some batch cooked meatballs, and maybe a green side salad, you’ve got an easy meal that’s balanced, nutritious, and family friendly. 

8. Noodles 

If you fancy trying something new, why not go for Asian inspired meatballs and serve them with your favourite noodles? 

These Korean meatballs with noodles make a great family meal.

There’s plenty of fresh, colourful, crunchy vegetables, and the punchy sauce will be a big hit with those who love a little bit of spice! 

Of course, you can always go off piste and create your own Asian inspired meatball dish to serve with noodles.

Use up any veggies you have in your pantry, and be sure to add your favourite flavours such as chilli, garlic, ginger, lime, honey, and coriander. 

9. Roast potatoes 

In my humble opinion, almost every main meal could benefit by being served with a side of wonderfully crispy, fluffy roast potatoes!

It might not be a traditional pairing for meatballs, but it works so well and it’s ideal for those cold evenings when you really want some comfort food. 

When I choose this option, I like to add a side serving of steamed broccoli, to make extra progress towards that all important 5-a-day and to add some vibrant colour to the plate. 

The best roast potatoes that I’ve ever made are these duck fat roasties. 

They’re crispy and golden on the outside, wonderfully fluffy on the inside, and they’ll be a big hit with the whole family! 

10. Couscous 

Keeping some couscous in your pantry is a great idea that will give you tons of extra options for quick lunches and side dishes. 

Create a delicious dinner with Moroccan vibes by pan frying your meatballs and serving with couscous and plenty of roasted veggies.

Add pitta breads to the middle of the table for sharing, and you’ve got a fun and interesting spin on your usual midweek meatballs. 

(Fancy checking out some Mexican inspired meal ideas? Take a look at what to serve with tagine). 

11. Steamed rice 

Rice is a store cupboard staple that’s a good choice for what to serve with meatballs instead of pasta.

It’s a wonderfully versatile side, and it’ll work whether you’re going for traditionally Italian vibes, or you’re thinking a little more outside of the box and going for Asian and Japanese vibes. 

As a side note, teriyaki meatballs with rice and steamed Asian greens is one of my favourite meals to make.

It’s suitable for everything from a quick dinner after a long day at work, to something to serve up at a dinner party or special occasion when you want to impress. 

12. Quinoa

Another super convenient choice for side dishes for meatballs that aren’t pasta is quinoa.

It’s often considered to be a much better option than rice in terms of nutrition and health, and it’s packed with iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. 

Once cooked, stir through a little butter or high quality extra virgin olive oil, and some fresh parsley. 

13. Greek salad

For a summertime inspired meal, serve your meatballs with a vibrant and colourful Greek salad! 

With tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, red onion, and olives, it’s a side dish that’s bursting with flavour and is even more gorgeous with a dollop of tzatziki sauce. 

14. Baked potatoes

How about loading some baked potatoes with your meatballs, topping with cheese, and then grilling until gooey and melty? 

Add some freshly chopped herbs, and you’ve got a quick and delicious dinner that’s a great alternative to more traditional meatballs and pasta. 

Side dishes for meatballs besides pasta 

Whether you’ve just realised that you’ve ran out of pasta once you’re getting ready to get dinner on the table, or you’re doing some meal planning for the week ahead and want to try something different from your usual spaghetti, you’ve got tons of options! 

From mashed or roasted potatoes, to Asian inspired noodles, to chunks of delicious garlic bread, to light and healthy broccoli and cauliflower rices, there’s something to please even the fussiest of eaters in your family. 

For more meal time inspiration, head over to my guide to the best starters to serve with meatballs.