Vegetable Pairings for Meatballs: A Complete Guide

When you’re making meatballs, it can be easy to just throw any old veggie in the pot, but that would be a disservice to your dish. If you’re looking to extend the flavors of your meatballs beyond the plate, it’s important to pair them with the right flavors.

The right veggie can take your dish from good to great, and even just a minor addition can bring out a lot of the inherent flavors of your meatball.

Check out some of these amazing vegetable pairings for meatballs.

Beans

Beans can be a great protein choice for vegetarians, as they are packed with both protein and iron. Beans can also be a great choice if you’re looking for a more affordable protein for the same reasons. Compared to meat, beans are relatively inexpensive.

Beyond their nutrition, beans also pair well with a wide variety of meats. They’re great with pork, and they can also add a nice texture to beef and chicken.

Carrots

Carrots are one of the most versatile vegetables. They can be used in both sweet and savory recipes, and they work great with almost any type of meat.

Carrots are a great choice if you’re looking to extend the sweetness of certain meats like ham, or if you’re looking to add softness to meats like chicken and eggs. Because they add sweetness, carrots are a great option for vegetarians who want to add a sweet vegetable to their meatball.

Mushrooms

They can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and pizzas.

Mushrooms are great with just about any type of meat. They have a lot of iron, making them a great choice for vegetarians. If you’re looking for a way to boost the iron levels in your meatballs, mushrooms are the way to go.

They’re also a great addition to meatballs if you’re looking for a meatier texture.

Greens (Collard, Kale, Spinach)

Greens are a great option if you’re looking to bulk up your meatballs with a vegetable.

Spinach is a great choice if you’re looking for a more mild vegetable.

Collard is another great option.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

They’re sweet, creamy, and buttery, making them a great addition to anything savory.

Sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of meats, making them a great option if you’re looking for a veggie alternative to ground beef.

Potato

Potatoes are a cheap and easy vegetable that can be found at most grocery stores.

Potatoes are a great option if you’re looking for a starch in your meatballs.

They give meatballs some more heft and a more substantial texture.

They’re also a great option for vegetarians looking for a starch that can be used to bulk up their meatballs.

Eggplant

Eggplant is a great option if you’re vegetarian looking for a slightly more exotic vegetable to add to your meatballs.

Eggplant is one of the few vegetables that has a lot of iron, making it a great choice if you’re vegetarian.

Eggplant pairs well with a wide range of meats, making it a great option if you’re looking for a vegetable alternative to chicken or pork.

Conclusion

There are many vegetables that pair well with meatballs. Give these vegetables a try for a fantastic side to meatballs. Carrots, Mushrooms, Greens, Potato, sweet potato and eggplant.