Meat sauce does not always have to be served with pasta.
Here are several alternatives, inspired by Shape, that can add more variety to your plate while incorporating extra vegetables or different side dishes.
Baked eggplant
Baked eggplant slices pair well with meat sauce because they absorb the rich tomato sauce.
For a heartier meal, top them with a spoonful of yogurt or a sprinkle of cheese.
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Zucchini noodles
Zucchini cut into thin strips makes a lighter alternative to pasta.
Lightly sauté the strips so they retain a bit of bite before spooning the meat sauce over the top.
Baked potatoes
A baked potato is a classic companion to meat sauce.
Serve it with a side salad if you want a more complete meal.
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Whole wheat couscous or bulgur
Both couscous and bulgur absorb the flavors of the meat sauce well.
Mix them with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for extra flavor.
Roasted broccoli florets
Roasted broccoli develops a crisp texture that complements the rich tomato sauce.
Season the broccoli with spices such as paprika or garlic before roasting.
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Large salad with meat sauce
A generous salad made with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil can be paired with meat sauce for a lighter dinner.
Baked sweet potato
Sweet potatoes can be baked, mashed, or used as a base for meat sauce.
They provide carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients.
Whole wheat pita or tortilla
Meat sauce also works well as a filling for whole wheat pita bread or tortillas.
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Add vegetables along with yogurt or a yogurt-based dressing to create a different kind of meal.
Roasted vegetables
Vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli make excellent side dishes for meat sauce.
It is a simple way to include more vegetables in your meal.
Basmati rice or brown rice
Rice is another excellent match for meat sauce.
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Basmati rice has a light texture, while brown rice offers more dietary fiber.
A salad or additional vegetables can help create a more balanced meal.
Why it is worth adding variety
Shape points out that pasta can absolutely be part of a balanced diet.
However, choosing vegetables or alternative carbohydrate sources from time to time can increase variety while adding more fiber and nutrients.
A versatile dish
Meat sauce is a highly versatile meal because its rich tomato base pairs well with many different side dishes.
That means there are plenty of options if you want to try something other than traditional pasta.