What To Eat With Mashed Potatoes? 21 Best Main Dishes

Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular side dishes, but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what main dish to pair them with.

That’s why I’m here to help.

I’ve rounded up 21 of the best main dishes that go perfectly with mashed potatoes.

Whether you are looking for a hearty beef stew or something light and vegetarian-friendly, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try the next time your meal needs an upgrade!

Read Also: What Vegetables Go With Mashed Potatoes? (15 Best Veggies)

What To Eat With Mashed Potatoes? 21 Best Main Dishes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, but they can also be the star of the show.

If you’re looking for main dishes to serve with mashed potatoes, here are 21 delicious recipes that will make your mouth water:

1. Beef Bourguignon

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• What Is It? Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish made with beef, mushrooms, onions, carrots, and red wine. The beef is slowly cooked in the red wine until it’s tender and flavorful. The vegetables are added to the pot during the last hour of cooking to give them a chance to absorb all of the flavors from the stew.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed potatoes are an ideal side dish for Beef Bourguignon because they can soak up all of the delicious juices from the stew. Serve mashed potatoes alongside some steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal. For an extra special touch, top your mashed potatoes with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving!

2. Coq Au Vin

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• What Is It? Coq au vin is a classic French dish of chicken braised in red wine, lardons (bacon), mushrooms, and garlic. The combination of flavors creates a rich and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
• Serving Ideas: To serve coq au vin with mashed potatoes, simply spoon the chicken and sauce over the top of the potatoes. For an extra special presentation, try making individual servings by spooning mashed potatoes into ramekins or small baking dishes and topping them with the coq au vin. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

3. Honey Mustard Chicken Breast

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• What Is It? Honey mustard chicken breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of mustard to create a delicious main course. The chicken breasts are marinated in a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs before being cooked until golden brown.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish for honey mustard chicken breast. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Other sides that pair well with this dish include roasted vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad.

4. Bangers and Mash (Sausage with Onion Gravy)

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• What Is It? Bangers and mash, also known as sausage and mash, is a traditional British dish made of sausages served with mashed potatoes. The sausages are usually pork or beef, but can be any type of sausage. The onion gravy is typically made from onions cooked in butter until they are caramelized, then simmered in stock and thickened with flour.
• Serving Ideas: Bangers and mash pairs well with a variety of main dishes such as roasted chicken, steak, fish, or even vegetarian dishes like lentil stew or vegetable curry. For an easy weeknight meal, serve bangers and mash alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. If you’re looking for something more special to serve on the weekend, try serving it with roasted vegetables or grilled mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

5. Pan Seared Salmon (with Lemon Butter Sauce!)

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• What Is It? Pan seared salmon is a delicious and easy way to prepare the fish. The salmon is cooked in a hot skillet with butter or oil until it’s golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside. To add flavor, you can season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other herbs and spices.
• Serving Ideas: Pan seared salmon pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes! The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the crispy exterior of the fish. You can also serve pan seared salmon with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a complete meal. For an extra special touch, top your dish off with a lemon butter sauce for added flavor!

6. Lemon, Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

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• What Is It? Lemon, garlic and herb roasted turkey breast is a delicious main dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. The turkey is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, herbs and spices before being roasted to perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful meat that can be served as an entrée or sliced for sandwiches.
• Serving Ideas: This dish goes great with mashed potatoes, but it can also be served with other sides such as roasted vegetables or a salad. For an extra special touch, top the turkey with a creamy sauce made from butter and white wine. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving the turkey over pasta or rice pilaf. You can also use leftovers to make tasty sandwiches or wraps!

7. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice

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• What Is It? Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice is a delicious and hearty main dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. This dish features roasted butternut squash halves filled with a savory wild rice stuffing, topped with melted cheese and toasted pecans. The combination of sweet squash, nutty wild rice, and salty cheese makes for an unforgettable flavor experience.
• Serving Ideas: Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice can be served as the main course for dinner or lunch. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. For added flavor, top the stuffed squash with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving. To make this dish vegan-friendly, omit the cheese and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the stuffing mixture.

8. Turkey Meatballs in Dijon Gravy

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• What Is It? Turkey Meatballs in Dijon Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that combines ground turkey, herbs, and spices with a creamy dijon mustard sauce. The meatballs are cooked until golden brown and then simmered in the gravy for an extra flavorful meal.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to pair with Turkey Meatballs in Dijon Gravy. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the rich flavor of the gravy, while also providing a starchy base to soak up all of those delicious juices. For an added touch of color and flavor, try adding some fresh herbs or roasted vegetables to your mashed potatoes before serving.

9. Garlic Rosemary Lamb Roast

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• What Is It? Garlic Rosemary Lamb Roast is a classic dish that combines the flavors of garlic, rosemary, and lamb. The roast is made by marinating a leg of lamb in a mixture of garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and other herbs and spices before roasting it in the oven. The result is a tender and juicy roast with an aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
• Serving Ideas: Garlic Rosemary Lamb Roast can be served as part of an elegant dinner or as part of a more casual meal. For an elegant dinner party, serve the roast alongside roasted vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes for a complete meal. For a more casual meal, pair the roast with roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges instead of mashed potatoes for something different.

10. Sausage Bake with Potatoes and Gravy

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• What Is It? Sausage Bake with Potatoes and Gravy is a hearty dish that combines savory sausage, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy. The sausage is cooked in a skillet until it’s browned and then combined with the potatoes and gravy before being baked in the oven. The result is a comforting meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
• Serving Ideas: This dish can be served as an entrée or side dish. For an entrée, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal. As a side dish, pair it with grilled chicken or steak for added protein. If you’re looking to make this into more of an appetizer-style dish, try serving it over toast points or crostini for easy finger food!

11. Sausage and mash pie

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• What Is It? Sausage and mash pie is a classic British dish that combines mashed potatoes, sausage, and gravy in one delicious package. The mashed potatoes are spread over the top of the sausage mixture to form a crust-like topping. The result is a savory pie with layers of flavor from the sausages, potatoes, and gravy.
• Serving Ideas: Sausage and mash pie can be served as an entrée or side dish. For an entrée, serve it with a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. As a side dish, pair it with roasted chicken or pork chops for a complete meal. If you’re looking for something more substantial, add some cooked bacon pieces to the filling before baking for extra flavor and texture.

12. Shepherd’s Pie

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• What Is It? Shepherd’s pie is a traditional British dish made with ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The filling is cooked in a casserole dish and topped with creamy mashed potatoes before being baked until golden brown.
• Serving Ideas: Shepherd’s Pie pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes as the two dishes complement each other nicely. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal. For an extra special touch, top the shepherd’s pie with cheese before baking to give it an extra cheesy flavor. You can also add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the mashed potato topping for added flavor.

13. Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

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• What Is It? Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish made with beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and Guinness beer. The stew is cooked in a slow cooker for several hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to this rich and flavorful stew. Serve them alongside the stew for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. For an extra special touch, top your mashed potatoes with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

14. Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Tomato Sauce

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• What Is It? Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Tomato Sauce is a delicious main dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. This dish features Italian sausage, gnocchi, spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce. The combination of flavors creates an irresistible meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
• Serving Ideas: To complete this meal, serve it alongside a side of mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. You can also add some steamed vegetables or a simple salad to round out the plate. For an extra special touch, top the gnocchi with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

15. Baked Chicken Parmesan

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• What Is It? Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish made with breaded chicken breasts, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The chicken is usually dredged in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being baked in the oven until golden brown.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for Baked Chicken Parmesan. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the crunchy exterior of the chicken. For an extra flavor boost, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your mashed potatoes or top them with a dollop of pesto or marinara sauce. You can also serve roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini on the side for added nutrition and color.

16. Roasted Chicken and Vegetables with Maple Glaze

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• What Is It? Roasted Chicken and Vegetables with Maple Glaze is a delicious main dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. The chicken is roasted in the oven until it’s golden brown, then glazed with a sweet maple syrup mixture. The vegetables are cooked alongside the chicken, absorbing all of the flavors from the glaze.
• Serving Ideas: This dish can be served as-is or over a bed of mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal. For added flavor, try adding some herbs to the potatoes such as rosemary or thyme. You can also top off your plate with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick! If you’re looking for something lighter, serve this dish over a bed of steamed greens like kale or spinach instead of mashed potatoes.

17. Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos

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• What Is It? Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos are a delicious Mexican-inspired dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and spices wrapped in a crispy corn tortilla. The taquitos are then fried until golden brown and served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or other toppings of your choice.
• Serving Ideas: Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos pair perfectly with mashed potatoes for a complete meal. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the crunchy taquitos nicely. You can also serve them as an appetizer or snack by cutting them into smaller pieces and serving them with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or hot sauce.

18. Beef Vindaloo

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• What Is It? Beef Vindaloo is an Indian dish made with beef, potatoes, and a spicy curry sauce. The name comes from the Portuguese word for garlic and wine vinegar (vinho e alhos), which are two of the main ingredients in the sauce. The dish is usually served with steamed white rice or naan bread.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed potatoes are a great accompaniment to Beef Vindaloo because they help to balance out the spiciness of the curry sauce. Serve mashed potatoes alongside your Beef Vindaloo for a comforting meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. You can also serve it with other sides such as roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or even a simple salad.

19. Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

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• What Is It? Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes is a delicious main dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. The chicken is cooked in a creamy pesto sauce and served with roasted tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is easy to make and can be served as a weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to serve alongside this flavorful main course. To complete the meal, add some steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans, and a simple salad of mixed greens tossed in vinaigrette dressing. For an extra touch, top the mashed potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

20. Chicken Spaghetti

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• What Is It? Chicken spaghetti is a classic comfort food dish that combines cooked chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce. The dish is usually topped with shredded cheese and baked until golden brown.
• Serving Ideas: Chicken spaghetti pairs well with mashed potatoes as the creamy texture of the potatoes complements the cheesy sauce in the chicken spaghetti. Additionally, roasted vegetables such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts are great side dishes to serve alongside this meal. For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to your mashed potatoes before serving.

21. Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

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• What Is It? Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines two classic comfort foods: mashed potatoes and meatballs. The creamy mashed potatoes are topped with savory, flavorful Swedish meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, then baked until golden brown. This hearty dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table!
• Serving Ideas: Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for an easy weeknight meal. For an extra special touch, top the pasta bake with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before baking. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try adding cooked Italian sausage or bacon to the mix for added flavor and texture.

FAQ

What vegetables to serve with mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes pair well with a variety of vegetables, including steamed broccoli, carrots, and peas. Roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and asparagus are also great options. For added flavor, add roasted garlic or sautéed mushrooms to the mix.

What meat to serve with mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes go well with a variety of meats, such as beef tenderloin, pork chops, chicken breasts, and lamb. Other popular accompaniments include steak, turkey breast, bacon-wrapped sausages, or even salmon. For a vegetarian option, serve mashed potatoes with roasted vegetables.

What sauce to serve with mashed potatoes?

When serving mashed potatoes, there are a few sauces that pair particularly well. A classic gravy is always a good option, as are creamy mushroom gravies or béchamel sauce. For something more unique, try out an herbed yogurt sauce or pesto for your mashed potatoes.

What salad to serve with mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes go well with a variety of salads. Try a classic potato salad with bacon and chives, or a Caesar salad topped with croutons and Parmesan cheese. For lighter options, serve mashed potatoes alongside roasted vegetable quinoa salad, or an arugula and apple salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing.