Beef stew is a traditional, hearty soup dish that’s perfect for cold winter months.
It also makes an excellent meal to serve as part of your holiday gathering because it can feed many people and most recipes are easy enough that you won’t need professional chef skills!
Well, beef stew is so full of flavor that your mouth needs something to cleanse it afterward – but what? You could serve beef with one of these herbs or garnishes: rosemary, parsley, gremolata. As for side dishes…you have plenty!
Roasted potatoes are always great (plus they’re easy), as well as mashed potatoes; rice would also be excellent if you want starchy foods without any meat on them.
With some tasty side dishes that your guests will enjoy with their dinner! This blog post will discuss 13 different options for side dishes that go great with beef stew!
1 – Rice Pilaf
Many people might not know that rice pilaf is a great side dish for beef stew, which makes it the perfect option when you’re serving up this hearty comfort food.
Rice pilaf has rich flavors such as garlic or cumin depending on how much heat those spices may add into your meal.
But they also bring out some sweetness from onions and carrots mixed throughout its entire cooking process-giving more depth flavor.
2 – Sage Cornbread Stuffing
Sage Cornbread Stuffing is a great option for those who want to add some flavor and texture. It can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect if you’re cooking the stew in advance.
Or need something that will hold up well over several days! Sage cornbread stuffing pairs nicely with beef because they both have earthy flavors which complement each other very pleasantly when served together.
3 – Creamy Polenta or Grits
Polenta is a creamy dish that is made from cornmeal and water. It can be served as a side with beef stew, or it may also serve to thicken the broth of your soup!
Polenta comes in many different varieties including cheese polentas which are delicious when paired up nicely alongside some hearty chunks o’ meat like those found within this savory potage called Beef Stew.
Grits on other hand have been traditionally used for breakfast but they’re just perfect at any time during the day because these grains will help you feel full longer than most foods do. They’ll fill ya right out!
4 – Oven Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus Spears
Broccoli or asparagus spears are a great choice for this dish! Simply roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
This will give them nice crispiness on their outside and they’ll be tender, juicy & flavorful!
I like to drizzle some olive oil over my veggies before roasting so that they can soak in all of those great flavors. You could also sprinkle your roasted vegetables with salt or pepper if you want more flavor.
5 – Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed potatoes is a staple dish but sometimes you want something different. Cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes and it can be made in the same way as well.
Simply boil cauliflowers, drain them & then mash with butter or olive oil (or both) along with garlic salt.
It’s so good that I’m not sure anyone will even notice they’re eating vegetables instead of carbs. You could also add some cheese for an extra tasty dish if desired too.
6 – Cottage Cheese and Fruit Salad
Cottage cheese is a great addition to a fruit salad as it adds protein and creaminess.
Simply mix your favorite fruits with some cottage or ricotta cheeses, add in any other desired toppings like nuts & honey for sweetness. It’s such an easy dish that you can make it ahead of time too.
7 – Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles are a great side dish to beef stew as they add some carbs and are easy on the stomach. Serve your favorite noodles with your chosen beef stew.
Salt and pepper the top of them, and cook until cooked al dente in a little butter over medium-high heat. Your guest and family will love this dish.
8 – Homemade Breadsticks/Rolls with Butter
This dish is another great option to consider. Simply make your favorite breadsticks or rolls with butter, salt & pepper the top of them before baking in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes!
9 – Steamed Veggies
If you’re a vegetarian, steam veggies are always an easy way to get in your servings of greens.
This is why I’ve started cooking my beef stew with them as the side dish instead of just potatoes and carrots! The flavor combination might seem strange at first but after one bite.
I promise it will change how you think about such simple vegetables- especially when they’re cooked into this hearty meal.
Moreover, if any other vegetarians come over for dinner or lunch (or breakfast), there’s plenty more than enough food on hand without having to worry about making two separate dishes!
In recent years serving steamed vegetables has become so popular that people have been adding them to all sorts of different meals like pasta salad, stir fry bowls.
10 – Green Beans Sautéed in Bacon Fat or Olive Oil
Green beans are a great side dish for beef stew. They have an earthy flavor that complements the rich taste of beef and hearty flavors in your broth, but they also add a little crunch to each bite!
I like serving green beans sautéed in bacon fat or olive oil as my go-to option because the flavor combination of savory vegetables with salty crispy bacon will make any meal better.
Not only that, it’s easy enough so anyone can do it regardless of their cooking skills.
11 – Arugula, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad
I think this salad would be the perfect side dish for beef stew. It’s got a peppery flavor, and it goes well with hearty foods like meat stews or roast meats.
I can’t imagine going wrong when you combine arugula, pears, and blue cheese!
They’re both light, fresh flavors that work well together. The Blue Cheese is nice for some added flavor too.
It’s awesome if you want to load up on low-calorie foods by adding this salad as your side dish choice or share it among guests.
12 – Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Roasted Beet Salad is not only a tasty side dish but it also provides some much-needed antioxidants. It’s easy to make and cooks up in record time, so you can do something else while your beef stew simmers away on the stovetop!
Roasting beets turns them into little bundles of superfoods like fiber, folate, and potassium. Serve this salad with goat cheese or walnuts for the extra protein that will help keep you full longer than just eating veggies alone.
Roast beet salads are quick to prep since all ingredients go straight onto one pan – no chopping required. This recipe takes about half an hour from start to finish through cooking times depend on how well done they’re roasted.
Conclusion
I love beef stew. I’m always adding it to my list of menu items for dinner parties, but the side dishes from another culture can enhance this dish!
Try rice pilaf as a starch with your meal or steamed veggies on the side – they’re perfect compliments that will make you forget all about mashed potatoes or anything else besides these delicious accompaniments.
What to Serve with Beef Stew? 13 Amazing Side Dishes to Consider
Ingredients
- Rice Pilaf
- Sage Cornbread Stuffing
- Creamy Polenta or Grits
- Oven Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus Spears
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Cottage Cheese and Fruit Salad
- Buttered Noodles
- Homemade Breadsticks/Rolls with Butter
- Steamed Veggies
- Green Beans Sautéed in Bacon Fat or Olive Oil
- Arugula Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!