Skip to Content

Perfect Pairs: 15 BEST Side Dishes to Serve with Pot Roast

If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy meal to beat the winter blues, look no further than pot roast.

Before we get started with the side dishes, let’s take a moment and talk about what makes this dish perfect for cold weather.

Pot roasts are typically made with cheaper cuts of meat that become tender when simmered in liquid at low temperatures.

It also has plenty of vegetables that are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals (especially potassium) and fiber-rich potatoes or other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.

This is one comfort food that won’t mess up your diet.

This blog post discusses 15 side dishes that will go well with this classic dish.

So whether you are looking for a vegetarian option, or something sweet and delicious, we have got you covered.

What to Serve with Pot Roast? 15 BEST Side Dishes

what to serve with pot roast

Pot roast is a recipe that is often served as the main course.

However, some people think it would be more satisfying to serve an assortment of side dishes with pot roast rather than just potatoes or vegetables.

There are many reasons why serving side dishes with pot roast can make for a satisfying meal.

Side dishes add flavor and textural variety while also providing a balance between carbohydrates and protein in the dish because they usually include both bread and meatless options.

1 – Creamed Spinach

creamed spinach

This dish is a nice contrast to the heavy flavors of pot roast.

It’s also an easy way to get your greens in with minimal fuss: add butter, onion, and garlic powder, then some milk or cream (I use half-and-half since it has a richer flavor).

Then cook until thickened over medium heat before stirring in raw spinach. Cook for about five minutes more, and you’re done.

The best part is that adding salt isn’t necessary because there are plenty of other ingredients involved giving this savory side dish its earthy taste.

2 – Brown Rice Pilaf

brown rice pilaf with vegetables

It is a great option to serve with pot roast because it’s filling and has such a mild flavor.

Brown rice is an excellent source of fiber and magnesium, which are two nutrients you’re not getting much from the meat in a pot roast.

The best part about the Brown Rice Pilaf is that it’s such an easy side dish to throw together, and you can make as little or as much of this one-pot meal as you want.

Moreover, you can serve this with any protein that your family likes, whether it’s another meat dish or a vegetarian option.

3 – Cranberry Sauce

cranberry sauce

If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy, then cranberry sauce is your next side dish. It’s also great because it can be made ahead of time.

All you need are fresh or canned cranberries (or both.), sugar, orange juice concentrate, and water.

Then cook over medium heat with the lid on until all the berries burst.

The longer it cooks, the more intense the flavor will be, so feel free to let it bubble away for an hour or two if you’ve got time (use a low simmer).

The final product should be a thick, sauce-like consistency.

4 – Green Bean Casserole

green bean casserole

This dish is perfect for scooping on a forkful of pot roast. The green beans are cooked with butter and onions before milk (I use whole) is added.

Then canned or frozen peas and corn kernels are mixed in to create the base for the crispy layer of crushed potato chips that tops it off.

After baking, top with more cheese to make your favorite comfort food even better.

The key to perfecting this dish is to use enough chips to crunchy on top and not soggy, but still crispy.

5 – Buttered Parsley Noodles

buttered noodles with garlic and parsley

This pasta is a must-have for pot roast. Cook noodles in boiling water and then drain well before adding cooked beef to the pan with olive oil or butter.

Add diced shallots, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, and sliced parsley leaves (or fresh chopped).

Toss together until heated through. Serve over-buttered spaghetti noodles.

The crispy edges from cooking on high heat make this side dish perfect for scooping up your favorite meaty meal.

6 – Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

If you are looking for a lighter side dish to serve with your favorite pot roast, try this. It is rich and delicious without adding too much fat.

The asparagus adds a nice crunch to the meal and is a great side dish for those trying to avoid potatoes.

You will need butter, eggs, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. The combination is sure to please everyone.

7 – Cauliflower Salad

cauliflower salad

Serve up the traditional cauliflower salad with diced celery root and parsnips that top off this hearty meal.

This salad is cool and creamy, refreshing on a hot day.

The cauliflower is full of vitamins that will keep you healthy, while the parsnips are packed with fiber to help fill your stomach up.

You can also use this salad on top of a turkey sandwich to spice up the meal.

8 – Cornbread Stuffing

This stuffing is so easy that it’ll make cooking dinner feel like a breeze. It also can be assembled ahead of time and baked at the last minute when friends arrive without sacrificing quality.

Just cover over in foil while baking until crispy browned edges form on top.

9 – Baked Potatoes

Potatoes are very versatile because they taste great no matter what you decide to do with them.

This simple side is perfect for any meal but especially goes well alongside pot roast as these veggies provide necessary carbs that will make this hearty dish even heartier.

Bake potato at 375 degrees until crispy on top for about 60 minutes depending on the size of vegetables using an aluminum foil wrap around each other then prick the surface all over with a fork to allow steam escape baking time.

Please write a bit more about serving creamy polenta with pot roast.

10 – Creamy Polenta

creamy polenta with gorgonzola

A well-seasoned polenta makes an excellent side dish because you can taste all its layers without adding any additional spices: savory cornmeal porridge topped with a drizzled cream sauce made from tangy sour cream, chives, and salt; then some Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

It also adds to this meal’s hearty and comforting qualities by providing more carbs that will make it even more filling.

Polenta can be made ahead of time and is an excellent vegetarian dish that can also work aside.

11 – Coleslaw or Potato Salad

potato salad

These are great options for serving pot roast because they provide needed comfort food that will satisfy any appetite.

They’re both rich in protein but a little lighter than other dishes, so you won’t be too heavy after eating them.

Slaw has more of an acidic flavor, while potato salad is creamy with mustard, mayonnaise, and pickle juice added to give it its signature tangy flavor, which complements pot roast’s hearty meat flavors well.”

12 – Sauteed Mushrooms

sauteed mushrooms

You can never go wrong with mushrooms as a meatless side dish option when serving up a pot roast.

Cook them with a bit of butter, garlic, and salt until they’re tender, then top your pot roast sandwich for the best flavor.

Mushrooms have a great meaty texture and flavor that tastes perfect for a hearty dish like pot roast.

13 – Crusty Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes

Another classic side dish is mashed potatoes made with butter, milk, cream, and salt.

I love to make these in my food processor to get too watery before adding the last two ingredients.

Then serve them piping hot alongside your delicious roast beef sandwich.

Traditional options are also available if you prefer those instead of mine; lots of people swear by using sour cream or whipping cream as their final addition instead of half-and-half since it gives this signature comfort food more body while remaining light on calories (though both fats will be high).

If you’re not into either traditional recipe, try adding a little bit of sour cream to the potatoes along with butter and milk for some added flavor.

14 – Seasonal Fruit

Dessert is always a must at any meal. Give your family some fruit to create that sweet ending.

It could be anything from strawberries in the summer, raspberries in the fall, or oranges and grapefruit for winter.

They are packed with nutrients and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, if you do not want to add a heavy dessert or need something simple, fruit is your go-to.

15 – Applesauce

applesauce

Apples are always in season, and you can make applesauce from scratch in minutes. Add some cinnamon for a little extra flavor.

Serve this warm with the pot roast dinner as one of your side dishes, and it will be sure to please everyone at the table.

It’s also perfect for those chilly autumn evenings when you’re feeling like comfort food but don’t have hours to cook up that pot roast recipe.

If you want to switch it up, try adding a little honey for sweetness and some fresh ground nutmeg.

Conclusion

To sum up, pot roast is a meal that is sure to please every member of your family, even picky eaters.

I hope you enjoy these side dishes and find the perfect one to serve with your favorite pot roast recipe.

If none of them sound appealing, don’t worry.

There are plenty more options for serving up a delicious side dish alongside your meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

what to serve with pot roast

What to Serve with Pot Roast – 15 BEST Side Dishes

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dishes
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • Creamed Spinach
  • Brown Rice Pilaf
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Buttered Parsley Noodles
  • Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
  • Cauliflower Salad
  • Cornbread Stuffing
  • Baked Potatoes
  • Creamy Polenta
  • Coleslaw or Potato Salad
  • Sauteed Mushrooms
  • Crusty Mashed Potatoes
  • Seasonal Fruit
  • Applesauce

Instructions
 

  • Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
  • Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

About The Author

Sharing is caring!

Recipe Rating