what goes with beef tips and rice

What Goes With Beef Tips and Rice? 18 Delicious Side Dish Pairings

Beef tips and rice is a classic comfort food dinner. The tender beef and fluffy rice combine for a deeply satisfying meal. But what side dishes should you serve alongside this hearty entree? With the right pairings, you can round out the meal and truly make it a feast.

In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious options for what goes with beef tips and rice From bright vegetables to hearty breads, these sides complement the flavors and textures beautifully With this list, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for easy weeknight dinners or impressive dishes when company comes over.

Vibrant Veggies

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For a pop of color, nutrition, and flavor, roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect pairing. The high oven heat caramelizes the outsides for a slightly sweet, deeply savory side. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. For extra flavor, add minced garlic, lemon zest, or Parmesan cheese. The roasted sprouts pair nicely with the beefiness of the entree.

1. Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots put a sweet spin on an old favorite. Peel and slice carrots before simmering in butter, brown sugar, honey, and seasonings. The glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetable. For variety, use different colored carrots like purple or yellow. The vibrant orange pairs beautifully next to the brown beef tips.

1. Steamed Asparagus

Few springtime sides are more elegant than fresh steamed asparagus. The green spears pair wonderfully with beef. Steam until bright green and slightly tender. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for simple flavor. For added flair, top with grated Parmesan or lemon zest. The grassy notes and snap of the asparagus balance the richness of the beef tips.

1. Sauteed Green Beans

For an easy veggie dish, saute green beans in olive oil with minced garlic and seasonings like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The beans soften while retaining a crisp, fresh flavor. Their vibrant green pops against the rice. Mix up the beans by using haricots verts or yellow wax beans. The garlic and pepper flakes complement the savoriness of the beef.

1. Creamed Spinach

Rich and velvety creamed spinach makes a savory side for beef tips and rice. Cook down fresh spinach before mixing with cream, butter, and nutmeg. The creamy base contrasts nicely with the tender beef. And the hits of nutmeg add warmth and aroma. It’s an easy upgrade over plain steamed spinach.

Starchy Sides

1. Scalloped Potatoes

What better pairing than scalloped potatoes? Sliced russets baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce are deeply satisfying. For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. You can also add minced garlic or crispy bacon bits. The pillowy potatoes combine with the beef and rice for an incredibly comforting meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another classic choice. For extra oomph, whip in roasted garlic cloves. The mellow garlic flavor pairs perfectly with beef tips. Crispy fried shallots on top add crunch and oniony notes. A dollop of tangy creme fraiche or sour cream balances the richness. Simply delicious!

1. Polenta

For a change of pace from potatoes, serve Parmesan polenta rounds. Cook polenta until thick before shaping into disks. Chill the rounds until firm, then pan fry in olive oil for a crispy exterior with a creamy interior. Shower with grated Parmesan before serving. The cornmeal cakes pair wonderfully with the texture of rice and beef.

1. Macaroni and Cheese

Ooey, gooey baked macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleasing accompaniment. Elbow pasta and cheddar cheese sauce are hard to beat! For variety, use unique pasta shapes like cavatappi. And try mixing in different cheese varieties like Gruyere, Colby, or Monterey Jack. Top with crispy toasted breadcrumbs or extra cheese for bonus flavor.

1. Dinner Rolls

Fluffy dinner rolls work with just about any meal. Warm, homemade yeast rolls have an unbeatable aroma and flavor. Brush the tops with melted butter as they bake for a beautiful sheen and tender crust. Serve them alongside beef tips and rice to sop up the rich gravy.

1. Cornbread

Savory cornbread also goes nicely with this classic dish. Bake up a pan in the oven or spoon individual portions into ramekins for cute servings. The subtly sweet, crumbly cornbread complements the heartiness of beef tips and rice. Add cheese, corn kernels, or jalapenos for extra flavor.

Bright, Fresh Salads

1. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad adds freshness and bite. Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, salty Parmesan, and tangy dressing check all the right boxes. Look for unique croutons in flavors like garlic or rosemary. Anchovy fillets in the dressing provide a savory boost as well. The cool, creamy salad balances the hot, savory entree.

1. Caprese Salad

For amazing tomato flavor, try a Caprese salad. Alternate sliced fresh mozzarella and thick tomato slices. Top with olive oil, balsamic reduction, torn basil leaves, salt, and pepper. The sweet tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fragrant basil are lighter than lettuce-based salads. A few bites pair nicely with the rich meal.

1. Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy coleslaw is another complementary choice. Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a zesty dressing provides a invigorating contrast to beef tips and rice. Play around with different dressing styles like tangy vinaigrettes or creamy mayo mixtures. Sprinkle with toasted almonds or sesame seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Hearty Breads

1. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser! Spread baguette slices with butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden. The garlic butter seeps into each bite for amazing flavor. Serve slices alongside the meal for a tasty way to mop up gravy.

1. Breadsticks

For lighter fare, bake up a batch of breadsticks instead of heavy rolls. These thin breads are perfect for dunking in rich gravy or juices from the beef. Coat breadsticks in melted butter and garlic powder before baking until crisp. Sprinkle with Parmesan or everything bagel seasoning for even more flavor.

1. Monkey Bread

Monkey bread delivers loads of garlicky flavor in pull-apart form. The balls of dough bake together into an irresistible treat. Coat pieces of dough in butter, garlic, and spices before rolling in cinnamon sugar. Bake until golden and let guests pull apart their own sections. The sweetness pairs nicely with savory beef tips and rice.

1. Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings offer an irresistible crunch alongside the tender meat. Dip sliced onions in buttermilk then dredge in flour seasoned with spices before frying. Bake them instead for a lighter option. Their mild sweetness and zesty coating complement the beef tips. Serve these hot and crispy for a sure hit addition.

With so many tasty options, from bright vegetables to pillowy starches and flaky breads, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for beef tips and rice. Browse the ingredients and pick a new side dish to try each week. Then dig in and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!