Beef ribs are a classic BBQ meal that is perfect for gatherings with family and friends Their rich, beefy flavor pairs nicely with a variety of side dishes that complement and enhance the ribs This article will explore 28 of the best side dishes to serve with beef ribs.
Why Beef Ribs Are a Backyard BBQ Favorite
Beef ribs have a deep, beefy flavor that is enhanced by slow cooking and grilling methods. The ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender, making them a fun, tasty meal to eat with your hands. The boneless beef ribs are sometimes called “dinosaur ribs” due to their large, meaty size.
Beef ribs are a star of the backyard BBQ scene for several reasons:
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They have a wonderful smoky flavor when cooked low and slow over a grill or smoker. The smoke penetrates the meat, infusing it with flavor.
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They are easy to prepare. Simply season them with a rub, let them marinate, then grill them for a few hours until tender.
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Beef ribs are fun to eat! The meat literally falls off the bones, so you can pick them up and eat them with your hands.
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Kids love them! The fun, finger-food aspect makes beef ribs a big hit with kids.
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They feed a crowd. Beef ribs come in large racks, so they work well for feeding big gatherings.
28 Amazing Side Dishes for Beef Ribs
While beef ribs can absolutely stand on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes enhances the meal. Here are 28 delicious options to consider:
1. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic partner to BBQ ribs. Their sweet and tangy flavor provides contrast to the savory ribs. Try spicing them up with bacon, chili sauce, or bourbon.
2. Corn on the Cob
Buttery grilled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side for beef ribs. Leave the corn unseasoned to highlight its natural sweetness.
3. Coleslaw
Cool, crispy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch to balance out the rich ribs. Make it creamy or vinegar-based.
4. Macaroni Salad
Elbow macaroni tossed in a tangy mayo dressing makes a nice counterpoint to BBQ ribs. Add chopped veggies for extra flavor and crunch.
5. Potato Salad
Creamy, cool potato salad helps cut through the richness of beef ribs. Jazz it up with eggs, pickles, mustard or other mix-ins.
6. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salads like tortellini, rotini or farfalle work well with ribs. Toss with fresh vinaigrette and chopped veggies.
7. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, parmesan and garlicky dressing is a fine complement to ribs.
8. Wedge Salad
Iceberg lettuce wedges with blue cheese dressing and crumbled bacon make a nice, hearty salad alongside ribs.
9. Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up BBQ sauce. Brush them with garlic butter or herbs.
10. Garlic Bread
Grilled or toasted garlic bread lets you mop up any leftover sauce or meat juices from the ribs.
11. Cornbread
Moist, golden cornbread is ideal for serving with saucy ribs. Jazz it up with creamed corn, chiles or cheese.
12. Corn Fritters
These flavorful corn pancakes pair well with ribs. The corn matches the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
13. Hushpuppies
Crispy, golden hushpuppies served with honey butter are a tasty rib side dish.
14. Onion Rings
Crisp, flavorful onion rings offer texture contrast to supple ribs. Serve with spicy dipping sauce.
15. French Fries
Crunchy fries are great rib partners. Make them loaded fries by adding cheese, bacon and sour cream.
16. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are nice and filling alongside ribs. Load them up with butter, sour cream, cheese and chives.
17. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed spuds complement ribs beautifully. Mix in cheese, roasted garlic or green onions.
18. Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce make a rich side for ribs.
19. Potato Gratin
Thin potato slices baked with cream and cheese get a crispy topping, perfect with saucy ribs.
20. Mac and Cheese
Ooey-gooey, cheesy mac and cheese is a classic partner for ribs. Use fun shapes like shells or spirals.
21. Corn Pudding
Sweet corn baked in a custard with eggs, milk and cheese deliciously pairs with ribs.
22. Squash Casserole
Summer squash or zucchini baked with a buttery cracker topping works well with ribs.
23. Roasted Veggies
Roast vegetables like squash, Brussels sprouts, broccoli or carrots to accompany ribs.
24. Grilled Vegetables
Get extra use out of the grill by cooking veggies like eggplant, zucchini, peppers and onions.
25. Cucumber Salad
A cool, crisp cucumber salad offers a refreshing foil for rich rib meat.
26. Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit salad with melons, berries and citrus fruits lightens up this hearty meal.
27. Dinner Yeast Rolls
Soft, fluffy yeast rolls for sopping up extra sauce are a winning side dish.
28. Grilled Bread
Grill thick slices of crusty bread to serve with the ribs for sauce-dunking.
Tips for Serving Beef Ribs
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Provide wet wipes and extra napkins for cleaning sticky fingers.
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Offer various BBQ sauces like hickory, spicy, tangy, etc. for guests to try.
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Chilled sides like salads and fruit help cut through the hearty ribs.
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Have meaty sides like mac and cheese to complement the beefiness.
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Grilled veggies add nice char flavor and color to the plate.
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Quick breads and yeast rolls make excellent sauce-sopping tools.
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Set up a sauce/toppings bar so guests can customize their ribs.
Beef ribs star in many summertime BBQs for good reason – their big beefy flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness make them crowd-pleasers, especially when paired with delicious complimentary sides. From fresh salads and grilled veggies to creamy pasta and potato dishes, the options for rib pairings are endless. Just be sure to include plenty of napkins – these meaty ribs can get messy!
Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
Chef Millie Peartrees baked mac & cheese is famous for a number of reasons. Our major takeaway—layering cheese and an eggy custard makes for the MOST creamy, saucy, and decadent dish ever. We might never make it another way again.
Get the Southern Baked Mac & Cheese recipe.
If youre looking for a classic, no-fuss potato salad to bring to all your summer picnics and BBQs, your search stops here: its creamy and tangy, with a little bit of crunch from the onion and pickles. What its not: too sweet, which is one of our potato salad pet peeves.
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Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up an abundance of dying greens. The creaminess might even make you forget youre eating the green stuff!
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
Loaded Mediterranean Sweet Potato Fries
These loaded sweet potato fries are not only more nutritious than the average fries, thanks to nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, but they’re also layered with a flavorful Mediterranean tomato-cucumber salad, and made even better with a tahini-yogurt sauce.
Get the Loaded Mediterranean Sweet Potato Fries recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
When it comes to summer BBQs, potlucks, and picnics, coleslaw is a classic, staple side dish to rely on. Everyone needs a go-to recipe, and we happen to think that ours is the one you should reach for.
Get the Coleslaw recipe.
Mashed potato casserole is the ultimate easy side dish youve been waiting for. Its bound to find its way onto your holiday dinner table at some point during the winter season, but its also the perfect way to serve spuds up to a crowd at a BBQ this summer too.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
When searching for our go-to summer side, we decided to give asparagus the same treatment as our fave Caprese salad. This easy, extra-cheesy side comes together in 30 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute addition to your BBQ or cookout. Grab your mozz, and get caprese-y!
Get the Caprese Asparagus recipe.
Okra is a staple Southern side, and we totally get why—it adds delicious flavor and texture to whatever it touches. While we love this veggie in all its forms, fried okra holds a special place in our hearts. When fried, it turns into crispy, poppable bites perfect for dipping in sauce or pairing with your favorite ribs.
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In this easy recipe, we take our classic smashed potatoes and load them up (literally) with plenty of cheddar, crispy sliced bacon, fresh chives, and dollops of sour cream. They are sure to be a favorite at any BBQ spread.
Get the Loaded Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Moe Cason’s 9 Tips for Perfect Beef Ribs
FAQ
What’s a good side dish for beef ribs?
Coleslaw, potato salad, rice, baked potato, steamed veggies, cornbread, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, cucumber and zucchini salad, sweet potato fries, carrot salad, etc., ad nauseum.
What to serve with rib of beef?
Comments Section Yorkshire pudding and roasted veggies are the go-to classics. mashed potatoes and au jus. iceberg wedge. Yorkshire pudding and creamed spinach. Potatoes any way, green beans any way, honey glazed roast carrots, rolls. Horseradish sauce!
What goes with ribs for dinner?
Some good side dishes for pork ribs include coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, and roasted vegetables.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for ribs?
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