Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chunks of beef and vegetables simmered in a rich flavorful broth it’s the perfect hearty meal for a cold winter night. But a bowl of beef stew on its own can feel a little lonely. That’s why it’s important to serve it with a delicious side dish or two to round out the meal.
Here are 18 amazing side dish ideas to serve with beef stew that will make your next stew supper feel like a cozy feast.
Bread For Dipping
A crusty loaf of bread is essential for sopping up every last drop of the tasty stew broth Freshly baked bread like baguettes, rolls, and biscuits are ideal Some great options include
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French baguette – The crisp crust and fluffy interior is perfect for dunking.
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Dinner rolls – Soft, buttery rolls are ideal for soaking up stew juices.
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Cheddar bay biscuits – The cheesy biscuits add even more comfort to this cozy meal.
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Cornbread – Sweet, crumbly cornbread makes a natural partner for beef stew. Bake it in muffins for easy serving.
Starchy Sides
Hearty starches are a natural fit for rich stews. They soak up the delicious sauce and help make the meal feel more complete. Some excellent ideas are:
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Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes are a classic side for stew. Load them up with butter, sour cream and cheese.
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Rice – White or brown rice rounds out the meal. Season it with herbs for extra flavor.
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Polenta – Creamy, buttery polenta is an Italian take on corn mush. It’s sweet and salty and utterly delicious.
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Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes add nice texture contrast to the tender stew.
Vegetables
Adding veggies to your side dishes bumps up the nutrition for a well-rounded meal. Some tasty options include:
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Green salad – Fresh greens balance the heartiness of the stew. Top with cheese, nuts and a vinaigrette.
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Roasted vegetables – Roast up carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower or any favorite veggie to add to your plate.
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Grilled vegetables – Grilled veggies like zucchini, peppers and onions are sensational.
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Tomato salad – Cherry or grape tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and basil make a refreshing combo.
Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw is a great way to get your vegetable serving with some added zing. The tart, creamy coleslaw complements the richness of the stew. Make it yourself or pick up a tub from the grocery store’s deli section.
Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a hit. The heady garlic flavor and crispy bread take this simple side to new heights. Make your own or cheat with a frozen loaf.
Egg Noodles
Slurping up beef stew over buttered egg noodles feels extra satisfying. The soft noodles catch all the delicious stew juices. Be sure to go for wide, flat noodles rather than skinny spaghetti types.
Mac And Cheese
Is there ever a bad time for mac and cheese? The cheesy noodles make the ultimate comfort food side. And nothing soaks up beef stew quite like mac and cheese. Feel free to use the boxed stuff, but homemade is extra decadent.
Rolls And Biscuits
In addition to bread, don’t underestimate rolls and biscuits as the perfect vehicles for swiping up every delicious drop of your stew. Soft, warm rolls are impossible to resist. And flaky biscuits are ideal for piling high with stew.
Quinoa
For a healthy side option, try quinoa. It has a pleasant texture and nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the stew. Quinoa also contains a hefty dose of protein to complement the beef.
Corn On The Cob
Don’t forget the simple pleasures of corn on the cob with beef stew! The sweet, juicy corn kernels are a bright counter to the deeply flavored stew. Just roll them in butter and sprinkle with salt – delicious!
Green Beans
Green beans are an easy veggie side that most folks will eat. You can roast, saute, steam or boil the green beans. Just dress them up with some garlic, butter or almonds to jazz them up.
Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is a classic pairing with hearty entrees like beef stew. The cool, tangy potatoes complement the warmth of the stew. Feel free to use a store-bought potato salad to make it easy.
Latkes
For an unexpected take on potatoes, try latkes! These crispy potato pancakes fried in oil are a Hanukkah tradition, but they’re great anytime. The golden, crunchy latkes are fantastic served with the rich stew.
Parsnips
Don’t overlook humble parsnips as a side for beef stew! Parsnips have a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when roasted. Their mild flavor won’t compete with the stew.
Carrots
Another super simple veggie side is carrots. You can roast them, glaze them with honey or brown sugar, or just boil and dress them up with butter, parsley and garlic. Easy and delicious!
Fresh Fruit
Add some bright contrast to your beef stew meal with fresh fruit. Grapes, berries, sliced oranges, pears or apples taste vibrant against the savory stew. It helps make the meal feel lighter.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to finding the perfect side dish for beef stew. Breads, starches, veggies, fruits – they all pair beautifully with this comforting classic. Just be sure to make enough stew, because every bite is worth savoring!
Easy Crockpot Funeral Potatoes
When stewing, it’s important to use a lid that fits tightly to prevent the loss of moisture and heat, which can affect the cooking time. Follow the timing guidelines provided in your recipe. Avoid lifting the lid, unless the recipe calls for adding vegetables or other ingredients later on. You’ll know the dish is done when the meat becomes fork-tender.
Enhance the flavor of your dish with soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, brown sugar, lemon zest, vinegar, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
Any of these recipes are guaranteed to elevate your beef stew. Be sure to pour a cup of wine and enjoy!
Cornbread Recipe without Buttermilk
The BEST Beef Stew Recipe – Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews!!
FAQ
What’s a good side dish for beef stew?
- Cauliflower rice or Garlic mashed cauliflower.
- Quinoa or plain white rice cooked on the stovetop.
- Fluffy Homemade Couscous
- Corn Bread like this Jalapeno cornbread skillet.
- Mashed potatoes — Try Healthier mashed potatoes or my boursin mashed potatoes.
What can I put with beef stew?
Beef stew is super perfect on it’s own; it is a complete meal! We usually serve it with a bread, biscuit or even Garlic Crescent Rolls to sop up any broth! I also love serving it with mashed potatoes in the bottom of the bowl! Even just some crushed crackers or saltines are all you really need.
What enhances beef stew?
There are flavors in tomatoes that are alcohol-soluble, so adding red wine along with tomato paste also helps to enhance beef stew.” Laurence has a few other tricks I’ve borrowed to create the best beef stew, including adding Worcestershire, which gets a serious umami punch from anchovies.
What goes well with hamburger stew?
- Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary. …
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits. …
- Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil. …
- Bread Bowl Baked Brie with Fig Preserves. …
- Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese. …
- Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Creamy Peppercorn Dressing. …
- Delish Arugula Spinach Salad. …
- Spicy Bacon Jam Brussel Sprouts.
What to serve with beef stew?
Beef stew is a hearty dish, so serve it with a light, crunchy side salad for a well-rounded dinner. Here, fruit, sweet potatoes, and feta round out the flavors. Beef stew is a classic recipe for Sunday suppers, and it’s not Sunday supper without a cast-iron skillet full of cornbread on the table as well.
Should you serve bread with beef stew?
It goes without saying that you need to serve bread with beef stew for soaking up every last drop. These pretty rolls can be prepped the night before and baked before serving. Beef stew is a hearty dish, so serve it with a light, crunchy side salad for a well-rounded dinner. Here, fruit, sweet potatoes, and feta round out the flavors.
What side dish goes with stew?
These easy side dish recipes taste great with all of your favorite types of stew. Crackling homemade bread makes a hearty stew extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What is a good side dish if you eat beef?
Check out these side dishes for your other favorite beefy meals. Pot Roast sides: Another tender meat, comfort food favorite. Meatloaf sides: If you like beef stew, you know you love meatloaf. Ratatouille sides: Get your stew without the meat for a change. Shepherd’s Pie sides: It’s just as homey, with similar ingredients.
What to eat with stew?
Buttery Corn on the Cob: This sweet and juicy classic side dish pairs well with rich stew. I slather melted butter over each ear, giving it a flavorful boost. That sweetness creates a contrast with your stew. It’s fun to eat alongside the main dish. This starchy vegetable sparks joy.
Is broccoli a good side dish for beef stew?
The flavor of broccoli is a little nutty. It is a good side dish for beef stew. It is also so healthy you can have it with any dish you want every day. You can even perk it up with Parmesan cheese. This is a healthy spinach salad you can serve with your hearty beef stew. Adding strawberries will add sweetness and tanginess to the dish.