Are you wondering what sides to serve with beef stew? Finding the perfect side dishes to accompany your hearty beef stew can be a challenge. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know what will go best and make the most of each flavor. If you’re looking for ideas to complete your meal, then this article is for you! We’ll explore some of the best sides to serve with beef stew and help you create a delicious and balanced meal that’s sure to impress.
For a comforting beef stew, try serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a crispy green salad.
Vegetables That Go Well With Beef Stew
Beef stew is a delicious and hearty comfort food that can be served as a main course. It’s also very versatile and pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Here are some of the best vegetables to serve with beef stew:
Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic choice for beef stew. They add substance and flavor to the dish, and they help to thicken up the broth. Try using diced or cubed potatoes, or you can even use mashed potatoes as a topping.
Carrots: Carrots add sweetness and color to beef stew. They can also be cooked in the same pot, so they’re convenient to prepare. Try adding diced carrots to your beef stew for extra flavor and texture.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are an excellent addition to beef stew because they bring a deep umami flavor and hearty texture to the dish. Try using button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
Peas: Peas provide a nice burst of sweetness and color when added to beef stew. Whether you use fresh peas or thawed frozen peas, they make an excellent side dish that pairs well with this classic comfort food.
Corn: Corn adds texture, sweetness, and crunch when added to beef stew. You can use canned corn or fresh corn kernels for this dish — both work great!
Onions: Onions are another classic choice for beef stew because they balance out the rich flavors of the beef with their mild sweetness. Try adding diced onions or sautéed onion slices for extra flavor.
These vegetables all go great with beef stew; experiment with different combinations until you find one that works best for your taste buds!
Starchy Sides for Beef Stew
When you think of beef stew, you may immediately think of all the delicious vegetables that usually accompany it, like potatoes, carrots, and celery. But what about the starch side dish? What should you serve with beef stew to make a complete meal?
There are many options to choose from. One classic option is mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes can be made from scratch using russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made mashed potatoes in the frozen food section to save time. Mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with beef stew.
Another popular side dish to serve with beef stew is rice. You can cook white or brown rice in a pot on the stove, in a rice cooker, or even in your Instant Pot. Rice is a great way to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal. Additionally, it’s very versatile and can be flavored any way you like – from garlic butter to curry powder – making it an ideal accompaniment for beef stew.
If you’re looking for something more unique than mashed potatoes and rice, there are plenty of other options as well. Biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser and they pair nicely with beef stew due to their buttery flavor and light texture. Or try polenta – this creamy corn dish is delicious when served alongside a hearty beef stew!
If you want something even more filling than mashed potatoes or polenta, consider serving roasted sweet potato wedges with your beef stew. Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants and vitamins and they provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor when paired with the rich flavors of the stew. You can roast them in the oven or fry them up on the stovetop for an extra-crispy finish!
No matter which side dish you choose to serve with your beef stew, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends! From classic mashed potatoes to unique roasted sweet potato wedges, there are plenty of starchy sides that will complement this comforting dish perfectly.
Bread Ideas for Beef Stew
Beef stew is a classic comfort food, and the perfect accompaniment to it is a delicious, crusty bread. There are so many different types of breads that you can choose from to pair with your beef stew. Whether you’re looking for a classic white loaf, or something more adventurous like cornbread or focaccia, here are some of the best breads to pair with beef stew:
White Bread: White sandwich bread is one of the most popular options for pairing with beef stew. It’s light and fluffy texture makes it perfect for soaking up all the flavorful juices in the stew. Plus, it’s super easy to find at most grocery stores.
Cornbread: Cornbread has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of beef stew. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or even as a topping on your stew. You can make homemade cornbread from scratch, or buy premade mixes from most grocery stores.
Focaccia Bread: Focaccia is an Italian-style flatbread that is perfect for dipping into beef stew. The herbed topping pairs nicely with the flavors in the stew, and it’s chewy texture adds an interesting contrast to your meal. Focaccia is easy to make at home or buy pre-made from most grocery stores.
Ciabatta Bread: Ciabatta is an Italian-style bread with a crispy crust and soft interior that pairs perfectly with beef stew. The crunchy texture adds great contrast to your meal, and it’s perfect for sopping up all those flavorful juices in the bottom of your bowl.
Sourdough Bread: Sourdough has a slightly tangy flavor that pairs nicely with beef stew. It also has a dense texture that holds up well in soup or stews without getting soggy quickly. You can find sourdough at many bakeries or grocery stores.
No matter what type of bread you choose to serve with your beef stew, it will surely be delicious!
Salad Recipes to Serve With Beef Stew
Beef stew is a popular dish that can be served either on its own or with a side. A salad is the perfect accompaniment to beef stew, as it adds a fresh and crunchy element to the meal. There are many different types of salads that pair well with beef stew, so you can choose one that suits your tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some of our favorite salad recipes to serve with beef stew:
Traditional Green Salad
A classic green salad is an excellent choice for serving alongside your beef stew. Start by mixing together a range of greens such as lettuce, spinach, arugula and kale. Add in some diced vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers and carrots for added flavor and texture. Top your salad off with a simple dressing made of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
Quinoa Salad
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial than a traditional green salad, quinoa is an excellent option. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and then mix it with diced vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers and onions. For added flavor, add in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Finish off your quinoa salad with an olive oil-based vinaigrette.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salads make an unexpected but delicious accompaniment to beef stew. Start by choosing some seasonal fruits like apples, pears or oranges. Then add in some diced vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers for added texture and flavor. Top your fruit salad off with a simple dressing made from honey, olive oil, lemon juice and herbs.
Potato Salad
Potato salads are always popular at parties but they also make an excellent side dish for beef stew. Start by boiling some potatoes until they’re just cooked through but still firm enough to hold their shape when cut into cubes. Then add in chopped celery, red onion and hard-boiled eggs for additional flavor and texture. Finish off your potato salad with a mayonnaise-based dressing flavored with dijon mustard, garlic powder and black pepper.
These are just some of the many different types of salads that you can serve alongside your beef stew. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect combination!
Rice Dishes to Complement Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. It’s easy to make, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a classic pairing, try serving your beef stew alongside a tasty rice dish. Rice dishes are an excellent complement to beef stew because they absorb the flavors and seasonings of the stew, while providing another texture element to the meal. Here are some delicious ideas for rice dishes to pair with your beef stew:
- White Rice: White rice is probably the most common side dish for beef stew. It’s simple and easy to make, and it goes well with any type of stew. You can season it with salt and pepper or add some herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- Wild Rice: Wild rice has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that pairs well with beef stew. It adds an earthy depth to the dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is another excellent choice for pairing with beef stew. It has more fiber than white rice, so it’s healthier too.
- Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice has a distinct nutty aroma that makes it an ideal companion for beef stew. The delicate flavor of jasmine rice works perfectly with the rich flavors of the stew.
In addition to these traditional options, you can also get creative by adding different ingredients to your rice dishes such as nuts, dried fruits, herbs, spices or even vegetables. A little bit of creativity can go a long way when it comes to creating delicious accompaniments for your beef stew. No matter what type of rice you choose, you’re sure to find that it pairs perfectly with this classic comfort food!
Grains To Accompany Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a main meal on its own. However, if you want to add some extra texture and flavor to your beef stew, then adding a side of grains is a great way to go. Rice is the most popular option for pairing with beef stew, but there are many other types of grains that work well with it too. Here are some suggestions for grains to accompany your beef stew:
- Barley: Barley has a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it an excellent choice for beef stew. You can cook the barley separately and serve it alongside the stew or add it directly into the dish while it’s cooking.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that pairs well with beef stew. It has a mild, nutty flavor and fluffy texture that makes it an ideal accompaniment.
- Bulgur: Bulgur has the same nutty flavor as barley but with a slightly crunchier texture. It cooks quickly and pairs nicely with beef stew.
- Couscous: Couscous is another great option for pairing with beef stew. It has a light, fluffy texture that absorbs all the flavors of the dish.
- Farro: Farro is an ancient grain with a chewy texture and nutty flavor that works well in stews. You can cook it separately or add it directly into the dish while it’s simmering.
No matter which type of grain you choose to accompany your beef stew, you’re sure to have a delicious meal that will leave your taste buds satisfied!
Pasta Recipes to Enjoy With Beef Stew
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that can be served with a variety of sides. One tasty option is pasta, which pairs nicely with beef stew. Here are a few delicious pasta recipes that you can serve alongside your beef stew:
1. Bow Tie Pasta With Mushrooms: This simple dish combines bow tie pasta, mushrooms and garlic for a delicious side dish. Saute mushrooms in butter and garlic until lightly browned then add cooked bow tie pasta for a flavorful side dish.
2. Fettuccine Alfredo: This creamy Italian classic is the perfect accompaniment to beef stew. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions then toss with Parmesan cheese and butter for an easy, yet decadent side dish.
3. Rigatoni With Spinach And Tomatoes: For a lighter option, try this rigatoni dish with spinach and tomatoes. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions then toss with sautéed spinach, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil for a flavorful side dish.
4. Pesto Penne: If you’re looking for something more flavorful, try this pesto penne recipe. Cook penne according to package instructions then toss with prepared pesto sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an easy, yet delicious side dish.
5. Orzo Salad: This light orzo salad is perfect for summer months or when you want something refreshing on the side of your beef stew. Cook orzo according to package instructions then combine it with feta cheese, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers for a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
These are just a few of the many delicious pasta recipes that you can serve alongside your beef stew. Try one of these recipes today and enjoy the perfect pairing of these two classic dishes!
Conclusion
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a delicious and hearty meal that can be served with a variety of side dishes. To get the most out of your beef stew, try serving it with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, biscuits, rolls, or fresh bread. You could also add some fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream to add some extra flavor to your stew. No matter what side dishes you choose, they will help to bring out the flavors in the beef stew and make it even more enjoyable.
With a few simple side dishes, you can really make your beef stew stand out. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you and your family. Beef stew is sure to become a favorite in no time!