We all have those meals that make us feel like we could take on the world. Beef stew definitely makes that list. It’s warm, hearty, and just downright comforting.
So what do we serve alongside this lovely bowl of goodness? We need sides that are just as fabulous.
Ditch the boring bread; we want something that adds a little zing. Whether it’s a crunchy side salad or some mouthwatering mashed potatoes, the options are endless.
Let’s share some ideas to elevate our beef stew game, because no one wants a lonely bowl. Let’s get your next meal plan flowing with sides that’ll have your stew singing!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Beef Stew
Here are some delicious and easy side dishes to pair with your beef stew:
1 – Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side we can’t resist. They’re creamy, rich, and full of flavor.
The garlic adds a punch that pairs perfectly with beef stew. We love how the smooth texture complements tender meat.
Some variations offer a hint of sour cream for tanginess, while others use cream cheese for extra thickness. These options elevate the dish and keep things fresh. Basically, garlic mashed potatoes are our go-to for comfort and satisfaction.
2 – Buttered Egg Noodles
We love buttered egg noodles for their simplicity and comfort. These noodles are coated in rich, creamy butter that creates a luscious finish with each bite.
They offer a subtle, buttery flavor that perfectly balances the heartiness of beef stew. What sets them apart is their delightful texture, which is soft yet holds up against the stew.
Add some herbs or cheese for an extra boost. They’re easy to whip up and pair seamlessly with the rich flavors of beef stew.
3 – Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage brings a tangy twist to our stew line-up. Its sweet and sour notes perfectly complement the beef. We enjoy that vibrant colour on our plates.
Cooked slowly, it transforms into a tender side packed with flavour. It balances richness with freshness, enhancing our meal. Serve it warm, and we can’t resist going back for seconds. This side dish takes our comfort food to another level!
4 – Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Cheesy cauliflower gratin is a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a crispy topping that we crave. This side dish combines the subtle sweetness of cauliflower with the rich, comforting flavors of cheese.
Compared to traditional potato gratin, this version feels lighter. The cheese blends with the tender cauliflower, giving us a delightful contrast between the soft and crunchy textures. It transforms meals like beef stew into pure bliss.
5 – Herbed Farro Salad
We adore herbed farro salad for its chewy texture and nutty flavor. This dish stands out with fresh herbs like parsley and basil. Together, they create a vibrant, zesty taste that pairs perfectly with beef stew.
The farro holds up against the stew’s heartiness while not overshadowing it. We love how it adds a healthy touch without being bland. This side keeps our meal light yet satisfying.
6 – Roasted Parsnips
Roasted parsnips are our go-to side when we crave that sweet and nutty vibe. These golden-brown beauties become caramelized when roasted, providing a delightful contrast to beef stew.
Their earthy flavor pairs well with the rich meat and brothy goodness. We love the tender, yet slightly crispy texture, which makes them so satisfying.
Toss them with a bit of olive oil and seasoning, and they transform our meal into something special. They’re not just a side; they’re a secret weapon!
7 – Sourdough Bread
Alright, let’s talk about sourdough bread. This bread is a classic charmer with its crisp crust and soft, chewy interior. It’s tangy from the fermentation, giving it more personality than your average loaf.
Sourdough pairs beautifully with beef stew, soaking up all those rich, meaty juices. The texture holds up, making each bite satisfying. It’s warm and inviting, perfect for those cozy nights in. Grab a slice and let your stew mingle!
8 – Spinach and Apple Salad
Spinach and apple salad offers a refreshing crunch. The earthy notes of spinach balance the sweet-tart juiciness of apples.
We love the simplicity of olive oil and lemon dressing that brings everything together.
The crispness of walnuts adds a delightful nuttiness, making every bite pop.
This salad pairs wonderfully with beef stew, cutting through the richness with vibrant flavours. It’s a quick, tasty side that feels both light and satisfying.
9 – Garlic Butter Mushrooms
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Garlic butter mushrooms are where comfort meets simplicity. They deliver a rich, savory flavor that makes everything better.
When we sauté these beauties, the garlic mellows out while the mushrooms soak up that buttery goodness, creating a delicious side.
The earthiness of the mushrooms with the added garlic punch offers a satisfying balance alongside beef stew. Each bite is tender and packed with flavor, giving us that warm, cozy vibe we crave.
10 – Sweet Potato Biscuits
Sweet potato biscuits are fluffy little clouds that bring a hint of sweetness to our meal. The buttery goodness combines perfectly with a subtle sweet potato taste.
They have a tender texture that crumbles just right. Compared to regular biscuits, these offer a richer flavor. They stand out while complementing the savory elements of beef stew nicely. We appreciate their warmth and comfort, making them a must-try side.
11 – Lemon Roasted Broccoli
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Lemon roasted broccoli is a vibrant, fresh addition to any plate. It balances bright, zesty notes with that classic roasted flavour.
We love how the roasting caramelizes the edges, giving it a slightly crispy texture.
The lemon juice elevates its natural earthiness, making it a delightful contrast to rich dishes.
Another perk? It’s quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with beef stew, cutting through the heaviness while keeping things light.
12 – Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is so much more than plain rice. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavour that takes your side dish game up a notch.
We appreciate how it can soak up broth, enhancing its taste alongside beef stew.
The mixture of wild and white rice adds a lovely contrast in texture. Each bite provides a delightful balance of earthiness and richness, making it a fantastic pairing.
13 – Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Beet and goat cheese salad brings together sweet and tangy flavors. The earthiness of roasted beets hits just right with creamy goat cheese.
We love the crunchy walnuts tossed in for texture. The zesty vinaigrette brightens everything up, making the salad fresh and light.
The salad’s vibrant colors make a lively addition to our plates. It offers a delicious contrast to hearty dishes like beef stew, making it a perfect balance.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.