Want to serve something with beef stew? Here are some suggestions for sides and desserts that you’ll love. Many of these ideas are classic comfort food, while others might be something you hadn’t thought of.
After enjoying a steaming bowl of rich, savory beef stew, your taste buds are primed for a delicious dessert. The key is finding a sweet treat that complements the flavors of the stew rather than clashes with them Here are some sensational dessert ideas that pair wonderfully with beef stew
Creamy and Fruity Desserts
Creamy, smooth textures and bright fruit flavors create a nice contrast from hearty beef stew. Some great options include
-
Tiramisu – Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and sweet mascarpone pair nicely.
-
Tres Leches Cake – The “three milks” cake has a light, moist crumb. Top with berries.
-
Cheesecake – Either plain or with a fruit swirl offers richness.
-
Flan – Caramel custard has a delicate vanilla scent.
-
Fruit sorbets or granitas – Light, fruity ices refresh the palate after stew.
Warm Fruit Desserts
Warm fruit desserts continue the comforting theme of beef stew into the final course. Consider:
-
Apple pie/cobbler – Cinnamon-spiced apples feel homey and familiar.
-
Bananas foster – Bananas cooked in buttery rum sauce screams comfort food.
-
Bread pudding – Toasted brioche or challah soaked in custard makes this dish indulgent.
-
Poached pears – Pears gently cooked in red wine are elegant yet uncomplicated.
Chocolate Desserts
You can’t go wrong pairing beef stew with chocolate. The sweet intensity provides strong contrast to mellow stew flavors. Options include:
-
Molten lava cake – Intense chocolate cake with an oozing center takes the cake!
-
Chocolate mousse – Light yet extra chocolaty after all that stew.
-
Brownies – Fudgy, dark brownies hold their own after beef stew.
-
Chocolate pots de crème – These rich custards are like a highbrow chocolate pudding.
Complementary Custards and Puddings
Custard and pudding desserts complement stew’s heartiness with their smooth, creamy consistency. Picks such as:
-
Crème brûlée – Crispy burnt sugar topping provides textural contrast.
-
English custard/trifle – Gentle vanilla pairs nicely.
-
Tapioca pudding – Pillowy tapioca pearls give a unique texture.
-
Rice pudding – Cinnamon and raisins provide comforting familiarity.
Other Winning Options
Here are a few more diverse ideas that pair wonderfully:
-
Cupcakes or macarons – Fun finger desserts let you end on a casual note.
-
Lemon soufflé – Bright citrus cuts the richness perfectly.
-
Strawberry shortcake – Juicy berries are a crowd-pleaser.
-
Blueberry cobbler – Pick a favorite comforting fruit.
The next time beef stew is on the dinner menu, turn to one of these delightful desserts to end the meal on a high note. The options provide a perfect sweet counterpoint.
Hearty Beef Stew Choices
Hearty beef stew is a favorite in my family because it tastes great, fills you up, and makes you feel better. When we had children at home, I made a large batch. But now that it’s just my husband and me, I make this yummy beef stew for two.
Another beef stew we enjoy is this wonderfully flavorful Mediterranean beef stew. Some people call this an Italian stew. Whatever you want to call it, I’m sure you’ll find that it’s absolutely delicious!.
There are several different ways to cook these stews. You can make both of these stews in your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or even on the stovetop.
If I have a busy day planned, I like to put the ingredients in my Crock Pot. It tastes great when I get home because the slow cooking all day lets the flavors come together. And the house smells so good!.
When I cook stew on my stovetop, I like to use my enamel coated, cast iron Dutch oven. It’s big, and it holds the heat really well.
I like putting toppings on the side of beef stew so that everyone can make it their own way. Here are some suggestions:
- Olive oil
- Sour cream
- Lemon juice (or lime juice)
- Red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic salt
- Diced onions
- Chopped bell peppers
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Fresh herbs
- Salt and black pepper
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Stew
You might not feel the need to serve anything else since beef stew has something from almost every food group. And that’s true. A big bowl of beef stew is quite satisfying all by itself.
But if you serve it with a great side dish, your family will remember it as a special meal. Here are some great savory dishes that go well with any kind of stew.
Sometimes we enjoy straight-up beef stew. But if we need more energy or there are more people to feed, I’ll make these tasty potatoes and put the beef stew on top of them. So delicious and filling!.
We also like it over rice or egg noodles. You can use any type of rice you enjoy, including long-grain white rice, rice pilaf, or brown rice. When I use noodles, I prefer the flat ones.
There have been times when I’ve put sweet potatoes in the stew. However, we actually prefer them on the side. This yummy honey roasted are perfect!.
Do something really different with your green salad by making this tasty BLT salad. Use whatever lettuce you like. I typically use romaine lettuce, but this is also delicious with leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, or iceberg lettuce.
You won’t hear anyone complain… unless they don’t like bacon. And who doesn’t like bacon, right?.
If you’re looking for something to do with a can of green beans, try this wonderful recipe. It goes with practically any main dish, including hearty beef stew.
Add even more nutrients to your meal with some roasted butternut squash. It’s easy to make in your air fryer. I like to start with frozen diced butternut squash to make it even easier!.
Refreshing and delicious, this salad provides a delightful balance of sweet flavor for your savory beef stew. It’s light but packed with flavor. And it’s oh-so satisfying.
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making your own dinner rolls from scratch. This easy recipe from Back to My Southern Roots delivers rolls your mama will be proud of.
Also called Mexican cornbread, these spicy and delicious corn muffins will satisfy anyone’s spicy taste buds. I actually prefer a little heat when I eat a hearty meal.
You can make this in a skillet and slice it hot. Or, make these cornbread muffins and put them in a basket with other breads so everyone can grab one. Add a little butter, and this one’s a winner!.
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate the yummy flavor of garlic bread.
This recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern makes garlic bread even better by adding cheese and making it so tasty. All you need is some crusty bread and a few simple ingredients.
This apple spinach salad is the best way to dress up a bunch of fresh spinach and make it taste even better. It’s the perfect way to top off your beef stew dinner.
This delicious creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish for any meal, including beef stew. Make enough for more than one meal to save time in the future. It’s also a popular item at dinner parties and potlucks.
If you like to be prepared for anything, make a bunch of mason jar salads. When you need something else to go with a meal, having a few jar salads already made saves a lot of time.
They’re also perfect when you need a quick grab-and-go item to pack for lunch.
What are cabbage steaks, you ask?
This is my answer: cabbage steaks are delicious slices of cabbage that you season just right and roast until they turn a beautiful golden brown. And to top it off, they go with absolutely everything!.