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.
Beef stew makes for a savory, satisfying meal. But after a bowl of tender, mouthwatering beef and veggies simmered in a rich sauce, the palate craves a little something sweet. Luckily, there are many delicious desserts that pair wonderfully with beef stew. The key is finding options that provide the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and contrasts.
Classic Picks
Some traditional desserts have stood the test of time as foolproof pairings for beef stew Here are a few surefire options
Apple Pie
The classic apple pie with its tart apples and flaky crust provides the ideal sweet counterpoint after all the savory umami flavors in beef stew. Warm apple pie is especially nice served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that adds even more richness.
Bread Pudding
Carb-lovers will adore a serving of bread pudding after their bowl of stew, The custard-soaked bread has a lovely soft and creamy texture in contrast to the hearty chunks of beef and vegetables Choose a bread pudding recipe made with challah or brioche bread for extra decadence,
Cheesecake
Rich, smooth cheesecake makes a terrific dessert choice with its luscious texture to complement the stew’s ingredients. For extra synergy, select a New York-style cheesecake flavored with lemon. The bright citrus flavors will cut through the richness of the stew beautifully.
Fruit-Based Options
Fruit-centric desserts also marry well with beef stew thanks to the touch of sweetness and acidity they provide. Give these fresh fruit ideas a try:
Berry Cobbler
Warm berry cobbler with its sweetened fruit filling and crumbly biscuit topping can be served alone or with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Blueberry, blackberry or peach cobbler are all excellent options.
Skillet Fruit Crisp
Crisps featuring fall fruits like apples and pears have wonderful homey aromas and flavors. The streusel topping adds crunch and browned butter notes to balance the stew. Serve warm with ice cream to allow the cold-hot contrast.
Poached Pears
Simple yet elegant, pears poached in a red wine sauce provide the perfect sweet finish. The pears take on lovely deep flavors from the wine which mirror the complex tastes in the stew.
Chocolate Desserts
Don’t overlook chocolate for pairing with beef stew! The interplay of rich chocolate and the umami savoriness creates magic. Try these chocolate desserts:
Molten Chocolate Cakes
These mini lava cakes with their oozing chocolate centers offer an indulgent ending to dinner. The combination of a crisp outer shell with a melted interior mirrors the stew’s textures.
Chocolate Pot de Crème
With a texture like rich chocolate pudding, pot de crème offers a decadent but portion-controlled indulgence. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate curls for extra fancy flair.
Chocolate Mousse
Light yet deeply chocolatey, a frothy mousse is a pleasing contrast to hearty beef stew. Make it dairy-free with avocado for an especially creamy treat. Top with fresh raspberries for a pop of color and tangy sweetness.
Creative Options
For a fun change of pace, think outside the box for innovative beef stew dessert pairings like:
Honey-Apple Fritters
Crispy apple fritter doughnuts drizzled with honey make a playful and totally craveable dessert after the savory main course. The cinnamon sugar coating adds lovely warmth and crunch too.
Salted Caramel Pudding
Rich caramel flavors take this pudding up a notch, while a pinch of flaky salt provides a hit of contrasting flavor. The silky texture differs from the hearty stew as well.
Maple-Bacon Cupcakes
For those who can’t get enough umami, these cupcakes with crumbled bacon in the batter will satisfy. The sweet maple frosting balances the savoriness brilliantly.
Bourbon Bread Pudding
Boozy, ooey-gooey bread pudding made with challah bread soaked in bourbon, butter, and cream hits all the right notes after beef stew. The bourbon adds a sophisticated finish.
Tips for Perfect Pairings
Follow these handy tips for pairing beef stew with sweet success:
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Complement stew’s richness with desserts that offer brightness, such as fruit or citrus flavors.
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Seek contrasting textures, like fluffy mousse after chunky stew.
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Mirror stew’s complexity by choosing layered desserts like lava cakes or parfaits.
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Find balance with a touch of salt in sweets, as in salted caramel or maple bacon flavors.
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Focus on portion-control with mini desserts or shoot for lighter choices like fruit or sorbet.
Satisfying the Sweet Tooth
After indulging in the ultimate comfort food that is beef stew, satisfying your sweet tooth with the perfect dessert pairing is a must. With so many diverse options from fruit crisps to chocolate lava cakes and everything in between, you’re sure to find a sweet treat that checks all the boxes. Whip up one of these delicious ideas to end your beef stew dinner on a high note!
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!.
Dean cooks easy orange-chocolate mousse and beef stew with a taste of chocolate
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