Wondering what to serve with Beef Stew? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. So, you can find the perfect side dish to complete your tender beef stew dinner in a hurry.
You can never go wrong with the classic side dishes like a zesty arugula salad and bread.
I’ve got you covered! Here are the best side dishes for beef stew, so you can find the last piece of your comfort food puzzle.
Beef stew is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for casual family dinners. But did you know it can also be the star of an elegant dinner party menu? With the right side dishes, beef stew becomes a sophisticated meal worthy of your most discerning guests.
When planning sides for beef stew, aim for a mix of textures, flavors and colors to complement the chunky, deeply flavored stew. Crunchy, creamy, sweet, tangy and savory accents all pair wonderfully. Read on for 21 sensational beef stew sides to try at your next dinner party.
1. Crusty Baguette Slices
Few things mop up rich stew juices better than slices of crusty fresh-baked baguette. The contrast of the chewy crackly bread against the tender beef and veggies is sublime. For extra flavor, rub the sliced baguette with a cut garlic clove before serving.
2. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlicky mashed potatoes are a classic alongside beef stew. Roast whole garlic bulbs to melt into the potatoes for deep flavor. Top with chives or crispy fried onion straws for texture and color.
3. Goat Cheese Polenta
Creamy polenta enriched with tangy goat cheese makes a refined match for beef stew. For pretty presentation, bake the polenta until set, then use cookie cutters to cut fun shapes before topping with crumbled goat cheese.
4. Parmesan Risotto
Savory risotto bursting with nutty arborio rice and creamy Parmesan is a match made in heaven with rich beef stew. Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra color and flavor if desired.
5. Twice Baked Potatoes
These pretty potato halves stuffed with a cheesy bacon filling complement beef stew’s heartiness. Load the potato filling with your choice of cheeses, herbs and other mix-ins.
6. Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots caramelized with a touch of honey offer vibrant orange color next to earthy brown stew. Toss carrot sticks or coins in olive oil, honey, thyme and salt before roasting until tender.
7. Garlic Green Beans
Fresh green beans sautéed with olive oil, garlic and herbs balance beef stew’s richness. For variety, use haricots verts or yellow wax beans in place of standard green beans.
8. Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
Shredded Brussels sprouts baked bubbly and brown under a cheesy sauce are a salty, crunchy sensation next to stew. For extra richness, stir crisped bacon bits into the cheese sauce.
9. Onion Bacon jam
Spreadable onion bacon jam is equal parts sweet, tangy and savory – an addictive topping for bread or stirring into mashed potatoes with beef stew. Caramelize onions in bacon drippings for maximum flavor.
10. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls for dipping into the rich stew broth are a must-have. Choose pecan studded rolls, 3-cheese rolls, rosemary rolls or other gourmet varieties for an elegant touch.
11. Spinach Salad with Berries
A fresh spinach salad dotted with sweet berries and crunchy nuts balances beef stew’s hearty flavors. Whisk together a bright vinaigrette and scatter feta or goat cheese over the top.
12. Endive Apple Salad
For a more elegant salad pairing, toss bitter endive greens with sweet apple slices, toasted walnuts and a creamy yogurt dressing. The tangy crunch pairs perfectly with hearty stew.
13. Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil and balsamic dressing makes a refreshing beef stew side. Upgrade with colorful heirloom tomatoes for a dramatic look.
14. Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Oozing with butter, brown sugar, marshmallows or pecans, these stuffed sweet potatoes are a treat next to savory stew. Make them ahead and reheat for easy serving.
15. Butternut Squash Gratin
Slice butternut squash thin, then layer in a cheesy cream sauce and bake until bubbly for a decadent fall-inspired accompaniment to beef stew. Pepper jack or gruyere cheese add great flavor.
16. Gouda Grits
Creamy grits made rich with melty gouda cheese flavored with garlic make a comforting bed for ladling stew. Stir in cooked greens for color and nutrition if desired.
17. Pear Cranberry Chutney
A fruity DIY cranberry pear chutney with warm spices is sensational served with bread and beef stew. The sweet-tart combo balances the rich stew beautifully.
18. Honey Balsamic Glazed Figs
Grilled or roasted figs drizzled with a glossy honey balsamic reduction offer an elegant sweet-savory garnish for stew. Spoon the glaze over vanilla ice cream for dessert too.
19. Hasselback Potatoes
Sliced hasselback potatoes baked with olive oil, rosemary and garlic are perfect vessels for sopping up every drop of hearty stew sauce and look so elegant on the plate.
20. Green Bean Casserole
This Thanksgiving favorite with crunchy fried onions and creamy mushroom gravy is a tasty, nostalgic side dish with beef stew. Use fresh or frozen green beans.
21. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Cauliflower baked in an ultra cheesy sauce guarantees rave reviews next to beef stew’s richness. Feel free to sneak in extra veggies like broccoli or spinach too.
With a combination of indulgent and fresh, light sides on the menu, your dinner guests will be thoroughly impressed by your beef stew dinner party spread. Just add a loaf of crusty bread, a salad and a few special side dishes and you’ll have an unforgettable meal.
The BEST Sides for Beef Stew
A lot of these beef stew side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge or freezer for up to three days. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
What did you think of this list of things to serve with beef stew? Please leave a comment and rate below. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
DO YOU WANT MORE? For more great platings,
This is Going to Be the BEST BEEF STEW You Will Ever Make | Easy CARNE GUISADA Recipe
FAQ
What side goes best with beef stew?
What bread pairs well with beef stew?
Do you serve beef stew in a bowl or plate?
What are the best side dishes for beef stew?
Here are the best side dishes for beef stew, so that you can find that perfect dish to complete your comfort food feast! This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish. This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad.
What to serve with beef stew UK?
Beef stew can be served with a variety of different side dishes, although the best options will be light on flavour in order to allow the stew to really shine. As such dishes like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, grilled vegetables, rice or salads are all excellent options. What do you serve with stew UK?
What goes well with a beef stew salad?
Berries and tropical fruit make this salad extra special – and extra delicious. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the savory beef stew. Plus, the colorful salad is a beautiful addition to any meal. Pro Tip: To make this salad even more special, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. 3 Changes You Can Make: 10.
What to add to a beef stew?
Seriously. So, when planning last minute sides for your beef stew, add “delicious homemade butter” to your list. You’ll thank yourself. Check out these side dishes for your other favorite beefy meals. Pot Roast sides: Another tender meat, comfort food favorite.