If you’re wondering what to serve with beef stew, here’s 33 recipes for meal inspiration.
Check out these beef stew side dishes, so you’ll be able to step up your beef stew game in no time.
Beef stew is my one-stop solution every time I look for hearty food to make everyone happy on busy weekends.
It’s tender and flavorful, all thanks to the combined taste of beef, potatoes, broth, veggies, herbs, and spices.
Though it’s delicious enough to satisfy my crowd, I typically pair this filling dish with side dishes that only result in a fun and enjoyable eating experience.
From ourNo-Rice Stuffed Bell PepperstoPolenta CakesandBaked Parmesan Zucchini.
Friesto theBrit favorite Yorkshire Pudding, you’ll find some of the best sides that show off everything beef stew has to offer.
Table of Contents
What To Serve With Beef Stew
1. Drop Dumplings With Bisquick
Drop dumplings are a default side dish for soups, chilis, and stews.
Incorporating it into these dishes offers fluffy and buttery goodness that can bring your family together.
They’re easy to make and made with just five essential ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk.
You can tweak the flavor of your dumplings by including herbs and spices in the mixture.
2. Crusty Bread
Another great side dish for beef stew is this homemade crusty bread.
It has a crusty and crunchy exterior with a soft and chewy interior.
The recipe only calls for simple ingredients such as active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, and salt.
Making the bread is pretty straightforward too!
Include garlic powder, basil, oregano, or spices of your choice to add more flavor to your bread.
Here is our FAQ forhow to soften bread.
3. Green Salad
If you’re into greens and looking for a good side item for beef stew, then this refreshing green salad is for you!
It boasts special vinaigrette dressing which consists of lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
What’s more, the recipe can be concocted for about 10 minutes; it also features ingredients that may be in your kitchen already.
For the more adventurous cooks, feel free to include greens, spices, and herbs to your liking.
4. Roasted Pear Salad
This Roasted Pear Salad recipe bursts with exciting flavors from fresh spinach, sweet roasted pears, shredded Parmesan cheese, and a balsamic reduction.
Adding balsamic reduction also creates a richer flavor to the salad, but if you’re in a big hurry to eat, drizzle the mixture with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Roasted Asparagus
Beef stew plus roasted asparagus is just divine!
This Roasted Asparagus is laden with simplicity yet packed with crunchy goodness.
The spears are roasted in the oven until they turn slightly brown and tender.
The recipe can be seasoned in different ways.
You can either go with red pepper flakes, smoked salt, and cayenne or sprinkle grated parmesan and drizzle balsamic vinegar to infuse a creamy flavor.
6. Hasselback Potatoes
Serving these pretty and easy air fryer hasselback potatoes at your family table is a great way to elevate your beef stew to a more satisfying delight that everyone will love.
Large potatoes are sliced width-wise, slathered with butter and spices, then crisped up in the air fryer for a presentation worthy of a brunch or a dinner date!
7. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes weren’t just born to complement meat dishes like steak or pork chops, they work with beef stew too!
This recipe is packed with light and creamy texture with lots of fluffy goodness!
Also, the process of preparing them is quick and easy.
(We have sometips for reheatingthem, too)
You’ll be able to put it together without a lot of hard work.
Just gather some Russet potatoes, real butter, sour cream if desired, milk, salt, pepper, and you’re good to go!
Lots of other flavored mashed potato options here too:
- Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
8. Buttered Egg Noodles
This Buttered Egg Noodles recipe is one of the best side dishes that goes well with many savory dishes, including your favorite beef stew.
The recipe is ultimately limitless as you can dish out a multitude of flavors each time you cook it.
Adding minced garlic, cooked spinach, or parmesan cheese offers an extra taste to the dish.
If you like a bit of spice, add in some red pepper flakes.
Quick tip:You can enhance your buttered noodles’ flavor profile by boiling them in chicken broth.
9. Oven-Roasted Radishes
Even though it isn’t as popular as roasted asparagus, serving these Oven-Roasted Radishes may surprise you.
They cook up sweet and mild, nothing at all like their raw counterparts!
Roasting radishes is quick and easy to do and involves a few common ingredients.
Plus, the possibilities are endless, just like with potatoes.
So feel free to add herbs and spices that suit your taste.
10. No-Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
This dish isn’t your typical stuffed bell pepper recipe.
This one’s loaded with Italian flavors and rice-free!
Although this version of stuffed bell peppers doesn’t feature rice, it still tastes just like the classic recipe.
It’s a heavenly and satisfying side.
11. Rice Pilaf
What’s a good side dish for beef stew?
Don’t forget the rice pilaf!
This dish is made from rice, butter, chicken broth, and vermicelli.
The addition of herbs and spices such as paprika, cayenne, onions, and garlic offers a subtle taste to the recipe.
But you shouldn’t stop there!
You can include smoky bacon, fresh veggies, almonds, or your favorite herbs to add extra flavor and texture.
12. Irish Beer Bread
Irish beer bread is an easy, chewy delight best served with beef stew and other types of stew.
It has a texture that resembles a quick bread.
Butter up a slice of this robust dark-beer bread.
Once you take a mouthful, you’ll notice its softness as your teeth sink into its fluffy center.
13. Polenta Cakes
Polenta Cakes are the best way to indulge in your favorite Italian dish without actually going to Italy.
They are also a good opportunity to enjoy the flavor and texture of polenta without having to cook it.
You can even eat them with beef stew or just by themselves.
Plus, they’re the answer if you’re looking for something sweet, salty, or savory.
So whatever your taste buds are craving, these cakes will have it covered!
14. Balsamic Roasted New Potatoes With Asparagus
These Roasted New Potatoes are another perfect pairing for a simple beef stew, but they’re also great on their own.
The balsamic vinegar provides a nice tang to the potatoes and asparagus, and the garlic-infused olive oil gives them an extra kick.
This dish is also full of texture and flavor, so if you’re looking for something to liven up your weeknight dinners, this is a great choice!
15. Oven-Roasted Broccoli
Oven-Roasted Broccoli is a little bit of a misnomer.
And that’s because it’s crispy, tender, and well-seasoned!
This hearty side dish pairs well with everything from grilled chicken to beef stew to fish.
And since it’s baked in the oven instead of boiled or steamed, no weird flavors are being released into your food when you cook it—you’re just getting crispiness and tenderness every time!
16. Classic Wedge Salad
Oh, the Classic Wedge Salad.
You know it’s a staple, but do you know what makes it so great?
It’s crisp, refreshing, and cold.
Plus, the crunchy iceberg lettuce is the perfect contrast to the creamy blue cheese dressing.
And while it might be tempting to turn up the heat on your dressing, It’s still best to stick with the classic.
After all, you want to experience the taste of the buttery bacon crumbles and the tanginess of the tomatoes.
17. Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits have a texture that is hard to describe.
They’re flaky, soft, and crunchy all at once.
They’re kind of like a cross between an apple crisp and a cookie.
And they have a subtle tangy flavor thanks to their buttermilk base.
You can even make mini sandwiches out of them and serve them alongside your beef stew for an extra filling treat!
18. Couscous
Couscous is a super-simple way to make your next meal more delicious.
It’s fluffy and perfectly seasoned, so it’ll be the perfect side dish for any meal you’re cooking up.
And since this dish is made with a few ingredients, you can be sure that it tastes amazing and won’t leave you with a bunch of extra work!
19. Jiffy Cornbread
When you think of cornbread, what do you see?
Do you picture a golden brown square that looks a bit grainy?
If so, then Jiffy Cornbread is for you.
It’s just like eating a moist corn muffin, but it’s shaped like a cube so that it can be served with chili or stew.
What’s more, its texture is soft and chewy, while the flavor is sweet and buttery.
20. Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire Pudding could be your next favorite sidekick to beef stew.
It’s sweet and fluffy, and it has a distinct flavor.
It’s not as sweet as waffles or pancakes, but it’s also not quite as savory as biscuits or muffins.
It actually has a more subtle flavor than many other baked goods because it doesn’t use any sugar in its preparation (unlike cakes).
This means that when paired with beef stew—which is very savory—it won’t overpower the dish with sweetness.
21. Garlic Cauliflower Mash
Garlic Cauliflower Mash.
Does it sound like a strange idea?
Well, it’s actually one of the best and simplest things you can make in your kitchen.
The taste is rich and creamy, with a hint of nuttiness from the cauliflower.
The flavor is enhanced by the subtle balance between garlic’s earthy flavor and cauliflower’s sweet notes.
And the texture is smooth but slightly gritty, which is just enough to give a nice mouthfeel that pairs well with beef stew or any other kind of stew that needs some extra heft or substance.
22. Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice
Do you ever just feel like a bowl of creamy, savory goodness?
Like a dish that’s so satisfyingly decadent and full of flavor that it makes you feel invincible!
Well, this is that dish.
You’ve got creamy wild rice with hearty mushrooms and some spices mixed with the sharp, salty flavor of parmesan cheese and a dash of Italian seasoning.
The result is a dish that’ll make you forget about all those other things on your to-do list because they can wait while you enjoy this bowl of deliciousness.
23. Spinach Salad
This Spinach Salad is the perfect way to get your greens in without having to think about it.
The freshness of the ingredients really shines through—lemon juice adds a zingy sweetness to the salad that works perfectly with the sweet taste of walnuts.
And the parmesan cheese brings out a salty bite that makes you want more!
Plus, this salad has no mayo or other types of dressing. It’s just straight-up lemon juice!
24. Feta Muffins
Feta is one of those ingredients that’s good in almost anything.
It’s salty, it’s creamy, and it has a little bit of tang, so it’s a great complement to basically anything you’re eating.
And these Feta Muffins are no exception.
They’re light and airy with a perfect touch of herbs, which makes them great for snacking or as an appetizer before dinner.
They’re also great served alongside beef stew!
25. Sautéed Buttered Cabbage
This is a fun, easy way to dress up a boring old cabbage.
I know it’s hard to believe that something as simple as cabbage can be exciting, but this side dish will make you believe it!
The combination of butter and salt is the key to this dish.
The cabbage gets just enough moisture from the water and salted butter to make it tender yet far from the point where it loses its crunchiness.
Then the salt brings out all of the flavors in this dish, making it taste like you’ve been cooking it all day long.
26. Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
These crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are so hearty, tasty, and satisfying you’ll be thinking of excuses to make them again and again!
I love serving these with beef stew because it’s a match made in heaven!
The beef stew is rich and flavorful, while the fries provide a nice contrast with their crispy exterior and soft interior.
The best part is you can throw them together in the oven in just 20 minutes.
27. German Cucumber Salad
I’ve always had a soft spot for cucumbers.
Sure, they look vibrant and all that jazz, but what will really get you is how crisp and refreshing they are
The zingy sour cream and vinegar complement the mellow taste of the cucumbers, and the onions add just enough bite to make you feel like you’re eating something exciting.
The chives add a freshness that cuts through any lingering bitterness from the vinegar.
And then there’s the dill that adds an earthy flavor that’ll make you feel like it’s springtime.
28. Roasted Beetroot, Goats Cheese & Walnut Salad
Beetroot has a lot going for it.
It’s got a deep red hue, and it tastes sweet and earthy.
But what really makes this dish special is the way it pairs with goat cheese and walnuts.
The tartness of the goat cheese provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the beetroot, while the crunchiness of the nuts adds some texture to your plate.
And once you’ve added all these elements together, you’ll be left with a feast fit for gods—or at least mortals who want to feel like they’re dining with gods.
29. Roasted Sugar Snap Peas & Mushrooms
Roasting sugar snap peas and mushrooms is a great way to take advantage of their natural sweetness.
Slices of bacon also pack a smoky flavor to this dish, and garlic gives it a hint of spice.
Plus, the addition of salt and pepper will make your palate dance around the flavors as you savor each bite.
The result is a tasty dish that goes great with beef stew—it’s both light and filling at the same time.
30. Stuffed Tomatoes With Spinach & Cheese
I know what you’re thinking: “Stuffed tomatoes with spinach and cheese? How bland.”
Well, you’re mistaken.
And I’ll tell you why.
First, let’s talk about the tomatoes, which are fresh, delicious, and super versatile.
Next up is the spinach, which you’ll love because of its nice crunchy texture.
Then there’s that Boursin cheese that is so savory, buttery, and slightly crumbly.
Combine all of these, and you’ll have something that’s so simple yet so unique.
So go ahead! Give it a try!
31. Turnips Au Gratin
You don’t have to be a fine cuisine connoisseur fine cuisine to appreciate the beauty of Turnips Au Gratin.
By now, you’ve probably heard of them—the creamy, cheesy turnip delights that are sweeping the gourmet world by storm.
It’s also a versatile dish that pairs well with many types of meat, but I think it shines brightest when served alongside the beef stew.
32. Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto
Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto is a beautiful dish that will make you feel warm inside, no matter how cold it is outside.
The combination of the peas and asparagus gives the risotto a light, fresh flavor that isn’t overpowering but still makes you feel like you’re eating something special.
Also, the fact that it’s made with brown Arborio rice instead of regular white rice makes it even more special.
And that’s because the Arborio rice has more starch than regular white rice, so when you cook it, it becomes creamy in texture.
This makes for a risotto that’s full of mouthwatering flavor but also has a nice softness to it.
33. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
This is a meal for people who love a little bit of everything: salty, sweet, and savory all at once.
It’s like a potato gratin, but with just enough sweetness that it’s not too heavy on the palate.
It’s easy and simple to make and can be served as is or with beef stew.
The sweet potatoes are baked until they’re tender, then mashed and mixed with rich, creamy, and flavorful ingredients.
They’re then sprinkled with cheese and baked again until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
The outcome: luscious, comforting goodness that will fill your stomach without weighing you down!
The bottom line
There’s one vital rule for you to consider when choosing the perfect side dishes for beef stew – that is to pick sides that truly complement your favorite stew.
In case you want to expand your beef stew side dishes list, keep in mind this golden rule and ensure not to pick sides that can overpower the stew’s flavor profile.
Bonus idea:MyEasy Arugula Saladhas a mild peppery bite but the lemon honey vinaigrette brings it all together.
What To Serve With Beef Stew (33 Sides)
From an Easy Arugula Salad to Polenta to Drop Dumplings, you’ll find what to serve with beef stew from this epic list!
Ingredients
- Drop Dumplings With Bisquick
- Crusty Bread
- Green Salad
- Roasted Pear Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
- Hasselback Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Buttered Egg Noodles
- Oven-Roasted Radishes
- No-Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Rice Pilaf
- Irish Beer Bread
- Polenta Cakes
- Balsamic Roasted New Potatoes With Asparagus
- Oven-Roasted Broccoli
- Classic Wedge Salad
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Couscous
- Jiffy Cornbread
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Garlic Cauliflower Mash
- Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice
- Spinach Salad
- Feta Muffins
- Sautéed Buttered Cabbage
- Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
- German Cucumber Salad
- Roasted Beetroot, Goats Cheese & Walnut Salad
- Roasted Sugar Snap Peas & Mushrooms
- Stuffed Tomatoes With Spinach & Cheese
- Turnips Au Gratin
- Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto
- Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Instructions
- Scroll for your favorite recipe from our list of What To Serve With Beef Stew.
- Pick out the ingredients needed for the dish.
- Cook then enjoy immediately!
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