Are you wondering what the best side dishes are to serve with beef stew? Look no further! If you’re planning to make a comforting and hearty beef stew, I’ve got you covered with over 15 healthy and utterly delicious side dishes that will perfectly complement your meal.
From light and refreshing salads to wholesome and nourishing vegetables, this guide provides all the inspiration you need to elevate your beef stew experience and create a truly memorable feast.
A comforting array of beef stew side dish ideas, showcasing salads, breads, and vegetables alongside a rich beef stew.
When the weather turns chilly, there’s truly nothing more satisfying than a warm and comforting bowl of beef stew. It’s a beloved staple in many homes, including mine, and a wonderfully simple meal to prepare on its own.
However, to truly elevate this classic comfort food and create a well-rounded dining experience, consider pairing it with one of these thoughtfully curated side dish recipes.
Whether you’re looking for starchy accompaniments, light and healthy options like vibrant salads, or flavorful vegetable side dishes, you’ll find something here to please everyone at your table.
If you’re searching for a truly exceptional beef stew recipe, I highly recommend trying my Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. It’s packed with deep, rich, meaty flavors and boasts a wonderful, hearty texture, all while being ready in just about an hour thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! I’ve personally developed this recipe using wholesome ingredients, unique and aromatic spices, and a generous helping of vegetables to create a stew that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Why These Side Dishes Are Perfect for Beef Stew
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Each of these side dish suggestions is designed to be simple and straightforward to prepare, ensuring that your meal preparation remains stress-free and enjoyable.
- Delicious, Satisfying, and Healthy: These sides are not only incredibly tasty and satisfying, but they also align with a healthy lifestyle, offering a balanced and nutritious complement to your hearty beef stew.
- Perfect Flavor Pairings: They are specifically chosen to enhance and complement the rich, savory, and robust flavors of beef stew, creating a harmonious and delightful culinary experience.
- Variety for Everyone: With a diverse range of options, from crisp and refreshing super green salad recipes to flavorful and wholesome veggie dishes and satisfying, healthier starchy foods, there’s a perfect side dish to suit every palate and dietary preference.
The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Stew
Fresh and Vibrant Salads
Avocado Quinoa Salad
This vibrant and nutritious salad is a powerhouse of goodness, loaded with creamy avocado, protein-rich quinoa, crisp cucumbers, crunchy walnuts, fresh green onions, and fragrant parsley. The creamy lemon dressing adds a zesty and delightful burst of flavor, making it an absolutely perfect and refreshing accompaniment to a hearty beef stew. The best part? It’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare! Consider adding this versatile salad to your weekly meal plan to serve alongside juicy burgers or as a nutritious and flavorful addition to baked salmon throughout the week. The lightness of the salad cuts through the richness of the stew beautifully.
Check out this recipe
A wooden bowl showcasing creamy avocado quinoa salad with lemon dressing, featuring cucumbers and herbs. A refreshing side dish for beef stew.
Lemon Arugula Salad
For a quick, easy, and peppery counterpoint to the richness of beef stew, look no further than this vibrant arugula salad with a homemade lemon dijon dressing. It’s incredibly simple to whip up in minutes. Just whisk together some good quality olive oil, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Then, toss this bright dressing with peppery arugula and some shavings of Parmesan cheese for a touch of salty, savory flavor. Trust me; this salad will be a welcome and refreshing addition to your beef stew dinner, or indeed, for any occasion that calls for a light and flavorful salad. The peppery arugula and lemon dressing provide a wonderful contrast to the hearty stew.
Arugula salad with lemon dressing and shaved cheese in a white bowl, spoons resting inside. A light and peppery salad to pair with beef stew.
Tomato Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette
This classic tomato salad is the epitome of a refreshing and simple side dish, perfect for complementing not just beef stew, but almost any main course! It highlights juicy, vine-ripened summer tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and sharp red onion, all lightly drizzled with a delicious homemade vinaigrette. Best of all, it takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish to prepare, making it an incredibly easy and healthy addition to your weeknight dinners. The acidity of the tomatoes and vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the stew, cleansing the palate.
Wholesome and Flavorful Vegetables
Creamy Cauliflower Mash
My pureed cauliflower recipe is luxuriously creamy, subtly cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make! There’s no need for boiling or roasting the cauliflower – simply steam it until tender and then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. A quick sauté with a few simple seasonings, and you’re done! This is a fantastic and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes, offering a great option for low-carb diets and can easily be made dairy-free and vegan to accommodate various dietary needs. The creamy texture and mild flavor are a comforting match for beef stew.
Check out this recipe
Creamy mashed cauliflower in a terracotta bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. A healthy and low-carb side dish for beef stew.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Why not try some perfectly sautéed Brussels sprouts as a side dish? These are wonderfully creamy on the inside, deliciously crunchy on the edges, and topped with toasted and nutty roasted sunflower kernels for added texture and flavor. Quick and easy to make, they are the perfect plant-based side dish to serve alongside beef stew. Who knows? You might even find yourself completely falling in love with Brussels sprouts! The slight bitterness and caramelized notes of Brussels sprouts offer a delightful contrast to the rich stew.
Check out this recipe
Sautéed Brussels sprouts with a golden-brown color, presented as a comforting and healthy vegetable side dish.
Air Fryer Carrots with Parmesan and Dill
These incredibly flavorful air fryer carrots are truly the ultimate vegetable side dish. Their naturally sweet flavor is enhanced by a mouthwatering caramelized texture achieved in the air fryer, and they are elevated with a bold and savory parmesan-dill seasoning. This combination makes them the perfect companion for your favorite beef stew recipe. These carrots aren’t just exceptionally tasty; they’re also a much healthier choice compared to typical fried options. So go ahead and indulge in these flavorful carrots without any of the guilt! The sweetness of the carrots and savory parmesan dill seasoning complement the beef stew beautifully.
Air-fried carrots, caramelized and sprinkled with parmesan cheese, showcasing a healthy and flavorful vegetable side dish.
Roasted Sunchokes with Thyme
This unique and delicious side dish is a wonderful addition to your fall or winter meals, offering a subtly nutty flavor and being naturally rich in fiber and iron. You only need a handful of simple ingredients: Sunchokes (also known as Jerusalem Artichokes), good olive oil, fresh thyme, ground black pepper, and sea salt. You absolutely won’t regret pairing this earthy and slightly sweet dish with your rich and savory beef stew! The nutty and earthy flavor profile of sunchokes with thyme makes a sophisticated pairing with beef stew.
Roasted sunchokes with thyme in a rustic bowl, highlighting a unique and flavorful vegetable side dish.
Creamy Parsnip Puree
Have you ever had the pleasure of trying parsnip puree? If not, trust me, it’s destined to become one of your new favorite comfort foods. This deceptively simple dish is incredibly silky smooth and creamy with a naturally sweet and slightly woody flavor profile that perfectly complements the rich and savory beef stew. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences. The creamy texture and sweet, subtle flavor of parsnip puree offer a luxurious and comforting side.
Creamy parsnip puree in a white bowl, showcasing a smooth and comforting vegetable side.
Canned Green Beans (Quick & Easy)
For an incredibly quick and convenient side dish option, try this surprisingly tasty canned green bean recipe! It’s a fantastic alternative, especially if you find yourself unable to source fresh or frozen green beans at your local grocery store. With just a few simple steps and pantry staples, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs remarkably well with your savory beef stew. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-seasoned canned vegetable for a weeknight meal! The familiar flavor of green beans offers a simple and comforting side.
Canned green beans recipe with onions and spices in a bowl, surrounded by ingredients like garlic and onions. A quick and easy side dish option.
Delicious Breads & Grains
Gluten-free Drop Biscuits
Our family absolutely loves these versatile gluten-free drop biscuits, which are wonderfully versatile and enjoyable for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful side with healthy salads, hearty stews, and warming soups. And the best part is that in under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of these warm, homemade drop biscuits ready to grace your table. Their slightly crumbly texture is perfect for soaking up the delicious stew gravy.
Check out this recipe
Rosemary drop biscuits in a cast iron skillet, showcasing gluten-free and easy homemade bread for beef stew.
Rosemary Drop Biscuits (Classic)
For those who prefer classic biscuits, these Rosemary Drop biscuits (noted as similar to gluten-free but may use different ingredients in linked recipe – double check original recipe if distinct classic version is intended) are equally delightful. Infused with fragrant rosemary, they bring a comforting and aromatic element to your meal. Perfect for breakfast or as a side, they pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of beef stew. The rosemary adds a lovely herbaceous note to the comforting biscuits.
Check out this recipe
Rosemary drop biscuits baked in a cast iron skillet, a classic and aromatic bread option for beef stew.
No Knead Rustic Bread
There’s truly nothing that beats the comforting and delightful aroma of freshly baked homemade bread wafting from your oven. This no-knead bread recipe utilizes the simple and effective Dutch oven method to achieve a beautiful crust and soft interior. It’s further enhanced with fresh garlic and rosemary, lending a wonderfully rustic and savory taste. You can happily relish a slice of this bread with a warm and comforting bowl of beef stew or simply spread a pat of butter on a warm slice and enjoy. The crusty bread is ideal for dipping into the rich beef stew gravy.
Sliced homemade no-knead bread on a wooden table, showcasing a rustic and crusty bread perfect for beef stew.
Almond Flour Flatbread (Gluten-Free)
If you’re specifically on the lookout for a satisfyingly crusty bread option that’s also gluten-free, you absolutely must try this incredible almond flour flatbread recipe. Not only is it gluten-free and a healthier alternative to traditional wheat-based breads, but it’s also surprisingly light and fluffy in texture and boasts a perfectly balanced, subtly nutty flavor. Best of all, it’s baked without any cheese or added oil, making it a truly guilt-free option for bread lovers. This flatbread is light enough to not be too heavy alongside the stew, but sturdy enough for dipping.
Almond flour flatbread stacked on a wooden board, highlighting a gluten-free and healthy bread option for beef stew.
Dairy Free Cornbread
One of the most classic and comforting ways to enjoy a hearty beef stew is undoubtedly with a slice of warm cornbread. The flavors of beef stew and cornbread complement each other in perfect harmony – the stew is deeply warm and comforting, while the cornbread offers a delightful slightly sweet and savory counterpoint. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a slab of dairy-free butter and a drizzle of honey to your cornbread. This pairing makes for a truly tasty and wholesome meal that your entire family is sure to enjoy! The slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread is a classic pairing for beef stew.
Sliced dairy-free cornbread in a cast iron skillet, a classic and comforting side dish for beef stew.
Old-fashioned Oatmeal Dinner Rolls
These seriously delicious old-fashioned oatmeal dinner rolls are incredibly good – boasting a super soft and fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? They are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, such as yeast, milk, honey, and butter. You can whip up a batch of these comforting rolls in no time! Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply enjoying a relaxed and cozy night at home with your family, these delightful rolls are guaranteed to make everyone happy. The soft and slightly sweet dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the stew.
Homemade oatmeal dinner rolls in a bowl, partially covered with a napkin, showcasing soft and fluffy rolls for beef stew.
Everything Bagel Cloud Bread (Low-Carb)
Can you imagine being able to sink your teeth into the satisfying flavor of an Everything bagel without any of the usual calorie guilt? Well, now you absolutely can! This innovative recipe creates a bread that’s incredibly light, surprisingly fluffy, and wonderfully low-carb, making it a perfect choice for those following the WW (Weight Watchers) diet or anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. If you want to elevate the flavor experience even further, try dipping a piece of this cloud bread into some hearty and flavorful beef stew to truly bring out all the amazing savory flavors. The light and airy cloud bread offers a low-carb alternative to traditional bread for dipping.
Cloud bread slices stacked on top of each other, showcasing a light and low-carb bread option for beef stew.
Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb)
You’ll absolutely love this incredibly versatile and scrumptious cauliflower rice recipe! With a minimal prep time of less than 15 minutes, it’s the ideal low-carb and gluten-free grain alternative, especially perfect for those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking to reduce their grain consumption. Plus, it’s a fantastic and easy way to incorporate an extra serving of fresh vegetables into your daily meals! Simply serve a generous portion of cauliflower rice alongside your delicious and hearty beef stew for a nutritious and wonderfully satisfying meal that’s both light and flavorful. Cauliflower rice provides a healthy and low-carb base to serve beef stew over.
Cauliflower rice in a white bowl, showcasing a low-carb and healthy grain alternative for serving with beef stew.
Sweet Potato Au Gratin
These beautifully roasted sweet potatoes are absolutely delicious and offer a touch of comforting indulgence! They’re generously topped with a creamy and flavorful herb-infused sauce, perfectly melted cheese, and a delightful crispy breadcrumb topping, creating the perfect side dish that manages to be both comforting and wholesome. You’ll find yourself reaching for these sweet potatoes for any and every occasion! The creamy and cheesy sweet potato gratin adds richness and sweetness to complement the beef stew.
Sweet potato au gratin in an oven-safe serving dish, showcasing a creamy and cheesy side dish for beef stew.
Recommended Pairings
Be sure to also explore these other hearty meat-based dishes that share similar flavor profiles and would pair well with similar side dishes.
Let me know in the comments below if you try any of these beef stew side dishes, and please share if you have a personal favorite that’s not listed! Bon appétit!
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