There’s nothing quite as comforting as a piping hot bowl of beef stew. However, the perfect accompaniments can turn a simple dinner into a delicious feast. In this article, we dive into all the different side dish options and wine pairings to help you achieve the ultimate beef stew experience.
10 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Stew
When it comes to choosing a side dish for beef stew, there are endless options. Here are 10 of our favorite side dishes that can take this classic meal to the next level:
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Creamy Polenta
- Cornbread
- Braised Cabbage
- Garlic Green Beans
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Bread
- Crispy Fried Onions
Each of these side dishes offers a unique flavor and texture that will complement the richness of beef stew. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination that works for you!
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider serving a side salad with your beef stew. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew. You can also add some sliced avocado or roasted nuts for extra flavor and texture. Another great option is to serve a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, which can add some color and nutrition to your meal.
The Perfect Wine Pairings for Beef Stew
Nothing goes better with a hearty beef stew than a glass of full-bodied red wine. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Malbec
- Zinfandel
These wines have a high tannin content that pairs well with the meatiness of beef stew. If you prefer white wines, a Chardonnay with an oaky flavor profile can also work well.
It’s important to note that the age of the wine can also affect the pairing. Younger red wines tend to have more tannins, which can overpower the flavors of the stew. If you’re using a younger red wine, consider letting it breathe for a bit before serving. On the other hand, older red wines have a smoother taste and can complement the richness of the stew. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wine ages to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.
Quick and Easy Bread Recipes to Accompany Your Beef Stew
Bread is the perfect addition to any beef stew, offering a great contrast in texture. Here are some quick and easy bread recipes to consider:
- No-Knead Artisan Bread
- Garlic Knots
- Irish Soda Bread
- Soft Dinner Rolls
- French Baguette
These recipes are simple to follow and require minimal preparation time. And the smell of freshly baked bread will only enhance the cozy ambiance of your meal.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour instead of white flour in these recipes. Whole wheat flour is higher in fiber and nutrients, making it a more nutritious choice. You can also add in some herbs or spices to give your bread an extra kick of flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect bread recipe to accompany your beef stew.
Best Vegetables to Add to Your Beef Stew Recipe
While most beef stew recipes include the classic carrots, potatoes, and onions, there are several other vegetables you can add for more variety and flavor:
- Celery
- Parsnips
- Butternut Squash
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Green Peas
Not only will these vegetables add more nutrient density to your meal, but they also bring unique tastes and textures to the table.
One vegetable that can add a lot of flavor to your beef stew is fennel. Fennel has a slightly sweet and licorice-like taste that pairs well with the savory flavors of beef. It also has a crunchy texture that can add some variety to the softness of the other vegetables in the stew.
If you’re looking to add some heat to your beef stew, consider adding some jalapeno peppers. Jalapenos can add a spicy kick to the stew, and their bright green color can also add some visual interest to the dish. Just be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers to control the level of spiciness.
Slow-Cooker Beef Stew: A Hearty Meal for Any Night of the Week
One of the best things about beef stew is how versatile it is, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. By using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it until dinner time:
- Brown the beef beforehand to enhance flavor.
- Chop all the vegetables and toss them in with the beef.
- Season with your favorite spices and herbs.
- Add just enough liquid to cover the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
Your beef stew will be tender, flavorful, and ready to serve when you get home. Serve it with some warm bread and a glass of wine, and your meal is complete.
Another great thing about slow-cooker beef stew is that it can easily be customized to fit your preferences. You can add different vegetables, such as mushrooms or sweet potatoes, to give it a unique twist. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create a flavor profile that suits your taste buds. Plus, since it’s a one-pot meal, clean-up is a breeze. Simply remove the ceramic insert from the slow cooker and wash it in the sink. It’s a delicious and convenient meal that the whole family will love.
How to Make Homemade Biscuits for Your Beef Stew Dinner
Biscuits are another great bread option to serve with beef stew, and making your own biscuits couldn’t be easier:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add milk and stir until mixture forms a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter or cookie cutter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Your homemade biscuits will be the perfect addition to your cozy beef stew dinner.
For a fun twist, try adding shredded cheddar cheese or chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to your biscuit dough before baking. These additions will add extra flavor and make your homemade biscuits even more delicious.
Gluten-Free Side Dish Options for Your Beef Stew Meal
If you or someone in your family has a gluten intolerance or allergy, there are several gluten-free side dish options to consider:
- Rice Pilaf
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Quinoa Salad
- Gluten-Free Cornbread
- Roasted Vegetables
These dishes are nutritious, flavorful, and won’t compromise your gluten-free diet.
It’s important to note that some store-bought seasonings and broths may contain gluten, so be sure to read labels carefully or make your own from scratch. Additionally, if you’re unsure about the gluten-free status of a particular ingredient, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Beef Stew in Other Recipes
If you have leftover beef stew, there are many ways to use it in other recipes:
- Beef Stew Shepherd’s Pie
- Beef Stew Pot Pie
- Beef Stew Nachos
- Beef Stew Chili
- Beef Stew Sandwiches
You can repurpose your leftover beef stew in many fun and creative ways, making your next meal even more exciting.
Another great way to use leftover beef stew is to turn it into a hearty soup. Simply add some broth or water to the stew, along with some additional vegetables and seasonings, and let it simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together. This is a great option for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight, or for a cozy lunch on a chilly day.
One-Pot Meals: Combining Your Beef Stew with Other Dishes
If you’re looking for a complete meal in one dish, you can try combining your beef stew with other foods:
- Beef Stew and Dumplings
- Beef Stew and Pasta
- Beef Stew and Rice
- Beef Stew and Quinoa
These one-pot meals are satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Another great option for combining your beef stew with other dishes is to add some vegetables. You can add carrots, potatoes, and onions to your beef stew to make it more nutritious and flavorful. You can also add some leafy greens like spinach or kale to your beef stew to make it even healthier.
If you’re looking for a more exotic flavor, you can try combining your beef stew with some spices and herbs. You can add some cumin, coriander, and turmeric to your beef stew to give it a Middle Eastern flavor. You can also add some thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to your beef stew to give it a Mediterranean flavor.
How to Elevate Your Beef Stew with Unique Seasonings and Spices
If you want to take your beef stew to the next level, experiment with different seasonings and spices:
- Smoked Paprika
- Cumin
- Cinnamon
- Thyme
- Sage
By adding these unique flavors to your beef stew, you can create a meal that’s unlike any other.
Another way to elevate your beef stew is by using different cuts of beef. For example, using chuck roast instead of stew meat can add more flavor and texture to your dish.
You can also experiment with adding different vegetables to your beef stew, such as parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes. These vegetables can add a unique sweetness and depth of flavor to your dish.
Pairing Different Types of Beer with Your Beef Stew
If you’re more of a beer person, there are several types of beer that pair well with beef stew:
- Dark Ales
- Stouts
- Porters
- Brown Ales
- Belgian Dubbels
These beers have a malty sweetness and bitterness that complements the flavors of beef stew in all the right ways.
Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives to Traditional Beef Stew Sides
If you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, there are several side dishes that can work perfectly with your meatless beef stew:
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Risotto with Mushrooms
- Vegan Cornbread
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
These plant-based options are nutritious, flavorful, and will make your vegan or vegetarian beef stew dinner complete.
The Best Salad Recipes to Complement Your Hearty Beef Stew
If you want to include a fresh and healthy element to your meat-heavy dinner, you can add a side salad to your beef stew dinner. Here are some of our favorite salad recipes:
- Roasted Beet Salad
- Arugula and Apple Salad
- Roasted Carrot and Feta Salad
- Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad
- Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
These salads all have a unique flavor profile that will complement the richness of beef stew while also contributing some healthy fiber and nutrients.
Simple Desserts to Round Out Your Perfect Beef Stew Dinner
Finally, to round out your perfect beef stew dinner, here are some simple dessert options to consider:
- Apple Crisp
- Chocolate Brownies
- Rice Pudding
- Pumpkin Pie
- Vanilla Ice Cream with a Drizzle of Honey
These simple desserts are easy to make and won’t detract from the comforting ambiance of your beef stew meal.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are endless options when it comes to pairing and serving beef stew. Whether you prefer to keep it classic or experiment with new flavors and ingredients, the possibilities are truly endless. We hope this guide has inspired you to try something new and take your next beef stew dinner to the next level.