What Goes Good With Beef Stew

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for a chilly day or a cozy dinner at home. But what to serve with this hearty dish? Here are some delicious ideas to complement your beef stew.

10 Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Beef Stew

Let’s start with some classic side dishes that go well with beef stew:

Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and pair well with the rich flavors of beef stew.
Bread rolls: Soft and warm bread rolls can be used to soak up any leftover stew sauce.
Rice: A serving of rice is a great option to make your stew go further, especially when feeding a crowd.
Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread adds a different texture and flavor to your meal, making it a perfect pairing choice.
Green Salad: A green salad with a light dressing can help balance out the richness of a beef stew.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can add some freshness to your meal, and its acidity helps cut through the richness of the stew.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes can be a great way to add some nutrition and texture to your meal.
Garlic Bread: Infused with fragrant garlic, this crispy bread is perfect for dipping into your stew and adds a tasty twist to the classic bread roll.
Roasted root vegetables: Hearty vegetables like beets, squash, and turnips are great roasted and offer a bit of sweetness and earthiness to complement the flavors of beef.
Steamed Vegetables: Tender steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans can be a simple and nutritious side to serve with beef stew.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try these side dishes:

Polenta: Creamy and hearty, polenta is a great alternative to mashed potatoes and pairs well with the rich flavors of beef stew.
Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to your meal.
Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing quinoa salad with fresh herbs and a citrus dressing can be a great way to balance out the heaviness of beef stew.
Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash soup can be a comforting and flavorful addition to your meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers can add a smoky flavor and charred texture to your meal.

The Perfect Bread Pairings for Beef Stew: A Guide

Bread is a classic pairing with stew, but what type of bread is best? Here are some of our favorite bread pairings:

Sourdough: A sourdough loaf is a classic pairing with beef stew, with its tangy and chewy crumb that holds up to the richness of the stew.
Baguette: A good quality baguette, with its crusty exterior and fluffy interior, is perfect for soaking up the savory juices from the stew.
Ciabatta: This Italian bread is crispy on the outside, soft in the inside, and has large air pockets that are excellent for spreading with butter and dipping into stew.
Focaccia: With its rosemary and olive oil seasoning, focaccia adds a delicious herby flavor that complements beef stew perfectly.

How to Choose the Right Wine to Serve with Beef Stew

Wine is another classic pairing with stew, especially red wine. Here are some wine tips for choosing the right wine to go with your beef stew:

Red Wines: Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah can stand up to the bold flavors of beef stew.
White Wines: If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay or an oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc can complement the richness of beef stew nicely.
Rosé: A dry rosé wine can be an excellent option for an in-between choice, with enough body to balance out the beef stew’s richness and a subtle fruity flavor that enhances the flavors of the dish.

When choosing a wine to serve with beef stew, it’s important to consider the cooking method used for the stew. If the beef stew is slow-cooked with red wine, it’s best to serve it with the same type of wine. This will enhance the flavors of the dish and create a harmonious pairing.

Another factor to consider is the seasonings used in the beef stew. If the stew has a lot of herbs and spices, it’s best to choose a wine that can stand up to those bold flavors. A full-bodied red wine like a Zinfandel or a Shiraz can be a great choice in this case.

Spicing Up Your Beef Stew: Creative Additions and Seasonings

Getting creative with your beef stew’s flavors can add new layers to the dish. Here are some creative additions and seasonings you can try:

Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can add an earthy flavor to the stew.
Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, or paprika can infuse your beef stew with exotic and fragrant flavors.
Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar can add acidity to the stew and enhance the beef’s richness.
Mustard: A dollop of mustard can transform the stew’s flavors with its tangy and slightly sweet taste.
Beer: For a unique twist, try adding some beer to your beef stew instead of wine or broth. Beer can add a malty and hoppy flavor that complements the beef’s taste nicely.

Another creative addition to your beef stew is adding root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or turnips. These vegetables not only add a sweet and earthy flavor to the stew but also provide additional nutrients and texture. You can also try adding some chopped tomatoes or tomato paste to give your beef stew a slightly tangy and sweet taste. Experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings can help you create a unique and flavorful beef stew that your family and friends will love.

Vegetarian Options: What to Serve with Meatless Beef Stew

Vegetarian beef stews are gaining popularity, and if you’re serving one, here are some vegetarian-friendly options to pair with your meatless stew:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes are delicious and add some extra nutrients to your meal.
Buttered Noodles: Simple buttery noodles can provide a comforting and warming dish that complements the meatless beef stew’s flavors.
Garlic Bread: Garlic bread can add some extra flavor, and the bread’s crust can be perfect for stirring the stew.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber and are a great addition to meatless beef stew.

The Best Vegetables to Add to Your Beef Stew for Extra Flavor and Nutrition

Beef stews are a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal. Here are some of our favorite vegetables to add to your beef stew:

Carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness and texture to your stew.
Celery: This versatile vegetable adds a fresh and slightly bitter flavor that balances out the richness of the stew.
Potatoes: Potatoes are classic in a beef stew and help to thicken the dish while adding extra starchy carbs.
Onions: Onions add a savory flavor and help to build a rich base for the beef stew.
Green Beans: Green beans bring some crunch and a fresh, grassy flavor to beef stews.

But why stop at just these vegetables? There are plenty of other options to add to your beef stew for even more flavor and nutrition. Consider adding some parsnips for a slightly sweet and nutty taste, or turnips for a slightly bitter and earthy flavor. Both of these root vegetables are also high in fiber and vitamin C.

If you’re looking to add some leafy greens to your beef stew, try adding some kale or spinach. These greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, and their slightly bitter taste pairs well with the richness of the beef stew. Just be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process so they don’t overcook and become mushy.

Comforting Desserts to End Your Beef Stew Meal on a Sweet Note

A comforting bowl of beef stew is best finished with a sweet dessert. Here are some of our favorite desserts that perfectly complement beef stews:

Apple Cobbler: Apples complement the savory flavors of beef, and a warm cobbler can be a delightful and cozy dessert.
Pumpkin Pie: A slice of spicy pumpkin pie with whipped cream is a classic autumn dessert that goes well with beef stews.
Bread Pudding: A warm and creamy bread pudding can be an excellent comfort food to end your meal.
Chocolate Cake: A rich slice of chocolate cake can balance out the warm and savory flavors of your beef stew.

Pairing Beer with Beef Stew: A Match Made in Heaven

For beer lovers, pairing beef stew with a cold beer can be a comforting and delicious way to enjoy a cold winter evening. Here are some beer options to pair with your stew:

Stout: A dark and roasty stout can complement beef stews with its coffee and chocolate flavors.
Porter: A porter’s smooth and malty flavor blends well with the bold flavors of beef and can be an excellent choice for a cozy night in.
Brown Ale: A nutty and caramel brown ale can balance out the bold flavors of beef stew and be an excellent companion on a cold evening.
IPA: For an added hoppy kick, try pairing your beef stew with a hoppy and bitter IPA.

Gluten-Free Options: Ideas for Accompanying Your Beef Stew Without Wheat

For those following a gluten-free diet, here are some excellent gluten-free options to serve with your beef stew:

Quinoa: Nutritious and gluten-free, quinoa is a great option to serve with beef stew instead of bread or noodles.
Polenta: Creamy and comforting, polenta is a versatile gluten-free carb that pairs well with beef stews.
Rice: White or brown rice is a classic side dish for beef stews and a gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like squash, beets, or turnips can add earthiness and texture to your meal without any gluten.

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Side Dishes for Your Beef Stew Meal

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, here are some great side dishes that pair well with beef stew:

Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb and keto-friendly option that mimics rice, providing a great texture and structure to your meal.
Cauliflower Mash: Creamy and delicious, cauliflower mash is a low-carb replacement for mashed potatoes.
Sautéed Greens: Sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can provide some extra nutrition to your meal while keeping it low-carb.
Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta and pair well with beef stews.

Quick and Easy Sides: Solutions for Busy Weeknight Dinners with Beef Stew

For those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to whip up an elaborate side dish, here are some quick and easy solutions:

Canned Beans: Ready-to-go canned beans can be a quick and easy side dish that provides additional protein and fiber to your meal.
Microwaveable Rice: Microwaveable pouches of rice can be a time-saving and convenient way to serve your beef stew on busy weeknights.
Bagged Salad: Pre-washed and pre-cut salad bags are an excellent option for those nights when you don’t feel like chopping vegetables.
Canned Vegetables: Canned vegetables like green beans or peas can be quickly heated up on the stove and ready to serve as a side dish in minutes.

There you have it, a comprehensive guide to what goes well with beef stew. Whether you’re looking for classic pairings or trying to mix things up, there are plenty of easy and creative options to choose from. So grab a bowl of rich and heartwarming beef stew and enjoy it with your favorite sides or drinks.