What To Serve With Beef Bourguignon? 15 Best Side Dishes

Beef bourguignon is a classic French dish of beef braised in red wine.

It’s incredibly flavorful and hearty, making it a great main course for gatherings or special occasions.

But, if you are planning to serve beef bourguignon for dinner, you may be wondering what to serve with it.

Beef bourguignon pairs well with a variety of side dishes; the right accompaniments can truly elevate your meal and make it an unforgettable experience.

The best accompaniments will complement and enhance the flavor of your beef bourguignon while adding interesting textures and flavors.

This article highlights 15 delicious sides that are perfect when served alongside beef bourguignon.

There’s something here to please everyone: creamy mashed potatoes; roasted veggies like carrots, squash, or mushrooms; rice dishes such as wild or jasmine rice pilafs; salads; bread dishes including rustic loaves and ciabatta rolls; and more!

Each recipe includes mouthwatering details about ingredients and preparation instructions along with a photo, so you can easily choose which side dish(es) to make for your next meal featuring beef Bourguignon!

Read Also: Beef Bourguignon Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Beef Bourguignon

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Beef Bourguignon?

Serving side dishes with beef bourguignon is a great way to round out the meal and make it more filling.

Here are three reasons why you should consider serving side dishes with this classic French dish:

• To add texture: Side dishes can provide an interesting contrast in texture to the tender, juicy beef bourguignon. For example, roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes will give a nice crunchy bite while creamy polenta or risotto will offer a smooth and silky accompaniment.
• To add flavor: Serving side dishes with beef bourguignon allows you to incorporate different flavors into the meal that may not be present in the stew itself. For instance, adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions can bring out earthy notes while roasted vegetables like carrots and parsnips can introduce sweetness into the mix.
• To increase portion size: Beef bourguignon is usually served as a main course but if you’re looking for something heartier, then adding some sides can help bulk up your plate without having to double up on meat servings. This also makes it easier to feed larger groups of people since there’s more food available overall!

What To Serve With Beef Bourguignon? 15 Best Side Dishes

Beef bourguignon is a hearty and flavorful meal, but it can be hard to know what side dishes to serve with it.

Here are fifteen sides that go perfectly with beef bourguignon, each adding its own unique flavor and texture:

1. Noodles

• Varieties: Noodles are a great accompaniment to beef bourguignon. There are many varieties of noodles that can be used, such as egg noodles, udon noodles, soba noodles, and ramen. Egg noodles have a mild flavor and work well with the rich flavors of the beef bourguignon. Udon noodles are thick and chewy and add texture to the dish. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and have an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the beef bourguignon. Ramen is a type of Japanese noodle that has become popular in recent years; it adds a unique flavor to the dish.
• Serving Ideas: Noodles can be served alongside or mixed into the beef bourguignon for added texture and flavor. If serving them separately, they can be boiled according to package instructions then tossed with butter or olive oil before being served on the side of the stew. For an even heartier meal, mix cooked egg noodles directly into your beef bourguignon before serving for an extra dose of comfort food goodness!

2. Rice

• Varieties: Rice is a great accompaniment to beef bourguignon, as it can help to soak up the rich sauce. There are many varieties of rice that work well with this dish, including long-grain white rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, and wild rice. For an extra flavor boost, try using brown or black forbidden rice.
• Serving Ideas: To serve with beef bourguignon, cook the desired variety of rice according to package instructions and season with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the stew in individual bowls or on one large platter for family-style dining. For added texture and flavor, top the cooked rice with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving. You can also add other ingredients like roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for a more complete meal.

3. Mashed Potatoes

• Varieties: Mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to beef bourguignon. There are many varieties of mashed potatoes, from traditional creamy mashed potatoes to more creative options like garlic mashed potatoes or roasted garlic and herb mashed potatoes. You can also try adding different ingredients such as cheese, bacon, chives, or sour cream for extra flavor.
• Serving Ideas: To serve with your beef bourguignon, you can top the mashed potatoes with some of the sauce from the stew and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. You can also add a dollop of butter on top for an extra rich flavor. If you want to make it even heartier, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a side salad.

4. Popovers

• Varieties: Popovers are a type of light, hollow roll made from an egg-based batter. They can be savory or sweet and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common popover is the classic Yorkshire pudding, which is usually served with roast beef. Other varieties include cheese popovers, bacon-cheddar popovers, and even chocolate chip popovers for dessert.
• Serving Ideas: Popovers are best served warm right out of the oven with butter or jam. They also make a great side dish to any meal, especially beef bourguignon. Try serving them alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table! For dessert, top your popover with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

5. Dinner Rolls

• Varieties: Dinner rolls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small round rolls to larger oblong ones. They can be made with white or whole wheat flour, and may include ingredients such as herbs, cheese, nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
• Serving Ideas: Dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to beef bourguignon. Serve them warm with butter for dipping into the rich sauce of the stew. For an extra special touch, try making your own dinner rolls at home using a favorite recipe. You can also serve dinner rolls alongside other side dishes such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

6. Green Salad

• Varieties: A green salad is the perfect accompaniment to beef bourguignon. There are many varieties of green salads that can be served with this dish, such as a classic Caesar salad, a spinach and arugula salad with goat cheese and walnuts, or a simple mixed greens salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Serving Ideas: To make the meal more interesting, you can add other ingredients to your green salad. Try adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or squash for an extra layer of flavor. You could also top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. For a sweet touch, try adding dried cranberries or fresh berries to the mix. Finally, don’t forget about dressing! A light vinaigrette will bring out all of the flavors in your beef bourguignon and green salad combination.

7. Green Beans

• Varieties: Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be served in many different ways. Popular varieties include French green beans, haricots verts, and wax beans. French green beans are the most common variety and have a mild flavor with a crisp texture. Haricots verts are thinner than regular green beans and have a more intense flavor. Wax beans are yellow-green in color and have a slightly sweet taste.
• Serving Ideas: Green beans make an excellent side dish for beef bourguignon as they pair well with the rich flavors of the stew. To prepare them, simply blanch or steam the green beans until they reach your desired level of tenderness. For added flavor, you can sauté them in butter or olive oil with garlic and herbs such as thyme or rosemary before serving them alongside your beef bourguignon. You can also add cooked bacon to give it an extra smoky flavor.

8. Mashed Cauliflower

• Varieties: Mashed cauliflower is a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served with beef bourguignon. It can be made in many different ways, depending on your preference. You can make it creamy by adding butter or cream cheese, or you can keep it light by using olive oil instead. You can also add herbs and spices to give the mashed cauliflower more flavor.
• Serving Ideas: Mashed cauliflower pairs well with beef bourguignon because of its mild flavor and creamy texture. Serve it as an accompaniment to the stew, or use it as a topping for the beef bourguignon itself. If you want to add some crunchy texture, try sprinkling some chopped nuts over the top before serving. For a healthier option, serve mashed cauliflower alongside roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

9. Polenta

• Varieties: Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal. It can be served as a creamy porridge, or cooled and cut into slices or shapes. The most common type of polenta is yellow, but there are also white and blue varieties available.
• Serving Ideas: Polenta makes an excellent side dish for beef bourguignon. It can be served hot as a creamy porridge, or cooled and cut into slices that can be fried in butter until golden brown. For added flavor, top the polenta with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Another great way to serve polenta is to spread it out on a baking sheet and bake it until crispy. This makes for an interesting texture contrast when paired with the rich flavors of beef bourguignon.

10. Roasted Red Potatoes

• Varieties: Roasted red potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with beef bourguignon. Red potatoes have a slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture, making them ideal for roasting. They can be cut into wedges or cubes and seasoned with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika before being roasted in the oven until golden brown.
• Serving Ideas: Roasted red potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to beef bourguignon. Serve them alongside steamed green beans or sautéed mushrooms for a complete meal. For added flavor, top the potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley before serving. You can also serve the roasted red potatoes as part of a larger spread by adding other sides such as mashed cauliflower or roasted Brussels sprouts.

11. Sauteed Garlic Broccolini

• Varieties: Sauteed garlic broccolini is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beef bourguignon. Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable, similar to broccoli but with smaller florets and longer stalks. It has a milder flavor than regular broccoli, making it an ideal accompaniment for the rich flavors of beef bourguignon.
• Serving Ideas: To make sautéed garlic broccolini, simply heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccolini and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Serve alongside your beef bourguignon for a complete meal!

12. Caprese Roasted Asparagus

• Varieties: Caprese roasted asparagus is a simple side dish that combines the classic flavors of caprese salad with roasted asparagus. It can be made with either fresh or frozen asparagus, and it’s easy to customize the recipe by adding different herbs or spices. The most common ingredients are olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
• Serving Ideas: Caprese roasted asparagus pairs well with beef bourguignon because it adds a light and refreshing flavor to the hearty stew. It also provides a nice contrast in texture since the asparagus is crisp and crunchy while the beef bourguignon is soft and tender. This side dish can also be served alongside other dishes such as grilled chicken or fish for an easy weeknight meal.

13. Tomato & Cucumber Salad

• Varieties: Tomato and cucumber salads are a classic accompaniment to beef bourguignon. There are many variations of this salad, including Greek-style with feta cheese, Italian-style with olives and capers, or French-style with shallots and herbs. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, radishes, or celery for more flavor and texture.
• Serving Ideas: Serve the tomato and cucumber salad alongside the beef bourguignon for a complete meal. The cool crunch of the salad will contrast nicely with the rich flavors of the stew. If you want to make it even heartier, try adding some cooked grains like quinoa or farro to your salad mix. For an extra touch of elegance, top each plate with a few slices of prosciutto crudo before serving.

14. Winter Kale Salad

• Varieties: Kale is a hearty winter green that can be used in a variety of salads. For beef bourguignon, try a simple kale salad with roasted butternut squash and pomegranate seeds for sweetness, toasted walnuts for crunch, and crumbled feta cheese for creaminess. You can also add some thinly sliced red onion or shallots for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serving Ideas: To serve the salad alongside your beef bourguignon, start by arranging the kale on a large platter or individual plates. Top with the roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together as it sits in the refrigerator overnight so you can make it ahead of time if desired!

15. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Varieties: Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with beef bourguignon. There are many varieties of cheesy scalloped potatoes, from the traditional French version made with Gruyere cheese to American versions made with cheddar or Monterey Jack. The potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, boiling, and roasting.
• Serving Ideas: Cheesy scalloped potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to beef bourguignon. Serve them as is or top them with crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture. For a lighter option, try serving roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots alongside the potatoes. If you’re looking for something more substantial, serve the cheesy scalloped potatoes with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.