What Herbs Go with Beef? (15 Best Herbs)

The most popular herbs used in beef dishes are rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. However, there are many other herbs that can be used to enhance the flavor of beef. Some other options include sage, dill, fennel, and parsley.

When it comes to beef, there are a variety of flavors that go well with it.

Whether you are grilling, roasting, or pan-frying beef, there are herbs that can enhance the flavor of your dish.

So, if you are looking what herbs go with beef, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 15 herbs that go well with beef including rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and more.

Read Also: What To Serve With Beef Stroganoff – 50 Best Side Dishes

What Herbs Go with Beef?

Some common herbs that go well with beef are rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. You can also experiment with other herbs to find a flavor combination that you like. If you are using fresh herbs, you will need to use more of them than if you were using dried herbs.

Still looking for ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

Here are 15 herbs that go with beef:

1. Rosemary

The flavor of rosemary is lemony-pine-like, and a little goes a long way.

I like to use it sparingly, no more than 1/2 teaspoon per pound of beef.

It’s especially good with grass-fed beef, which can be leaner and less flavorful than grain-fed.

I often pair rosemary with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil, as well as garlic.

These all have strong flavors that can stand up to the robust taste of beef.

I also think rosemary pairs well with mushrooms, onions, and olives.

If you’re using dried rosemary, remember that it is more potent than fresh, so start with less and add more to taste.

2. Thyme

Thyme dances between earthy and minty flavors, making it a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes.

When cooking with beef, I like to use thyme because it enhances the savory flavors of the meat.

A little goes a long way with thyme – I typically use about 1 teaspoon per pound of beef.

Thyme pairs well with other ingredients commonly used in beef dishes, such as onions, garlic, and carrots.

I also like to add a bit of thyme towards the end of cooking to ensure that its flavor is not overwhelmed by other ingredients.

3. Oregano

Oregano has a strong spicy taste with sweet undertones, making it a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes.

I like to use oregano with any beef dish because the strong flavor of the herb compliments the taste of the meat.

When using oregano, a little goes a long way – I typically use about 1 teaspoon per pound of beef.

In addition to beef, oregano also pairs well with other ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, onion, and potatoes.

4. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory, making it a versatile herb that can be used in many different types of dishes.

I like to use it with beef because the sweetness helps to offset the richness of the meat.

A little goes a long way with basil, so start with just a few leaves and add more to taste.

I also like to pair basil with other ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil.

Basil is a delicate herb, so it’s best to add it near the end of cooking so it doesn’t lose its flavor.

5. Sage

Sage is earthy and slightly peppery, making it a great herb to use with beef.

I like to use sage in dishes like beef stew (See Also: What Goes with Beef Stew?), pot roast, and even grilled steak.

A little sage goes a long way, so you only need to use a few leaves per dish.

I typically pair sage with other hearty herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Sage also pairs well with mushrooms, onions, and garlic – all common ingredients in beef dishes.

If you’re looking for a new herb to try in your next beef dish, give sage a shot – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

6. Dill

Dill has a deliciously fresh and citrus-like flavor that I love to use in beef dishes.

I find that a little goes a long way with this herb, so I typically only use about 1/2 teaspoon per pound of beef.

I really enjoy the flavor of dill and feel like it pairs well with other ingredients commonly used in beef dishes, such as onions, garlic, and tomato paste.

If you’re looking for a new herb to try in your next beef dish, I highly recommend giving dill a try – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy the flavor it adds to the dish!

7. Fennel

Fennel has a very mild anise or licorice taste to it and I love using it with beef.

I usually use about 1 teaspoon of fennel per pound of beef that I am cooking.

I really like the flavor that it adds to the beef without being too overwhelming.

It is also a very versatile herb so you can pair it with other herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles.

Some other herbs and spices that go well with fennel are rosemary, thyme, garlic, and paprika.

8. Parsley

Parsley has a clean and peppery flavor that I enjoy using in beef dishes.

I typically use about 1 tablespoon of parsley for every pound of beef that I am cooking.

I like to use parsley because it is a very versatile herb and goes well with a variety of other ingredients.

Parsley pairs well with other herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

It also pairs well with garlic, lemon, and vinegar.

9. Cilantro

Cilantro is said to have a fresh and citrusy flavor that can brighten up any dish.

I like to use cilantro in beef dishes because it helps to cut through the richness of the beef.

A little bit of cilantro goes a long way, so you don’t need to use too much of it.

I usually pair cilantro with other fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, as well as some diced onion or garlic.

10. Mint

Mint comes with a subtly sweet taste and cool sensation that can enhance the flavors of any beef dish.

I like to use mint in dishes with grilled or roasted beef, as well as in stews and soups.

A little goes a long way with mint, so start with just a small amount and add more to taste.

I also like to pair mint with other fresh herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme.

Mint is also a great compliment to savory ingredients like garlic, onion, and tomato.

11. Chives

Chives have an onion-y flavor that I love to use in beef dishes.

I find that a little goes a long way, so I usually only use about 1 teaspoon per pound of beef.

I like chives because they add a nice flavor without being too overwhelming.

They also pair well with other ingredients, such as garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

If you’re using fresh chives, you can snip them with scissors into small pieces.

If you’re using dried chives, simply crush them with your fingers before adding them to the dish.

12. Tarragon

Tarragon is a highly aromatic with a subtle licorice taste that I love to use in any beef dish.

See Also: 27 Easy Recipes with Chicken and Tarragon

I typically use about 1 teaspoon of tarragon per pound of beef.

I find that this herb pairs well with other ingredients such as garlic, onion, and black pepper.

When used in moderation, tarragon can really enhance the flavor of a dish without overpowering it.

I think that’s why I enjoy using it so much – it adds a nice depth of flavor without being too overwhelming.

13. Marjoram

Marjoram’s flavor is similar to oregano, but a bit more delicate and sweeter.

I like to use it with any beef dish because it really rounds out the flavors of the meat.

I typically use about 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram for every pound of beef, but you can adjust this to your own taste.

If you’re using fresh marjoram, then you’ll want to use about 3 times as much.

Marjoram goes great with other ingredients commonly used in beef dishes such as garlic, onion, tomato, and black pepper.

So if you’re making a beef stew or roast, then definitely consider adding some marjoram to the mix!

14. Lavender

Lavender is floral with hints of mint and rosemary, and I love using it in any beef dish for its unique flavor profile.

I typically use about 1 teaspoon of lavender per pound of beef, but you can adjust to taste.

Lavender pairs well with other herbs like thyme and rosemary, as well as garlic.

I like to add lavender towards the end of cooking so that its flavor is not too overwhelming.

15. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste.

They are best used sparingly, as too many can make a dish taste overly bitter.

I like to use them when cooking beef stew or braised beef dishes.

Bay leaves help to round out the flavors of the dish and add depth of flavor.

I typically add 1-2 bay leaves per pound of beef.

If you are using dried bay leaves, be sure to crush them before adding them to the dish so that they release their flavor more readily.

Fresh bay leaves can also be used, but they will need to be simmered in the dish for longer to release their flavor.

Pairing bay leaves with other ingredients is key to getting the most out of them.

I like to pair bay leaves with onions, carrots, garlic, and red wine.

FAQ

What Herbs Go with Beef Stew?

When cooking beef stew, there are a variety of herbs that you can use to add flavor. Some of the most popular options include thyme, rosemary, and oregano. You can also use more than one herb in your stew to create a more complex flavor profile. If you are unsure which herbs to use, a good rule of thumb is to pair the beef with herbs that you would also use when cooking a steak.

You can read more about what herbs go with beef stew here.

What Herbs Go with Beef Roast?

Since beef roast is a fairly hearty dish, it pairs well with robust herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. You can also add more subtle flavors with sage or parsley. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to the dish, try using basil or mint.

You can read more about what herbs go with beef roast right here.

What Herbs Go with Beef Burgers?

When serving beef burgers, some of the best herbs to pair with them are rosemary, thyme, and oregano. You can also add other spices like paprika or cumin to give the burgers a little extra flavor. If you want to keep it simple, though, just adding salt and pepper to the burgers before cooking will suffice.

You can read more about what herbs go with beef burgers here.

What Herbs Go with Beef Joint?

When making a beef joint, there are many different herbs that you can use to add flavor. Some of the most popular options include thyme, rosemary, and oregano. You can also use garlic, onion powder, and pepper to taste.

What Herbs Go with Beef Casserole?

Since beef casserole is a savory dish, you will want to use herbs that compliment that flavor. Some of the best options include rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. You can also add in other spices like garlic powder or onion powder to give the casserole an extra boost of flavor.

What Herbs Go with Beef Stroganoff?

Because beef stroganoff is such a rich and creamy dish, it pairs well with herbs that are light in flavor, such as parsley, chives, and tarragon. You could also use more robust herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, if you want to add a little bit more depth of flavor to the dish.

See Also: What Salad Goes with Beef Stroganoff? 15 Best Salads

What Herbs Go with Beef Meatballs?

As beef meatballs are a versatile dish, they can be paired with a variety of herbs. If you want to keep it classic, then rosemary and thyme are always a good choice. However, if you are looking to add a bit of spice, then oregano or basil would be great options.

What Herbs Go with Beef Gravy?

Beef gravy is best when made with fresh herbs. The most popular herbs to use in beef gravy are thyme, rosemary, and sage. However, you can also use other herbs like parsley, oregano, or even cilantro.

What Herbs Go with Beef Brisket?

The savory flavors of beef brisket pair well with a variety of herbs. Some classic options include rosemary, thyme, and sage. Other herbs that go well with beef brisket include oregano, basil, and parsley.